Heat transfers allow skateboarders and skateboard retailers to design custom skateboards with a limitless number of colors. Since the equipment required for the heat transfer process is expensive, individuals and retailers typically design their own prints and outsource the printing to professional skateboard print services. To make heat transfer prints, create an image using graphic design software and send the image to a printing service.
Create a blank document in the graphic design program using the guidelines provided by the printing service. The guidelines might include a preferred resolution defined in dots per inch (DPI), the document size and the preferred color profile, such as RGB or CMYK. Alternatively, the printer might provide you with a template to use.
Draw or paste images into the blank document using the graphic design program's tools.
Add text to the design, if necessary, using a text tool.
Save the design in the printing service's preferred file format when you're done. Preferred formats might include PSD, AI, JPEG, PNG or TIFF files.
Send the design to the printer.
Warnings:
- Using copyrighted images or trademarks in a design is illegal and might prevent your design from being printed. Increasing the size of an image might result in pixelation.