A fair question.
Especially if it’s your first heat transfer project – or if you’re working with a technical or coated fabric – one question usually comes up quickly:
Will the logo hold up after washing – or will it start to peel?
Let’s start with the good news: If you’re printing on t-shirts, jerseys, hoodies or training wear, you don’t need to worry. Heat transfers have proven to be reliable, durable – and are made exactly for that.
But what about...
- Coated rain jackets?
- Softshells or workwear with a DWR finish?
- Fabrics with technical treatments?
Then it’s worth taking a closer look.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
✔ Why heat transfers are generally designed for long-term durability
✔ What makes certain fabrics more demanding
✔ And how a simple (free!) test can give you full confidence before production
Heat Transfers: Built to Last
The basic principle behind heat transfers is simple: A logo is applied using a professional heat press – at precisely defined time, temperature and pressure. The adhesive systems are selected to match the fabric and ensure a strong, lasting bond.
⚠️ Important: Every heat transfer technique has its own specific application parameters. If those aren’t followed precisely, it can affect the bonding – and this is actually one of the most common causes of failure in practice.
That’s why we always deliver our transfers with the exact application settings. So no matter the project, you’ll get reliable results.
And in most cases, everything goes exactly as planned.
Especially with standard textiles like cotton shirts, polyester jerseys, hoodies or training gear, the process is well-tested – even for advanced designs like 3D transfers, reflective logos or combinations.
Bottom line? The technology works. And most projects run smoothly.
So Why Do Problems Still Happen?
Even though heat transfers are known for reliability, there are a few cases – and they usually have more to do with the textile than the heat transfer itself:
- Coated or water-repellent fabrics: Jackets, rainwear and performance gear with DWR coatings (Durable Water Repellent) are designed to keep everything out – including adhesives.
- Special treatments: Silicone softeners, anti-iron coatings or water-repellent finishes can interfere with bonding.
- Industrial laundry: If your garments are meant to go through industrial washing processes, this also requires a special type of heat transfer – standard versions won’t do the job in the long run.
The good news: We offer special heat transfer techniques for exactly these cases – designed to meet the needs of coated or technical fabrics.
👉 Which means: The more demanding the textile, the more important it is to test. Not because the technique is unreliable – but because it’s smart to double-check before you go into production.
Our Solution: Free In-House Testing
To avoid surprises, we offer a free testing service for your materials:
- You send us your original fabric or a final sample
- We test a selection of heat transfer techniques
- Our in-house lab performs application and wash tests
- You receive a clear recommendation on what works best
Why free? Because your peace of mind is worth it – and we want you to feel confident before placing your order.
Want to know more about how we test?
Take a look at our deep dive into quality control and durability – including wash tests, oven testing, and long-term simulation.
No Textiles Yet? No Problem.
If you're still in the early phase, you can request THE BOX – our free sample kit with a curated selection of popular heat transfer types. It helps you (and your team) get a feel for texture, finish, colour, and quality – the perfect first step in any project.
And if You're on a Tight Schedule?
It’s still worth doing a test. Even under tight deadlines, we can often complete a test within a few days. Together, we’ll determine the right technique and help you move forward with production quickly and safely.
A small extra step – that can save you time, stress and cost later on.
Final Thoughts: Concerns Are Normal – But We’ve Got You Covered.
If you’re unsure whether your logo will hold – you’re not alone. And you don’t have to make the decision alone either. We’re here to help – with experience, guidance, and a free test.
What’s Next?
✔ Got a textile sample? Let’s test it.
✔ Want to compare techniques? Order THE BOX.
✔ Just getting started? Let’s talk.
