Heat transfer vinyl, also referred to as HTV, is thin sheets of vinyl designed to be cut into different shapes, letters, and designs using a vinyl cutter. Cut-out designs are then applied to fabric or garments using a heat press.

HTV is popularly used in the fabric and textile industry to create customised designs and branding that stands out on apparel, bags, and other soft goods.

There are so many variations of vinyl to choose from in terms of colour, texture, and finishes that include glossy, matte, sparkly, and neon.

Many other factors make HTV one of the most popular printing methods:

Durability

Many people using vinyl designs are initially concerned that they will not last, but in fact, vinyl heat transfer films are resistant to cracking, fading, and peeling making them a reliable choice for producing long-lasting designs

Versatility

HTV can be used for printing on a variety of materials including cotton, polyester, and blends.

Affordability

HTV is capable of producing similar results to screen printing and embroidery but at a much more competitive cost, especially in cases of smaller designs and customisation. The affordability of vinyl is beneficial to manufacturers who will be able to offer customers the most competitive price.

Customizability

Vinyl can be used to create a wide variety of designs and patterns on fabric, and different types of vinyl can be cut out and layered on top of each other to create more complex designs and effects, which is what makes it such a desired material to use for custom items.

HTV is very easy to learn, and with the right consumables and equipment is a seamless, user friendly process.

Here are some basic tips for applying vinyl :

Pre-press it

Many will recommend pre-pressing the garment before applying the design to produce the best possible results.

This can be done by lowering the platen onto the press for around 10 seconds and allowing the heat to eliminate any moisture and wrinkles. Any possible shrinkage would have occurred during pre-press and the design can then be applied to the smooth, moisture-free fabric.

Ensure even and accurate temperature and pressure.

Having an accurate and consistent temperature is a must to ensure a high-quality finish. This means measuring the heat-press temperature and checking the press for any possible cold spots. The pressure needed is dependent on the specific heat transfer and varies from low to high pressure. At no point should extreme pressure be applied as this risks damaging the press.

Use a reliable, branded heat press machine

The quality of the finished product is heavily influenced by the quality of the machinery used. There is no need to be tempted by cheap, low-quality products when MC Thompson offers a wide selection of affordable and high-quality heat press machines to suit a variety of different needs.

Layer the vinyl

One of the things that make heat press vinyl so appealing the ability to create custom and unique designs, and many do this by layering various cut out designs over each other to create something new and different.

Re-Fuse HTV If The Edges Are Lifting

Too much heat or not enough pressure being applied to the design can lead to the edges of the design not bonding properly to the fabric, but does not mean it is ruined. This is easily correctable by covering the design with a flex application pad and re-applying the head for an additional few seconds. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start your vinyl journey, or a seasoned designer looking to add flair and uniqueness to make your designs stand out, MC Thompson has a wide offering to suit everyone’s needs. Visit us in store or online at www.mcthompsonstore.co.za to find everything you need to get started.