TRANSFER PAPER AND STAMPING METHOD COMBINING SCREEN PRINTING AND DIGITAL PRINTING

Abstract

The present invention refers to a coated transfer paper for receiving digital printing inks, maintaining high tonal fidelity, the paper being treated to transfer the image when it contacts a receiving base, preventing transfer to surfaces that do not have the receiving base. In addition, the invention relates to a printing method that combines the techniques of screen printing and digital printing, using the transfer paper.

Claims

1. Transfer paper characterized by comprising a base formed by a bond-, kraft- or glassine-type cellulose sheet; a coating layer containing 0-30% wt. water soluble polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol or cellulose ethers; 0-10% wt. suspended solids for drying the ink, such as, fine granule minerals with size comprised between 0.7 and 10 microns; 8-30% wt. base resin or polymer compatible with transfer base material, such as, thermoplastic polymers; 2-10% wt. binding polymer, such as, acrylate esters latex, methacrylate, or both; 0-8% release agents, such as, vaselines, mineral oils or polyethylene oxides; 0-4% wt. emulsifiers, such as, anionic surfactants; 0-2% wt. pH stabilizer; 0-1% wt. preservatives.

2. The transfer paper of claim 1, characterized in that the water soluble polymers of the coating are selected from the group consisting of totally or partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol or cellulose ethers, such as EHEC (ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose) and MEHEC (methyl ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose), carboxymethyl cellulose, starch or polyvinyl pyrrolidone.

3. The transfer paper of claim 1, characterized in that the suspended solids of the coating are selected from the group consisting of carbonates, calcinated kaolin, fumed silica and fumed alumina.

4. The transfer paper of claim 1, characterized in that the compatible base resin or polymer of the coating is selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polymers, such as, hard acrylic polymers or Core Shell technology polymers or vinyl polymers such as vinyl polychloride, polyamides or polyurethanes.

5. The transfer paper of claim 1, characterized in that the binding polymer of the coating is selected from the group consisting of acrylate esters latex, methacrylate, or both, the ester portion of these monomers may be groups C1-C6 alkyl, such as groups methyl, ethyl and butyl, ethylene vinyl resins.

6. The transfer paper of claim 1, characterized in that the vaselines, mineral oils or polyethylene oxides of the release agent are present in emulsified liquid state, with a polymerization degree between 200 and 400.

7. The transfer paper of claim 1, characterized in that the emulsifiers of the coating are selected from the group consisting of linear or branched chain sodium alkyl benzene sulfonates, linear and branched chain sulfate alkyl, and linear and branched chain sulfate ethoxy alkyl, polyethoxylated alkyl, polyethoxylated alcohols, fatty acid ethanol amides, sorbitan esters (Span), emulsifiers (water/oil) combined with ethoxylated sorbitan esters (Tween), contribute to the general stability of oil/water emulsions.

8. The transfer paper of claim 1, characterized in that the stabilizer of the coating is 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol at 95% wt.

9. The transfer paper of claim 1, characterized in that the preservatives of the coating are selected from the group consisting of derivatives of chloromethylisothiazolinone.

10. The transfer paper of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the bond- or kraft-type cellulose sheets have weights ranging from 40 and 150 g/m.sup.2, and the glassine sheets have a weight ranging from 50 to 90 g/m.sup.2.

11. The transfer paper of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that paper coating layer is found in a range from 5 and 40% wt., on the basis of dry weight of the paper.

12. The transfer papel of claims 1 to 11, characterized by comprising: a bond paper sheet of 80 g/m.sup.2 applying wet coating in a range from 40 to 50 grams per square meter, wherein said coating comprises, 15% wt. pvc resin K-74; 3% wt. ethoxylated lauryl alcohol; 2% wt. polyethylene glycol between 200-400 moles; 1% wt. fumed silica; 5% wt. water solution at 10% in medium viscosity polyvinyl alcohol; 0.2% wt. 2-methyl-4-thiazoline-3-ketone; 5-chloro-methyl-4-thiazoline-3-ketone; 0.5% wt. 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol at 95%; 5% wt. acrylic resin in emulsion; water to complete 100%, wherein said components are homogeneously mixed together to obtain a paste which is applied on the paper in the proportion indicated.

13. The transfer paper of claims 1 to 11, characterized by comprising: a kraft paper sheet of 60 g/m.sup.2 applying wet coating in a range from 40 to 50 grams per square meter, wherein said coating comprises 15% wt. solid acrylic resin; 3% wt. ethoxylated lauryl alcohol; 2% wt. polyethylene glycol between 200-400 moles; 1% wt. fumed silica; 5% wt. water solution at 10% in medium viscosity polyvinyl alcohol; 0.2% wt. 2-methyl-4-thiazoline-3-ketone; 5-chloro-methyl-4-thiazoline-3-ketone; 0.5% wt. 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol at 95%; 5% wt. acrylic resin in emulsion; water to complete 100%, wherein said components are homogeneously mixed together to obtain a paste which is applied on the paper in the proportion indicated.

14. Printing method combining screen printing and digital printing, characterized by comprising the following steps: a. Printing a shape or drawing on a substrate, applying the silkscreen technique, providing between one and three layers of Receiving Base Ink (RBI). b. Pre-drying the printing of step a) at a temperature from 80 to 120° C., for a period between 5 and 20 seconds. c. Printing with Special Digital Ink (SDI) on the transfer paper, a selected design, applying the digital printing method, through a piezoelectric head digital printer. d. After printed, drying the transfer paper at a temperature from 23 to 55° C., between 10 and 60 seconds. e. Directly contacting the printed image in transfer paper, on the printed area with Receiving Base Ink in the substrate, in a matching manner. f. Pressing from 30 to 90 lb/square inch, at a temperature from 150 to 210° C. for a period between 15 and 60 seconds. g. Removing the transfer paper from the substrate.

15. The printing method combining screen printing and digital printing of claim 14, characterized in that the substrate is textile.

16. The printing method combining screen printing and digital printing of claim 15, characterized in that the textile substrate is cotton, polyester, nylon, mixtures thereof or other textile fibers, in dark or light colors.

17. The printing method combining screen printing and digital printing of claim 14, characterized in that the pressing of step f) is performed in a thermal press or a calendar-type heat press.

18. The printing method combining screen printing and digital printing of claim 14, characterized in that the step g) of removing the transfer paper is performed in cold or hot.

19. The printing method combining screen printing and digital printing of claim 14, characterized in that the Receiving Base Ink (RBI) can be of different effects and finishes, such as: white for receiving flat colors, thermochromic, photochromic, fluorescent, metallized, or with textured effects or it may feature fragrances which broaden and enrich the variety of finishes.

20. The printing method combining screen printing and digital printing of claim 14, characterized in that the transfer paper used comprises a base formed by a bond-, kraft- or glassine-type cellulose sheet; a coating layer containing 0-30% wt. water soluble polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol or cellulose ethers; 0-10% wt. suspended solids for drying the ink, such as, fine granule minerals with size comprised between 0.7 and 10 microns; 8-30% wt. base resin or polymer compatible with transfer base material, such as, thermoplastic polymers; 2-10% wt. binding polymer, such as, acrylate esters latex, methacrylate, or both; 0-8% release agents, such as, vaselines, mineral oils or polyethylene oxides; 0-4% wt. emulsifiers, such as, anionic surfactants; 0-2% wt. pH stabilizer; 0-1% wt. preservatives; wherein the water soluble polymers of the coating are selected from the group consisting of totally or partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol or cellulose ethers, such as EHEC (ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose) and MEHEC (methyl ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose), carboxymethyl cellulose, starch or polyvinyl pyrrolidone; wherein the suspended solids of the coating are selected from the group consisting of carbonates, calcinated kaolin, fumed silica and fumed alumina; wherein the compatible base resin or polymer of the coating is selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polymers, such as, hard acrylic polymers or Core Shell technology polymers or vinyl polymers such as vinyl polychloride, polyamides or polyurethanes; wherein the binding polymer of the coating is selected from the group consisting of acrylate esters latex, methacrylate, or both, the ester portion of these monomers may be groups C1-C6 alkyl, such as groups methyl, ethyl and butyl, ethylene vinyl resins; wherein the vaselines, mineral oils or polyethylene oxides of the release agent are present in emulsified liquid state, with a polymerization degree between 200 and 400; wherein the emulsifiers of the coating are selected from the group consisting of linear or branched chain sodium alkyl benzene sulfonates, linear and branched chain sulfate alkyl, and linear and branched chain sulfate ethoxy alkyl, polyethoxylated alkyl, polyethoxylated alcohols, fatty acid ethanol amides, sorbitan esters (Span), emulsifiers (water/oil) combined with ethoxylated sorbitan esters (Tween), contribute to the general stability of oil/water emulsions; wherein the stabilizer of the coating is 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol at 95%; wherein the preservatives of the coating are selected from the group consisting of derivatives of chloromethylisothiazolinone; wherein the dry coating layer of the paper can be found in a range from 5 to 40% wt., of the total weight of the transfer paper, and the bond- or kraft-type cellulose sheets have weights ranging from 40 and 150 g/m.sup.2, and the glassine sheets have a weight ranging from 50 to 90 g/m.sup.2.

21. Method for digital transfer printing on a thermoplastic substrate, characterized by comprising the following steps: a. Printing with Special Digital Ink (SDI) on the transfer paper, applying the digital printing technique, through a piezoelectric head digital printer. b. Drying the transfer paper at a temperature from 23 to 55° C., for a period between 10 and 60 seconds. c. Directly contacting the printed image in transfer paper, on a thermoplastic substrate, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), HDPE (high density polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), LDPE (low density polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) and PS (polystyrene), in the area where the image is to be placed. d. Pressing from 30 to 90 lb/in.sup.2, at a temperature from 150 to 210° C. for a period between 15 and 60 seconds, using a thermal press. e. Removing the transfer paper from the substrate

22. The transfer method of claim 21, characterized in that the step e) of removing the transfer paper is performed in cold or hot.

23. The transfer method of claim 21, characterized in that the transfer paper comprises a base formed by a bond-, kraft- or glassine-type cellulose sheet; a coating layer containing 0-30% wt. water soluble polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol or cellulose ethers; 0-10% wt. suspended solids for drying the ink, such as, fine granule minerals with size comprised between 0.7 and 10 microns; 8-30% wt. base resin or polymer compatible with transfer base material, such as, thermoplastic polymers; 2-10% wt. binding polymer, such as, acrylate esters latex, methacrylate, or both; 0-8% release agents, such as, vaselines, mineral oils or polyethylene oxides; 0-4% wt. emulsifiers, such as, anionic surfactants; 0-2% wt. pH stabilizer; 0-1% wt. preservatives; wherein the water soluble polymers of the coating are selected from the group consisting of totally or partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol or cellulose ethers, such as EHEC (ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose) and MEHEC (methyl ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose), carboxymethyl cellulose, starch or polyvinyl pyrrolidone; wherein the suspended solids of the coating are selected from the group consisting of carbonates, calcinated kaolin, fumed silica and fumed alumina; wherein the compatible base resin or polymer of the coating is selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polymers, such as, hard acrylic polymers or Core Shell technology polymers or vinyl polymers such as vinyl polychloride, polyamides or polyurethanes; wherein the binding polymer of the coating is selected from the group consisting of acrylate esters latex, methacrylate, or both, the ester portion of these monomers may be groups C1-C6 alkyl, such as groups methyl, ethyl and butyl, ethylene vinyl resins; wherein the vaselines, mineral oils or polyethylene oxides of the release agent are present in emulsified liquid state, with a polymerization degree between 200 and 400; wherein the emulsifiers of the coating are selected from the group consisting of linear or branched chain sodium alkyl benzene sulfonates, linear and branched chain sulfate alkyl, and linear and branched chain sulfate ethoxy alkyl, polyethoxylated alkyl, polyethoxylated alcohols, fatty acid ethanol amides, sorbitan esters (Span), emulsifiers (water/oil) combined with ethoxylated sorbitan esters (Tween), contribute to the general stability of oil/water emulsions; wherein the stabilizer of the coating is 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol at 95%; wherein the preservatives of the coating are selected from the group consisting of derivatives of chloromethylisothiazolinone; wherein the dry coating layer of the paper can be found in a range from 5 to 40% wt., of the total weight of the transfer paper, and the bond- or kraft-type cellulose sheets have weights ranging from 45 to 150 g/m.sup.2, and the glassine sheets have a weight ranging from 50 to 90 g/m.sup.2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a transfer paper which acts as a medium allowing to receive the digital printing keeping the high fidelity in tone and further allows transfer the digital image by contacting the Receiving Base Ink. In areas of the substrate where there is no Receiving Base Ink, will not be transferred the image from the paper to the substrate, the latter being a big advantage since it avoids the substrate contamination in undesired areas and increases the productivity of transfer. In addition, it relates to a novel printing method which uses such a paper.

[0023] The Special Transfer Paper has a specific coating and according to each type of Receiving Base applied. The function of the paper is to receive the digital printing and to be able to deposit thereon the Receiving Base Ink of the substrate generating a pigment encapsulation at the time of the transfer, with which the high fastness of this technique is achieved, which cannot be achieved with the direct mediums of digital printing with pigments.

[0024] Due to the elements forming the paper, it is also evidenced a high affinity and applicability of transfer to different thermoplastic polymers materials such as: [0025] PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) [0026] HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) [0027] PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) [0028] LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) [0029] PP (Polypropylene) [0030] PS (Polystyrene)

[0031] Wherein the application thereon will depend on the techniques employed to melt the materials, in order to achieve high-quality printings, as mentioned above.

[0032] Below, each of the elements forming the above-mentioned transfer paper are mentioned.

[0033] Paper Base

[0034] The base is a bond- or kraft-type paper cellulose sheet with weight ranging from 40 to 150 grams per square meter. For special cases where a greater transparency is required for a better record of the paper on the silkscreen base (RBI) and in case the low weight kraft type paper does not provide the needed transparency, a glassine-type paper can be used which has a weight between 50 and 90 grams per square meter.

[0035] The coating of the transfer paper generally may achieve an interval from 5 to 40 percent weight, on the total weight of the base paper.

[0036] The coating consists of the following elements:

TABLE-US-00001 Water soluble polymers: 0-30% Suspended solids: 0-10% Base resin or polymer compatible with the transfer base material 8-30% Binding polymer 2-10% Release agents 0-8% Emulsifiers 0-4% pH stabilizers 0-2% Preservatives 0-1% Water to complete 100%

[0037] Water Soluble Polymers

[0038] These can be non-ionic or ionic, type polyvinyl alcohol or cellulose ethers, for the case of polyvinyl alcohol these can be used totally or partially hydrolyzed the latter being the most used and its molecular weight may vary seeking to generate different viscosities. The cellulose polymers can be non-ionic cellulose ethers, based on wood pulp or cotton layer. There are two main types of cellulose ethers, EHEC (ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose) and MEHEC (methyl ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose). The same with the ionic ones such as carboxymethyl cellulose CMC, which can be presented in the form of powders with different particle size. Other soluble polymers may be starch, polyvinyl pyrrolidone. These act as thickeners, stabilizing agents for suspensions, water retention agents, dispersing agents, binding agents, colloid protector.

[0039] Suspended Solids

[0040] These have several roles among the formulation, one of which is to increase the solids in the coating but its main function is to generate a high porosity which allows the proper drying of the ink when high quality designs are required in digital printing which exceed an ink dosing of 4 ml per square meter, for this, fine granulometry minerals can be used, with sized comprised between 0.7 microns (um) and 10 um, such as carbonates, calcinated kaolin, fumed silica and fumed alumina, the latter being the most suitable since they impart transparency to the application and thus, they not only control the definition but also the sharpness of tones.

[0041] Base Resin or Polymer Compatible with the Transfer Base Material

[0042] These have the ability to melt with the receiving base ink (RBI) or with other materials which are compatible therewith, it is a free tack polymer at high temperature to avoid the adherence to substrate in undesired areas. For the case, polymers with a glass transition temperature greater than 35° C. are used, and it can be a hard acrylic polymer or polymers with Core Shell technology or vinyl polymers such as vinyl polychloride. In general, thermoplastic polymers. Other polymers being used could be polyamides or polyurethanes with particle size distribution suitable for application.

[0043] Binding Polymer

[0044] The binder may be an acrylate or methacrylate esters latex, or both. The ester portion of these monomers could be groups C1-C6 alkyl, such as, for instance, groups methyl, ethyl and butyl. The methyl esters typically impart “hard” properties, while other esters typically impart “soft” properties. The terms “hard” and “soft” are used in a qualitative manner to refer to the hardness at room temperature and the flexibility at low temperature, respectively, and ethyl vinyl resins can also be used since these are suitable due to its softness and its compatibility with other elements of the composition described herein, the solids of these resins usually vary from 40% to 60%.

[0045] Release Agents

[0046] To improve the release conditions and to be able to perform it both in cold and hot conditions, substances providing this function in the composition are required, whereby vaselines, mineral oils or polyethylene oxides with a polymerization degree between 200 and 400 where used. These products be being insoluble in aqueous systems must be brought to liquid for the case of vaselines and then they must be emulsified to make them stable and to be able to incorporate in the system to generate a water-based composition being creamy and lightly fluid.

[0047] Emulsifiers

[0048] An anionic surfactant may be used, if desired. Examples of anionic surfactants include, among others, linear and branched chain sodium alkyl benzene sulfonates, linear and branched chain alkyl sulfates, and linear and branched chain alkyl ethoxy sulfates. Examples of non-ionic surfactants include, again by way of illustration only, alkyl polyethoxylates, alcohol polyethoxylated, fatty acid ethanol amides. Also, sorbitan esters (Span) feature good performance, as emulsifiers W/O in combination with ethoxylated sorbitan esters (Tween) contribute to the general stability of emulsions O/W. The manipulation of the Span/Tween ratio produces emulsifying systems of several HLB values, allowing the emulsification of the release agents of embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] pH Stabilizer

[0050] 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol at 95% is a very efficient amino alcohol to neutralize and regulate the pH of formulations. It provides improved brightness and does not impact the coating resistance to washing cycles, also other amines can be used such as triethanolamine being used mainly as emulsifier and surfactant. It adjusts and buffers the pH and improves the stability of emulsions.

[0051] Preservatives

[0052] Preservatives derived from chloromethylisothiazolinone with a wide range of activity can be used for: bacteria control (gram negative and gram positive) and fungi, such as yeasts and molds, with no formaldehyde, authorized by FDA in adhesives and paper coatings, low toxicity, is microbicide non-toxic in the recommended use levels in its final formulation, compatible: with surfactants and emulsifiers regardless of its ionic nature.

[0053] The transfer paper comprises a base formed by a bond-, kraft- or glassine-type cellulose sheet; a coating layer containing 0-30% wt. water soluble polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol or cellulose ethers; 0-10% wt. of suspended solids for drying the ink, such as, fine granule minerals with size comprised between 0.7 and 10 microns; 8-30% wt. of base resin or polymer compatible with transfer base material, such as, thermoplastic polymers; 2-10 wt % of binder polymer, such as, acrylate ester latex, methacrylate, or both; 0-8 wt % of release agents, such as, petroleum jelly, mineral oil or polyethylene oxides; 0-4 wt % of emulsifiers, such as, anionic surfactants; 0-2 wt % of PH stabilizer; 0-1 wt % of preservatives.

[0054] Wherein the water soluble polymers of the coating are selected from the group consisting of totally or partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol or cellulose ethers, such as EHEC (ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose) and MEHEC (methyl ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose), carboxymethyl cellulose, starch or polyvinyl pyrrolidone; wherein the suspended solids of the coating are selected from the group consisting of carbonates, calcinated kaolin, fumed silica and fumed alumina; wherein the compatible base resin or polymer of the coating is selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polymers, such as, hard acrylic polymers or Core Shell technology polymers or vinyl polymers such as vinyl polychloride, polyamides or polyurethanes; wherein the binding polymer of the coating is selected from the group consisting of acrylate esters latex, methacrylate, or both, the ester portion of these monomers may be groups C1-C6 alkyl, such as groups methyl, ethyl and butyl, ethylene vinyl resins; wherein the vaselines, mineral oils or polyethylene oxides of the release agent are present in emulsified liquid state, with a polymerization degree between 200 and 400; wherein the emulsifiers of the coating are selected from the group consisting of linear or branched chain sodium alkyl benzene sulfonates, linear and branched chain sulfate alkyl, and linear and branched chain sulfate ethoxy alkyl, polyethoxylated alkyl, polyethoxylated alcohols, fatty acid ethanol amides, sorbitan esters (Span), emulsifiers (water/oil) combined with ethoxylated sorbitan esters (Tween), contribute to the general stability of oil/water emulsions; wherein the stabilizer of the coating is 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol at 95%; wherein the preservatives of the coating are selected from the group consisting of derivatives of chloromethylisothiazolinone; wherein the dry coating layer of the paper can be found in a range from 5 to 40% wt., of the total weight of the transfer paper, and the bond- or kraft-type cellulose sheets have weights ranging from 40 and 150 g/m.sup.2, and the glassine sheets have a weight ranging from 50 to 90 g/m.sup.2.

[0055] In a mode, the transfer paper comprises: a bond paper sheet of 80 g/m.sup.2 applying wet coating in a range from 40 to 50 grams per square meter, wherein the coating comprises 15% pvc resin K-74; 3% ethoxylated lauryl alcohol; 2% polyethylene glycol between 200-400 moles; 1% fumed silica; 5% water solution at 10% in medium viscosity polyvinyl alcohol; 0.2% 2-methyl-4-thiazoline-3-ketone; 5-chloro-methyl-4-thiazoline-3-ketone; 0.5%; 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol at 95%; 5% acrylic resin in emulsion; water to complete 100%.

[0056] Wherein the components are homogeneously mixed together to obtain a paste which is applied on the paper in the proportion indicated.

[0057] In an embodiment, the transfer paper comprises a kraft paper sheet of 60 g/m.sup.2 applying wet coating in a range from 40 to 50 grams per square meter, wherein the coating comprises 15% solid acrylic resin; 3% ethoxylated lauryl alcohol; 2% polyethylene glycol between 200-400 moles; 1% fumed silica; 5% water solution at 10% in medium viscosity polyvinyl alcohol; 0.2% 2-methyl-4-thiazoline-3-ketone; 5-chloro-methyl-4-thiazoline-3-ketone; 0.5%; 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol at 95%; 5% acrylic resin in emulsion; water to complete 100%.

[0058] Wherein the components are homogeneously mixed together to obtain a paste which is applied on the paper in the proportion indicated.

[0059] The printing method combining screen printing and digital printing includes the following steps: [0060] a. Printing a shape or drawing on a substrate, applying the silkscreen technique, providing between one and three layers of Receiving Base Ink (RBI). [0061] b. Pre-drying the printing of step a) at a temperature from 80 to 120° C., for a period between 5 and 20 seconds. [0062] c. Printing with Special Digital Ink (SDI) on the transfer paper, a selected design, applying the digital printing method, through a piezoelectric head digital printer. [0063] d. After printed, drying the transfer paper at a temperature from 23 to 55° C., between 10 and 60 seconds. [0064] e. Directly contacting the printed image in transfer paper, on the area stamped with Receiving Base Ink in the substrate, in a matching manner. [0065] f. Pressing from 30 to 90 lb/square inch, at a temperature from 150 to 210° C. for a period between 15 and 60 seconds. [0066] g. Removing the transfer paper from the substrate.

[0067] In an embodiment, the substrate is a textile, and it can be cotton, polyester, nylon, mixtures thereof or other textile fibers, in dark or light colors.

[0068] In an embodiment, the pressing step is performed in a thermal press or a calendar-type heat presses, and the paper in the final step is removed in cold or hot.

[0069] In another alternative, the digital transfer printing method is performed on a thermoplastic substrate, and it is characterized by comprising the following steps: [0070] a. Printing with Special Digital Ink (SDI) on the transfer paper, applying the digital printing technique, through a piezoelectric head digital printer. [0071] b. Drying the transfer paper at a temperature from 23 to 55° C., for a period between 10 and 60 seconds. [0072] c. Directly contacting the printed image in transfer paper, on a thermoplastic substrate, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), HDPE (high density polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), LDPE (low density polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) and PS (polystyrene), in the area where the image wants to be placed. [0073] d. Pressing from 30 to 90 lb/in.sup.t, at a temperature from 150 to 210° C. for a period between 15 and 60 seconds, using a thermal press which adapts to the shape and required use of each substrate. [0074] e. Removing the transfer paper from the substrate

[0075] On another embodiment, the Receiving Base Ink (RBI) can be of different effects and finishes, such as: white for receiving flat colors, thermochromic, photochromic, fluorescent, metallized, or with textured effects or it may feature fragrances which broaden and enrich the variety of finishes.

[0076] In another desired alternative, the stamping paper used in step c) of the method, is formed by a base formed by a bond-, kraft- or glassine-type cellulose sheet; a coating layer containing 0-30% wt. water soluble polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol or cellulose ethers; 0-10% wt. suspended solids for drying the ink, such as, fine granule minerals with size comprised between 0.7 and 10 microns; 8-30% wt. of base resin or polymer compatible with transfer base material, such as, thermoplastic polymers; 2-10% wt. of binding polymer, such as, acrylate esters latex, methacrylate, or both; 0-8% release agents, such as, vaselines, mineral oils or polyethylene oxides; 0-4% wt. of emulsifiers, such as, anionic surfactants; 0-2% wt. of pH stabilizer; 0-1% wt. of preservatives; wherein the water soluble polymers of the coating are selected from the group consisting of totally or partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol or cellulose ethers, such as EHEC (ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose) and MEHEC (methyl ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose), carboxymethyl cellulose, starch or polyvinyl pyrrolidone; wherein the suspended solids of the coating are selected from the group consisting of carbonates, calcinated kaolin, fumed silica and fumed alumina; wherein the compatible base resin or polymer of the coating is selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polymers, such as, hard acrylic polymers or Core Shell technology polymers or vinyl polymers such as vinyl polychloride, polyamides or polyurethanes; wherein the binding polymer of the coating is selected from the group consisting of acrylate esters latex, methacrylate, or both, the ester portion of these monomers may be groups C1-C6 alkyl, such as groups methyl, ethyl and butyl, ethylene vinyl resins; wherein the vaselines, mineral oils or polyethylene oxides of the release agent are present in emulsified liquid state, with a polymerization degree between 200 and 400; wherein the emulsifiers of the coating are selected from the group consisting of linear or branched chain sodium alkyl benzene sulfonates, linear and branched chain sulfate alkyl, and linear and branched chain sulfate ethoxy alkyl, polyethoxylated alkyl, polyethoxylated alcohols, fatty acid ethanol amides, sorbitan esters (Span), emulsifiers (water/oil) combined with ethoxylated sorbitan esters (Tween), contribute to the general stability of oil/water emulsions; wherein the stabilizer of the coating is 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol at 95%; wherein the preservatives of the coating are selected from the group consisting of derivatives of chloromethylisothiazolinone; wherein the dry coating layer of the paper can be found in a range from 5 to 40% wt., of the total weight of the transfer paper, and the bond- or kraft-type cellulose sheets have weights ranging from 40 and 150 g/m.sup.2, and the glassine sheets have a weight ranging from 50 to 90 g/m.sup.2.

[0077] In a modality, the printing method combining silkscreen and printing is performed on a white cotton fabric, wherein initially a white RBI (Receiving Base Ink) base is applied, with a silkscreen silk of 55 threads/cm with the shape of a specific design, applying two layers of RBI ink with intermediate pre-drying. Then, a coated kraft transfer paper of 80 grams/m.sup.2 is used, the selected design is printed in a piezoelectric head printer loaded with SDI (Special Digital Ink) at a ratio greater than 250,000 dots/sq.in, it is allowed to dry at 25° C. for 2 minutes and then it is placed on the RBI already printed. It must be placed such that it matches and directly contacts the printed part with the RBI. It is placed on a pressure iron at a pressure of 60 lb/square inch, at a temperature of 185° C. for a time of 25 seconds. After this time has passed, it is removed from the iron and it is allowed to cool for 1 minute, to proceed to detach the paper, achieving the complete transfer of the image to the RBI base on the textile substrate with a high degree of definition in the contours and being very easy to remove the paper. The application has high definition and excellent solidity to rubbing and wet washing. It was subjected to washing tests in a conventional washing machine supporting 20 cycles with a rating of 4.5-5 in the grayscale.

[0078] The main advantages of the new transfer paper and method using it, are: [0079] High definition and resolution of the images. [0080] Multiple special effects. [0081] Coating on dark backgrounds. [0082] Adherence to different substrates. [0083] High elongation capacity. [0084] High resistance and solidity to wash. [0085] Colorant migration control. [0086] Easy to handle technique allows high productivity. [0087] System suitable for large and small runs. [0088] Agility in customization of garments. [0089] Possibility to use small or large format printers.

[0090] Although the present invention has been disclosed in the form of preferred embodiments and variations thereon, it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0091] For the sake of clarity, it is to be understood that the use of “a” or “an” throughout this application does not exclude a plurality, and “comprising” does not exclude other steps or elements. The mention of a “unit” or a “module” does not preclude the use of more than one unit or module.