Updated By TeckWrap Craft On April 29, 2024
Can You Use Premium Vinyl On Shirts?
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No, you cannot use premium vinyl on shirts because it needs a hard and completely smooth surface for strong adhesion. It is not stretchable enough to move along with the garment hence it will come off very easily. Fabrics are soft wtih a texture and they need a vinyl that is thin and flexible like HTV.
Use premium vinyl if you only want a temporary design on your shirt. It will adhere on top of it like a sticker and will stay on either for a few hours or will come off in the first wash. Hence if you want to embellish a shirt for a night such as for a costume or themed party, and plan on removing the design later on, you can use adhesive vinyl.
What Is Craft Vinyl?
Craft vinyl comes in two basic types: adhesive vinyl and heat transfer vinyl. Adhesive vinyl is sticky from one side and has a paper backing that protects its high tack. It is available in two variants: permanent and removable adhesive vinyl.
Heat transfer vinyl also has an adhesive side that is not sticky or tacky when touched. It is activated when heat is applied to the vinyl using a heat press or household, dry iron. It doesn’t have a paper backing. Rather, it has a clear plastic carrier sheet covering the top, non-adhesive portion of the vinyl.
What Is Adhesive Vinyl?
Adhesive vinyl is also referred to as premium vinyl or sticker vinyl. It is a thin and flexible material characterized by a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
Just like a sticker, it has a sticky side that is covered by a paper backing. Adhesive vinyl is best used for smooth, non-porous, and hard surfaces. These should be completely clean and dry. It could also be used for unconventional or awkward-shaped objects.
The design side of an adhesive vinyl may come in a matte or glossy finish. Some may include embellishments such as an overlay of glitter, metallic sheen, or various patterns. Adhesive vinyl comes in rolls or individual sheets. You can use it on the following materials:
- Ceramic mugs
- Ceramic tiles
- Mirrors
- Home appliances
- Glass objects
- Pots
- Vases
- Wood
- Windows
- Walls