There are two main types of vinyl: heat transfer vinyl (HTV) for fabric and clothing, and adhesive vinyl for hard smooth surfaces such as glass, tumblers, and walls. Each category has many specialty finishes including glitter, holographic, colour-changing, reflective, glow-in-the-dark, and puff. The type you need depends on whether you are decorating fabric or a hard surface.
Vinyl is one of the most versatile craft materials available. It comes in two main categories: heat transfer vinyl (HTV) and adhesive vinyl. HTV uses heat and pressure to bond designs to fabric. Adhesive vinyl uses a pressure-sensitive adhesive to stick to hard smooth surfaces. Within each category, there are many specialty finishes for specific projects. This guide covers all the main types, what they are used for, and which surface each one suits.
Permanent = Permanent adhesive vinyl or HTV Temporary (removable, no residue) = Removable adhesive vinyl
Question 3: What finish do you need?
Standard = matte or glossy | Sparkle = glitter or holographic | Glow = glow-in-the-dark | Texture = puff or flock | Visibility = reflective
1 Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)
Heat transfer vinyl has a heat-activated adhesive on one side. You cut it on a cutting machine, weed away the excess, place it on fabric, and press with a heat press or iron. The heat activates the adhesive, which bonds permanently to fabric fibers. HTV works on cotton, polyester, poly-cotton blends, leather, and canvas.
Basic HTV Application Mirror the design. Cut with the shiny carrier side down on the mat. Weed excess vinyl. Press at the correct temperature for 10 to 15 seconds. Peel the carrier sheet hot or cold according to the vinyl type.
Standard PU Heat Transfer Vinyl HTV
Standard PU HTV is the most widely used type. PU stands for polyurethane, which makes it thin, soft, and flexible. It produces a smooth, almost painted-on appearance on fabric. TeckWrap Craft PU HTV is available in matte and glossy finishes across a wide range of colours.
Best for: T-shirts, hoodies, personalised garments, everyday wear
Application: 305 to 320°F on cotton. 270 to 300°F on polyester. Cold peel
Not suitable for: Nylon, waterproof fabrics, or fabrics that cannot handle heat
Lifespan: 50+ wash cycles with correct application and care
Glitter HTV has a layer of fine metallic glitter particles on the surface with a heat-activated adhesive backing. The glitter layer bonds to the fabric along with the adhesive when pressed and does not flake off with normal wear or washing when applied correctly.
Best for: Statement t-shirts, dance costumes, cheer uniforms, any garment where extra sparkle is wanted
Application: 300 to 330°F, 10 to 15 seconds. Cold peel. Use a Teflon sheet to protect the glitter surface
Not suitable for: Very fine detail designs as glitter edges can look slightly rough
Holographic HTV has a prismatic surface that shifts colour depending on the angle of light. It produces a rainbow-like finish that gives designs a bold, eye-catching appearance. TeckWrap Craft offers Metallic Pearlescent, Chrome, and Holographic finishes in HTV.
Best for: Logos, bold lettering, accessories, and fashion garments where the design needs to stand out
Application: 300 to 320°F, 10 to 15 seconds. Cold peel
Note: Do not use excessive heat or press too long as this can dull the holographic finish
UV colour-changing HTV changes colour when exposed to ultraviolet light or sunlight. Indoors the design appears one colour. Outdoors in sunlight it shifts to a different colour. TeckWrap Craft has UV Colour-Changing HTV, Glitter UV Colour-Changing HTV, and UV Neon Colour-Changing HTV.
Best for: Novelty garments, outdoor-facing designs, children's clothing, any project where a colour-shift effect is wanted
Application: Standard HTV pressing settings. Cold peel
Note: The colour shift works best in strong UV light. Faint sunlight through window glass may not activate the full effect
Glow-in-the-dark HTV absorbs ambient light and emits it as a faint glow in the dark. The glow appears after the vinyl has been exposed to a light source. The stronger the light exposure before darkness, the brighter the glow.
Best for: Children's clothing, novelty shirts, safety-themed garments, and event wear
Application: Standard HTV pressing settings
Note: The glow is strongest after direct exposure to bright light. It fades gradually in complete darkness
Puff HTV expands when heat is applied during pressing, creating a raised three-dimensional texture on the fabric surface. The raised effect is permanent and holds through washing. It gives designs a tactile feel that standard HTV cannot replicate.
Best for: Logos, lettering, and any design where a raised 3D effect adds visual impact
Application: Follow the specific TeckWrap Puff HTV temperature instructions. Do not over-press as excessive heat reduces the puff effect
Note: Works best on flat fabric. Stretchy fabrics may flatten the puff effect over time
Flock HTV has a soft, velvety surface texture created by applying tiny fibers to the adhesive base. When pressed onto fabric, it transfers a design with a raised, plush texture that looks and feels like felt or velvet.
Best for: Numbers and lettering on sports jerseys, logos on uniforms, any design where a premium tactile finish is required
Application: Follow specific TeckWrap Flock HTV pressing instructions. Cold peel. Use medium pressure during pressing
Reflective HTV contains tiny glass beads that reflect light back toward the light source. This makes designs highly visible in low light or when a direct light source is present. It is used widely in safety-related garments such as vests, running gear, and workwear.
Best for: Safety vests, athletic garments, high-visibility workwear, running apparel
Application: Standard HTV pressing settings
Note: Looks grey in normal daylight. The reflective property is only visible when direct light hits it
Printable HTV is a white or clear base film that you print directly from an inkjet printer before cutting and pressing. It allows full-colour photographic designs and complex multi-colour graphics on fabric without cutting individual colour layers.
Best for: Photo-quality designs, multi-colour graphics, and complex artwork on garments
Application: Print from inkjet printer, cut around the design, press onto fabric. Do not mirror when using printable HTV
Note: Only use with an inkjet printer. Laser printers are not compatible
Smart HTV is designed for mat-free cutting on compatible Cricut machines (Explore Air 3, Maker 3, and Cricut Joy). Instead of placing the vinyl on a cutting mat, you feed it directly into the machine. It is available in up to 12 feet of continuous material per cut.
Best for: Long continuous cuts, high-volume shirt production, faster workflow
Compatible machines: Cricut Explore Air 3, Maker 3, and Cricut Joy. Not compatible with older Cricut models without Maker 3 designation
Application: Same HTV pressing settings as standard vinyl. Feed directly into machine without a mat
2 Adhesive Vinyl
Adhesive vinyl has a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing. You apply it to hard, smooth, clean, dry surfaces without heat. It is used on glass, metal, plastic, ceramic, sealed wood, and acrylic. Transfer tape is used to lift the cut design from the backing sheet and place it on the target surface.
Basic Adhesive Vinyl Application Cut with the coloured side up (do not mirror). Weed excess vinyl. Apply transfer tape. Peel the backing. Position and press onto the clean surface using a squeegee. Remove transfer tape slowly at a low angle.
Permanent Adhesive Vinyl Adhesive
Permanent adhesive vinyl has a strong adhesive designed to form a long-term bond with the surface. Once fully cured, it is difficult to remove without leaving residue. It is water-resistant and UV-resistant, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Best for: Tumblers, drinkware, outdoor signs, car decals, mailbox numbers, business signage
Lifespan: 3 to 5 years outdoors, significantly longer indoors with proper care
Not suitable for: Temporary applications where you may want to remove the design without residue
Removable Adhesive Vinyl Adhesive
Removable adhesive vinyl has a lower-tack adhesive that bonds to smooth surfaces but peels off cleanly without leaving residue when removed. It is used for temporary applications such as wall decals, seasonal decorations, and any project where the design may need to be changed.
Best for: Wall decals, laptop stickers, seasonal signs, temporary projects
Finish: Usually matte. Available in a range of colours
Note: Not recommended for outdoor use as the lower-tack adhesive lifts faster under sunlight and weather
Glitter Adhesive Vinyl Adhesive
Glitter adhesive vinyl has a glitter or shimmer surface with a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing. TeckWrap Craft has a Shimmer and Glitter collection in monochromes, striped, colourful, polka dots, and burst shimmer films. A separate Pearl collection offers pearlescent shades.
Best for: Drinkware decals, stickers, personalised gifts, scrapbooking, and decorative applications
Application: Apply using transfer tape. Handle carefully to avoid scratching during application
Holographic adhesive vinyl produces a prismatic rainbow colour shift depending on the light angle. TeckWrap Craft offers Holographic Opal and Holo Rainbow Pattern adhesive vinyl, as well as abstract and mosaic patterned films with metallic textures.
Reflective adhesive vinyl contains a reflective surface that is highly visible when light hits it directly. It looks grey or silver in normal lighting but reflects light strongly when a direct beam is present. TeckWrap Craft Reflective Adhesive Vinyl is used for safety equipment and outdoor signs.
Best for: Safety signs, protective clothing labels, bicycle and vehicle decals, outdoor gear
Application: Apply to a clean, smooth surface using standard adhesive vinyl technique
UV colour-changing adhesive vinyl changes colour when exposed to ultraviolet light. Indoors it appears in its base colour. Outdoors in sunlight it shifts to a different colour. TeckWrap Craft recommends this type for outdoor signs and banners where the colour-change effect is most visible.
Best for: Outdoor signs, novelty stickers, garden markers, projects with regular sunlight exposure
Printable sticker vinyl is a smooth white adhesive vinyl that you print on directly using an inkjet printer. After printing, you cut around the design and apply it as a sticker. It allows full-colour photographic sticker designs without the limitations of single-colour vinyl.
Best for: Custom stickers, product labels, planner stickers, and high-colour sticker designs
Application: Print on the white coated side. Cut, weed, and apply with transfer tape
Note: Only use with inkjet printers. Laser printers are not compatible
Smart Adhesive Vinyl works with compatible Cricut machines without a cutting mat. You feed it directly into the machine for continuous cuts. TeckWrap Craft Smart Vinyl is available in opal, mirror chrome, glossy, matte, and holographic finishes.
Best for: Long matless cuts, continuous label rolls, high-volume adhesive vinyl projects
Compatible machines: Cricut Explore Air 3, Maker 3, and Cricut Joy
Chameleon Vinyl is a two-toned vinyl with an overlay of glitter where different shades blend together across the surface. The colour shift gives designs a layered visual effect. TeckWrap Craft Chameleon Vinyl is available in both adhesive and HTV formats.
Best for: Decorative designs, custom gifts, stickers, and apparel where a two-tone blended look is wanted
There are two main types: heat transfer vinyl (HTV) for fabric and adhesive vinyl for hard smooth surfaces. HTV uses heat and pressure to bond to fabric. Adhesive vinyl uses a pressure-sensitive adhesive to stick to surfaces like glass, metal, and plastic. Within each category there are many specialty finishes including glitter, holographic, colour-changing, reflective, glow-in-the-dark, and puff.
HTV is used on fabric. It has a heat-activated adhesive and requires a heat press or iron to apply. Adhesive vinyl is used on hard surfaces such as tumblers, glass, walls, and car decals. It has a pressure-sensitive adhesive and is applied using transfer tape and a squeegee. You do not use heat to apply adhesive vinyl.
Permanent adhesive vinyl is designed for long-term bonding to hard surfaces. It lasts 3 to 5 years outdoors and longer indoors. HTV is also permanent on fabric and lasts 50 or more wash cycles when applied correctly. Removable adhesive vinyl is the non-permanent option that peels off cleanly.
Heat transfer vinyl is used for shirts. For most garments, standard PU HTV in matte or glossy finish gives the best result. For sparkle, use Glitter HTV. For a raised texture, use Puff HTV. For a velvety feel, use Flock HTV. For full-colour photo designs, use Printable HTV.
Permanent adhesive vinyl is the best choice for tumblers and drinkware. It has a strong adhesive that bonds to the smooth surface of glass or metal tumblers. It is water-resistant and holds up well to hand washing. For dishwasher-safe results, seal the design with Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe sealant.
Smart Vinyl is designed for mat-free cutting on compatible Cricut machines including Cricut Explore Air 3, Maker 3, and Cricut Joy. Instead of placing it on a cutting mat, you feed it directly into the machine. It is available in both HTV and adhesive vinyl formats.
Yes. You can layer HTV over HTV and adhesive vinyl over adhesive vinyl. When layering HTV, press each layer separately starting with the bottom layer. Let the garment cool between layers. For layering adhesive vinyl, apply the bottom layer first, then apply the top layer on top. Use thin PU HTV for layering as it adds less build-up.
Regular HTV has a smooth surface and produces a flat design on fabric. Glitter HTV has a layer of metallic glitter particles on the surface, which gives the design a textured sparkle effect. Both use the same basic application process but glitter HTV requires a Teflon sheet during pressing to protect the glitter surface.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right vinyl starts with one question: are you applying it to fabric or a hard surface? HTV for fabric. Adhesive vinyl for hard surfaces. From there, the specialty type depends on the finish you need: standard, glitter, holographic, colour-changing, reflective, glow-in-the-dark, or puff.
TeckWrap Craft carries all of these types in both HTV and adhesive vinyl formats. All types are compatible with Cricut, Silhouette, and standard cutting machines.
Shop TeckWrap Craft vinyl in all types and finishes.
