• Iron-on transfer paper is the ideal choice for people who want to make custom amateur shirts, such as for a family reunion or to give away to friends as gifts. The two main types of iron-on transfer paper are those for standard white or light-colored shirts and those for black and dark shirts. There is also a special, updated variety of transfer paper that is easier to peel when you finish ironing the shirt.
  
  

Hot Peel (Used for White Shirts)

• The most common type of iron-on transfer paper is the hot peel variety. This paper is best for white or light-colored shirts because you iron the images directly onto the shirt. The images will show up best on light-colored shirts. You have to reverse the image (called "mirroring") on your computer first and then print it on the paper. Finally, you must apply the hot iron to the backing of the paper directly to perform the transfer.
  
  

Cold Peel (Common for Dark-Colored Shirts)

• Dark-colored iron-on transfer paper was developed to address the needs of consumers who prefer to create custom designs on shirts of darker hues, particularly black. This paper commonly comes as a cold peel variety. The vivid image prints on the front of the transfer paper, so no mirroring is necessary. You must then cut away the white edges and remove an adhesive backing from the paper (thus the cold peel). After you apply the adhesive side to the shirt, you must cover the paper with a special sheet of paper and iron the image for a few seconds to secure it more firmly to the shirt.
  
  

Puff Transfers

• With a puff transfer, the iron-on transfer paper contains 3-D printed images that come up from the page. The application process is similar to the hot peel method, only the ironing time is cut in half and the process of peeling the paper is more delicate. Keep in mind that the puff transfer paper is not commonly available to the general public. The printing and transfer process is best done by a professional.
  
  

Foil Transfers

• A foil iron-on transfer will leave a shiny foil-like image on the shirt. You must place the paper foil-side up, cover it with a silicone paper and iron it on (preferably with a press machine) for about 10 seconds. Again, this type of transfer paper and process is best reserved for a professional.