Craft beginners often search online for advice on how to choose the right and best heat transfer vinyl for their needs. In thinking of all the considerations, this guide collects the questions together to help anyone choose the right HTV simply and effectively. And you will know what is Heat Transfer Vinyl, how to use heat transfer vinyl (how to use iron on vinyl), Types of HTV, the best heat transfer vinyl wholesale uk and so on.
What is Heat Transfer Vinyl?
Heat Transfer Vinyl, also known as HTV, HPV (Heat Press Vinyl), or T-Shirt Vinyl. It is made of PET (a transparent film), vinyl (made by PU or PVC), and hot-melt adhesive. While heating the HTV, the hot melt adhesive will melt and transfer PU or PVC seamlessly to the substrate.
HTV allows you to do a do-it-yourself project. Design an image first. After tracing the image, cut the heat press vinyl on a cutting machine (such as Cricut Explore Air and Silhouette Cameo). Next, weed away the excess vinyl from the image. Then, heat-apply the iron on vinyl onto a substrate, primary fabrics such as cotton, polyester, and canvas. So hobbyists can apply the htv vinyl uk on their t-shirts, hats, canvas bags, etc.
What Are The Different Types of HTV?
There are many different finishes of heat transfer vinyl that can give you various visual effects and results:
Glossy & Matte HTV
There is none of patterns or texture on the vinyl, only different pure colors, like white, black, gold, silver, red, royal blue, green, pink, purple, orange, yellow, etc. The glossy ones’ finish is much shinier than the matte ones.
Chameleon HTV
Chameleon HTV reflects a gradient color and smooth texture, especially under light, which attracts many hobbyists to make more innovative projects.
Glitter HTV
This kind of htv vinyl gives your project vibrant sparkles. With pink, blue, and gold flecks shining on the clothes, you will be the most eye-catching one in the crows.
Holographic HTV features your project with a crystal visual effect. Various crystal patterns and holographic-like sparkle come out with a great sparkling and glistening luster.
Metallic HTV
Metallic HTV gives your crafting a stunning metallic and embossed effect, which displays better exposure and brilliance.
In addition, there is a Printable Heat Transfer Vinyl which function is as same as the vinyl above but requires an inkjet, such as EPSON and HP printers.
How to use heat transfer vinyl?
How to Start A Heat Transfer Vinyl Project? how to use iron on vinyl? The steps for creating and applying a design using HTV onto a garment are as follows:
Step 1: Design your artwork
Create the design using vector graphic software, such as Silhouette Studio, adobe illustrator, and Cricut Design Space.
Step 2: Cut the Design & HTV
Mirror the design, then send it to a cutter. Set the parameters according to the material, speed, and pressure. Stick the iron on vinyl on a cutting mat with the vinyl and the hot melt adhesive is on the top. Then, start to cut.
Step 3: Weed the Excess
Use a weeding tool to weed away the heat press vinyl around the cut-lines. Leave the image on the PET.
Step 4: Heat Apply
Turn the heat transfer vinyl over and lay it on the garment. In case of destroying the image, you need to cove a Teflon sheet above the. According to the instruction, set the temperature and pressure. Then, use a heat press machine to apply the design.
A Heat Press Is Important to HTV Project
Although you can use a household iron, a heat press is strongly recommended to ensure the result. It is not only about efficiency but accurate the recommended temperature, pressure, and time to make the design perfect. Some commercial heat presses can be chosen, such as a Cricut Easy Press and HTVRONT Easy Heat Press.
What Is the Best Heat Transfer Vinyl?
Finding the HTV is often down to personal preference. The main features for the perfect HTV are as follows:
Quality: Some online retailers offer HTV in sheets, rolls, and bundles which can vary in quality. Good quality HTV is primarily produced using PU (polyurethane) rather than PVC. PU one is thin yet opaque, easy to weed, quick to apply, and long-lasting. PVC is cheaper to manufacture. Besides, good quality vinyl tends to be more durable and hard to peel off, fade, crack and wash away.
Range of Colors: Most heat transfer vinyl colors in solid color with satin or matt finish. Famous brands give consumers a wider choice of colors available.
Easy Application: The process of heat-applying should be quick and easy. Compared with PVC-based HTV, the PU-based HTV tends to be easy to peel and has good adhesion.
HTVRONT is one of the best heat transfer vinyl wholesale uk.
What Are HTVRONT Heat Transfer Vinyls?
HTVRONT is an international brand of Heat Transfer Vinyl, Adhesive Vinyl, Sublimation Paper, and Heat Press. Its high-quality HTV with extensive ranges is suited for all transfer printing needs, whether craft lovers use it for fashion, leisure, sports, or work. The types are matt, gloss, glitter, metallic, holographic, and chameleon finishes, which crafters can apply to all kinds of fabrics and garments, including cotton, polyester, poly-cotton blends, and canvas, etc.
