Major Things To Consider When Buying A Heat Transfer Vinyl

Just as different people needs different kinds of designs on their clothes, there is also a suitable heat transfer vinyl for every applicable fabric. However, before dashing into making one for yourself, here are a couple of things to note when choosing a heat transfer vinyl;

Cutting the Vinyl

One must learn how to cut the vinyl from a roll or sheet, unless you decide to use only pre- cuts or custom- cut vinyl. In order to cut in a precise and timely manner, a vinyl cutter is needed.. Mainly the size of your business, will determine the type of cutter needed.

Nature of Fabric

Some group of fabric can be easily decorated than others. Heat transfer vinyl for decorating cotton clothes is not difficult to find, but talking about a woven nylon tote bag one might not be easy. For instance, Synthetic and semi- synthetic materials - such as spandex, rayon, nylon and polyester, may be a difficult task to find.

In decorating sublimated polyester, a heat transfer vinyl with dye obstructing capabilities must be use. Temperature application is also a factor to be considered when decorating synthetics. Applying HTV at a minimum temperature may result in discoloration problem on the synthetics.

Long-lasting

Durability and ability to resist friction are crucial for sport jerseys. The garments require HTV  that will last longer on them. Most of these materials can be applied by heat to polyester, cotton, or to cotton/ poly blend while few of the materials stick to nylon mesh and difficult fabrics.

Flexibility & Weight

The stretch of the garment is an important key point when choosing a heat transfer vinyl. An HTV that will not counter or burden the garment must be use to decorate on performance wear. The needs of the customer be the priority and a heat transfer vinyl that suits their needs must be used.

The fundamental process is still the same, irrespective of the cutter type:

1. Create or Buy a Cut File

A cut file will be needed for cutting art. A software that normally come with the vinyl cutter will process these files and send them to the cutter. Personal cut files can be created using Adobe or Corel programs and you can buy  a cut files of art.

2. Scale & Mirror the Art

The software is used to set up the art for application by scaling and mirroring it before cutting. It enables the exact size of the art for the garment - neither too small nor too big. The image should be mirrored to cut the back as well. By doing this,  the design will appear the right way when placed on the garments.

3. Follow the Cutting Guidelines

Different guidelines are arranged for each HTV in order to ensure that the desirable cut is achieved. The right blade and correct settings of force, offset and speed must be made available for cutter with options. General cutting guidelines for vinyl cutters are available on the STAHLS’ website.

4. Weed the Vinyl

All the extra  pieces of vinyl must be pulled off the carrier using a weeding tool. In order not to ruin the design, it must be carefully peeled. All the pieces in the design's cavities must be gathered.

The quality of the design will determine the time and care needed for weeding. All the excess vinyl must be removed before ironing.

Contact us for the best heat transfer

Fabric design can never be complete without heat transfer products. So, when you need a high quality heat transfer vinyl for your processes, you can always count on us for the best deal.

For more information on our products and services, kindly click here, and we will be glad to partner with you.