Glossary · Material

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Rub-on (transfer)

A design on a carrier sheet that is transferred to a surface by firm rubbing. Only the design is left behind, without a visible film edge.

Explained in more detail

With a rub-on, the design sits on a carrier sheet with an adhesive layer. You place it down, rub firmly over it with a squeegee, spatula or wooden stick, and slowly peel off the carrier. The principle became known through rub-on lettering; Letraset released its dry-transfer system in 1961. Today rub-ons are available as craft sheets, and UV DTF transfers are also applied this way without heat. They are suitable for smooth, hard surfaces such as glass, wood, plastic or paper.

Where does the term come from?

From "to rub on": the design is transferred by rubbing.

In practice

• Clean and degrease the surface beforehand, as dust and grease prevent adhesion.
• First rub firmly and everywhere, then peel the carrier off flat and slowly. If a spot sticks, lay the carrier back and rub again.
• Rub-ons adhere less well on rough or heavily textured surfaces.
• For items that are often rinsed or handled, check the manufacturer's information on resistance.

Not to be confused

A rub-on is not a sticker with a visible film: after transfer, only the design remains. And it is not an iron-on transfer, as it needs no heat.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between rub-on and UV DTF?

UV DTF is one way of making rub-ons yourself: a UV printer prints the design with adhesive onto a film. Rub-ons are also available ready-printed as craft sheets, though.