Best Material for Heat Transfer Vinyl Printing Projects

Are you planning to start a heat transfer vinyl business? Or maybe you're just looking for the best material for HTV projects? In this post, you will learn about which material to use for htv and how to do it.

In this blog post, we will discuss the different materials that work best with heat transfer vinyl and the best heat transfer vinyl. We'll also provide tips on how to choose the right material for your t-shirts or any project.

So what are you waiting for? Start reading now.

Different Types of Materials

There are different types of materials that work best with quality heat transfer vinyl, often categorized into fabric and non-fabric.

The most popular materials are cotton and polyester under the fabric category. However, you can also use other materials like nylon and rayon.

For non-fabric materials, wood and ceramics are the most common choice. Others include leather and stainless steel.

Nylon

Nylon is a strong and durable fabric that can withstand high temperatures. It is often used in activewear like leggings because it can wick away moisture.

This makes it the perfect material for Heat transfer vinyl projects that will be put through a lot of wear and tear. However, nylon can be tricky to work with because it doesn't always adhere well with heat transfer vinyl.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is often used in activewear such as jogging pants. It is known for being lightweight and breathable.

Just like nylon, polyester can withstand high heat. This makes it a great choice for projects that will be exposed to a lot of heat, like oven mitts or aprons.

Cotton

Cotton is a breathable and soft fabric that is often used in t-shirts. It is also one of the easiest fabrics to work with when it comes to HTV.

This is because cotton is a natural fabric. You can simply use a regular iron with the hottest setting to apply the heat transfer vinyl design.

Burlap

Burlap is a natural fiber fabric that is often used in rustic or country-themed projects. It is easy to work with and doesn't fray.

Plus, burlap has a unique texture that can add interest to your HTV design. To transfer detailed designs, you can use a heat press or an iron.

Rayon

Rayon is a synthetic fabric made from wood pulp. It is known for being soft and absorbent. This fabric is a bit tricky to work with because it can shrink when exposed to heat.

To avoid this, you can use a lower heat setting on your heat press or iron. In addition, use a heat transfer cover sheet to protect your design.

Leather

Leather doesn't fray like other fabrics, so you don't have to worry about finishing the edges. It is durable and easy to work with.

The good thing about this material is you don’t need to use a heat press to apply the design..

This non-fabric material is great for projects to have a more luxurious look and feel. Most popular applications include journals, notebooks, body bags and belts.

Related read: HTV Vinyl on Leather: Step by Step

Wood

Wood has a natural grain that can add interest to your design. Although wood is not a popular material for HTV,  It is perfect for rustic designs that require intricate layering and color combination.

Plus, wood is easy to cut and doesn't require a heat press. You can simply use a heat gun or an iron to apply the HTV design.

Ceramics

Ceramics are durable but they are fragile. These materials are prone to breaking when mishandled.

Just like wood, ceramics don't require a heat press. You can simply use an adhesive vinyl to design it. Some hobbyists use sublimation to decorate ceramics.

The most popular projects are mugs, plates, and decorative pieces made of ceramics.

Glass

Glasses are great Christmas ornaments and other decorative projects. It is also a great choice for projects that need to be waterproof.

Just like stainless steel, glass can be difficult to work with because it is a hard material. You may need to use special tools to heat press the HTV design.

Again, the better option for glass is not HTV, but to use a permanent vinyl, which is an adhesive vinyl that can last for years.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a great option if you want your project to have a shiny finish.

However, stainless steel can be difficult to work with because it is a hard material. You may need to use special tools to cut it (like the Cricut brand cutting machine or other brands of cutting machines are okay too), and a heat press to apply the HTV design. For stainless steel mugs, you can use a heat gun.

Selecting the Best Heat Transfer Vinyl

You can choose from the different types of high-quality vinyl material on the market these days. There’s glitter iron-on, color-changing HTV, among others.

How do you know which one is right for you? In this section, we will discuss the most popular types of heat transfer vinyl and what each one is best used for.

Glitter HTV

Glitter vinyl is best used for t-shirt projects that require sparkle and vibrant colors. It comes in a variety of glitter colors and can be applied with a heat press or iron.

This iron-on vinyl has a high-tack adhesive, which makes it difficult to remove from fabrics. It is either warm or cool peel. Some would even have pressure sensitive carrier sheets, eliminating the use of transfer paper.

Foil HTV

This type of vinyl is best used for projects that require a lot of shine and sparkle. Foil vinyl comes in a variety of colors, finishes, and sizes. It has a high-tack adhesive, which makes it difficult to remove from fabrics.

Holographic Vinyl

Holographic HTV is best used for projects that require a lot of shine and sparkle. This vinyl comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It has a medium-tack adhesive.

This HTV may not be best for projects that require frequent washing. So, use it on bags, caps, cups or projects requiring non-fabric materials.

Satin Vinyl

This type of vinyl is best used for projects that require a lot of shine and sparkle. Satin vinyl comes in a variety of colors.

It has a low-tack adhesive, which makes it easy to remove from fabrics without leaving any residue behind.

PU HTV

Vinyl of this type is best used for simple projects or for beginners who are just starting HTV printing. It is also great for creating layers and detail.

PU vinyl comes in a variety of colors and sizes. It has a high-tack adhesive, which makes it difficult to remove from fabrics.

Flock Vinyl

Flock vinyl is a fuzzy, furry, suede type of htv that is another option when you want an embroidery kind of look. It thus has this thicker dimension and  is best for fabrics.

Flock can be cut with your favorite cutting machine using a fine point blade. The process of application is just the same as any heat transfer vinyl

Choosing the Right Material for Your Project

Whether you're a beginner or experienced in vinyl printing, it's important to know and remember the basics of fabric and heat transfer vinyl (HTV) selection.

Heat transfer vinyl works differently on fabrics. In this section, we'll discuss the factors affecting fabric and HTV. Included are some tips for choosing the right material for your project.

Texture

The texture of fabric and HTV is also an important consideration. HTV texture can affect how it looks and feels on the fabric.

When you're working on a soft fabric such as t-shirts, you'll want to choose vinyl with a softer texture so it feels comfortable against the skin.

For a textured fabric, you'll want to use vinyl with a similar texture so it doesn't look out of place (for example, flock vinyl over burlap).

Color Selection

The range of colors available in HTV makes it easier for designers to create detailed custom designs. Some would even have rainbow colors in one sheet.

You can use multiple colors or layering to create a more intricate design. This technique will add depth and visual interest to your projects.

As for fabric, basic and solid colors, especially on a t-shirt, are the best for simple and complex designs. Fabrics with patterns will overwhelm your designs.

So, should you avoid it entirely? Not really. But if you like your vinyl designs to stand out, a plain background will do the trick.

Durability

The durability of the HTV and fabric is also important. You can have extremely durable vinyl without sacrificing the aesthetic quality of your projects.

If you're working on a garment for daily wear, you'll want to choose a more durable vinyl that can withstand wear and tear. A perfect example is decorating children’s clothing.

The best fabric for these projects are cotton and poly/cotton blend. Pure cotton would be nice since it is comfortable on skin, especially for kids who are sensitive to non-cotton fabric.

Choose a less durable vinyl for delicate fabrics, so it doesn't damage the fabric. But, silk and satin fabric are not popular choices because of their sensitivity to heat.

When decorating these types of fabrics, you’d want to use lower temperatures.

Sheet Size and Designs

Another thing to consider is the size of the vinyl sheet. Heat transfer vinyl comes in a variety of sizes, from 12x12 inches to 24x24 inches.

If you are working on a large project, you will need to buy a larger sheet of vinyl. But if you are just doing a small design, you can buy a smaller sheet that fits on your cutting machine.

Most vinyl printing projects don’t require a large amount of fabric. Probably, you’ll be working on t-shirts, bags, caps, or wood.

We think this won’t be a big deal when choosing the vinyl sheet size. It’s just a matter of artistic planning and designing.

Ease of Cutting & Weeding

You can cut vinyl by hand. But with the help of software such as Silhouette Studio and Cricut Design space, you can simply let the cutting machines do the hard work. Remember, to put the shiny side down when loading your vinyl with its carrier sheet or transfer tape.

Weeding is a different matter. Some types of vinyl are harder to weed than others. For example, PU vinyl is easy to work with. When selecting a good HTV, keep in mind the following:

Thicker vinyl is usually easier to cut and weed than a thinner vinyl. A vinyl with a softer, smoother texture is usually easier to cut and weed than vinyl with a more textured surface.

If you're working on a simple project, you'll want to choose an iron-on vinyl that is easy to cut and weed. For more complex projects, you can choose an HTV that is excellent for layering.

Other Material/Vinyl Features

Vinyl features can also be a factor. Some vinyl materials have a plastic carrier sheet while others need a transfer tape.

Finally, you need to decide what type you want. There are three types: heat-activated, pressure-sensitive, and sew-on.

• Heat-activated adhesive backing is the most popular type because it is easy to use and it gives a strong bond. A lower temperature setting is all you need.
• HTV with a pressure sensitive carrier is easy to use but it doesn’t bond as well.
• Sew-on has the strongest type of adhesive but it is more difficult to use.

As for the fabric, always test if it is heat sensitive or not. Fabrics such as t-shirts have varying sensitivity to heat.

Tips for HTV Projects

Here are a few tips for choosing the right material for your project:

Heat Presses/Iron Temperature Settings

Iron and heat press temperature is critical for best results. For heat application, you can use up to 300 Degrees (F) using a heat press machine, which is equivalent to polyester setting on household iron.

Some other brands of t-shirt vinyl can transfer to fabric at lower temperatures while some are cold peel. Teckwrap, for instance, is cold peel, meaning you have to let it cool first before peeling off.

Applying heat is no rocket science. All you need is to read specific instructions for best results. Still, use a Teflon sheet or any protective sheet to protect your design even if the setting is at a lower temperature.

Use an iron on flat surfaces.

Use a heat gun for uneven surfaces like wood with grain or a steel mug.

Pressure Applied on Fabric and Iron-on

Iron-on vinyls transfer to fabric or non-fabric material properly, depending on the pressure. Medium pressure on a heat press lasts for 10 seconds without using a Teflon sheet and 15 secs with Teflon or parchment paper.

When a vinyl has a pressure sensitive backing, you don’t need that much pressure. Still, don’t use a collapsible ironing board because of the risk of collapsing.

Projects to Start

1. Create custom t-shirts using HTV. This is a great way to show off your personal style, or make a shirt for a special event.

2. Design a custom phone case. Add your favorite photo or a fun pattern to make your phone stand out from the crowd.
3. Create a personalized mug. This is a great gift for friends or family members, and it's easy to do with HTV.

4. Make a banner or sign for your home. This is a great way to show off your personality and style.
5. Decorate a tote bag or canvas backpack. This is a great way to show your school spirit or just add some personality to your everyday gear.

6. Personalized stainless steel water bottles are perfect gifts, you can use htv although permanent adhesive vinyl is a better option.

7. Give a pair of oven mitts to your love choosing from the highest quality of vinyl

FAQs for Beginners

What material is best for heat transfer?

There is a huge variety of materials that you can use for heat transfer vinyl. The most common is polyester, which comes in both matte and gloss finishes.

However, it is important to note that not all fabrics are suitable for heat transfer vinyl. It is best to test a small piece of fabric to see if it will work before proceeding with a larger project.

What is the best finish for vinyl?

The glossier the vinyl, the more shine it will have when applied. This may be desirable for some projects, but not others. For example, we prefer matte finishes for t-shirts because they are less flashy.

However, for vinyl decals or other projects that need to be seen from a distance, you might want to choose a glossier finish to make the design stand out more.

What type of fabric is suitable for heat transfer printing?

The answer to this question largely depends on the type of garment you are looking to print. For instance, if you are looking to print on a t-shirt, then you will want to look for a shirt made out of 100% cotton.

However, if you are looking to print on a polyester garment, then you will want to look for a polyester fabric that is specifically made for heat transfer printing.

Is 100% material any good for heat transfers?

In general, you will want to avoid any fabrics that are made out of 100% polyester or 100% nylon fabrics. These fabrics can be very difficult to print on and the results are often not as good as they could be.

Instead, look for a polyester/cotton blend or a nylon/cotton blend. These fabrics are much easier to print on and will give you better results.

If you are unsure of what type of fabric to use, then you can always consult with a professional printer. They will be able to help you choose the right fabric for your project and ensure that you get the best results possible.

What is the best heat press machine?

The answer to this question really depends on what you plan to use the machine for and how often you plan to use it.

If you are just getting started with heat transfer vinyl (HTV), then a simple swing-away heat press might be a good option for you. These machines are relatively inexpensive and easy to use.

However, if you plan to use the machine on your t-shirt business or for more complex projects, then a clamshell heat press might be a better option.

With this machine, you can apply heat and transfer designs evenly without worrying if the iron-on material is sticking properly or not, thus achieving better results.

What is the best vinyl for leather?

Vinyls requiring low temperature are the best for leather. Plus, you don’t need a heat press to activate the adhesive backing.

Whether you’re working on a real or faux leather, an iron is enough to add some color and interesting designs. Just be mindful that most iron-ons vinyls are permanent. You can’t remove them once you get bored with the design on your leather.

Can you use HTV on plastic/acrylic materials?

Some would say you can’t because these materials will melt under high-heat temperatures. But, you can. So how can you use iron on vinyl on plastic?

You’ll have to use techniques if you want to use HTV on plastic. One is to use the lower heat of a heat gun and minimize the exposure to heat at shorter intervals. If you aren’t sure, you can always use adhesive vinyls to decorate your plastic tumblers.

How can you decorate small items?

You can use mini iron or heat gun to decorate small items or designs. It may take time but with persistence and hard work, you can add color and designs to your boring stuff whether it’s leather, fabric or plastic.

Summary

Not all materials are created equal when it comes to heat transfer vinyl projects. Some materials work better than others. Often, cotton and polyester are the common materials for HTV printing.

When choosing the best material for iron-on vinyl, consider the design you want to create. If you're creating a complex design with lots of details, you'll need a material with good contrast.

Cotton or polyester fabrics are ideal for most projects. However, if you're creating a simple design with few details, any type of fabric will work fine.