Finding the right heat transfer material can be tricky. I’ve talked to a few distributors and print shop owners, and one thing keeps coming up: thick PU rolls are a favorite. They’re simple to use, give designs a real 3D feel, and are durable enough for everyday wear.
Thick PU rolls, with 0.5 mm or 1 mm thickness, create a raised effect you can see and feel. One European distributor told me his clients were amazed at how a T-shirt logo popped. It’s a small detail, but it makes the products look premium. That tactile feel is something thin films just can’t match.
I visited a small shop in the U.S. last year. They printed a 1 mm thick PU logo on a tote bag. After a few washes, it stayed perfect. The shop owner said, “Clients keep coming back for this 3D effect. It sells itself.” That’s why these rolls are such a hit.
It’s not just shirts. Hoodies, caps, bags—clients use thick PU rolls on almost everything. A wholesaler in Germany told me almost half of his orders go toward backpacks and handbags. It’s versatile, and buyers appreciate that.
Most shops like the 0.5 m × 25 m and 0.45 m × 25 m rolls. They’re easy to handle, store, and cut as needed. One U.K. print shop owner said switching from sheets to rolls helped them complete bigger orders faster. For distributors, it’s a selling point: bulk buyers love convenience.
Some clients pair thick PU rolls with UV printing. One shop in Italy used a 0.5 mm roll on a leather bag. The design came out sharp, detailed, and still soft to touch. Thick PU handles these techniques really well, which is why experienced printers recommend it.
Even though these rolls are thick, they’re not hard to work with. A Canadian print shop owner told me that new employees were able to cut and press designs without any issues. Smooth workflow and reliable results—that’s what keeps shops coming back.
I’ve heard it over and over: when clients see the 3D effect in person, they place bigger orders. A Spanish wholesaler shared that customers asked for more PU designs after just one sample. Real stories like this help distributors convince buyers to buy in bulk.
| Thickness | Roll Size | Common Applications | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 mm | 0.5 m × 25 m | T-shirts, hoodies, bags | Popular 3D effect |
| 1 mm | 0.45 m × 25 m | Caps, accessories, custom items | Stronger 3D effect |
Thick PU rolls are more than a material—they’re a way to make designs stand out. From apparel to bags, and even UV-printed items, these rolls bring creativity, durability, and ease of use. Sharing real client stories and focusing on roll sizes and versatility makes it easier for distributors to explain the value to buyers and close bulk orders confidently.