How to Apply Siser® Heat Transfer Vinyl on Cardstock

Bust your scrap stash by combining a bit of scrapbooking with HTV decorations! Glitter, Holographic, and StripFlock® add dimension and interest to cardstock so you can create custom gift tags, cards, and more.

Step 1: Pick Your Cardstock

Make sure to grab two of whatever you pick. One to use as a test and one to use for the real deal. I had success when applying on the acid free cardstock I’m using, but it’s best to do a test press on an extra piece to be sure you’ll have similar results.

Step 2: Choose Design and HTV

While other Siser HTV can be applied to cardstock, Glitter, Holographic, and StripFlock will give you the best results. The thickness and finish of these materials hide any small imperfections or wrinkling that can be noticeable with thinner materials.

Step 3: Cut Cardstock and HTV

I used the Cricut Explore Air to cut both materials.

I set the smart dial to “Light Cardstock” to cut out some cardstock gift tags. I also used this setting to cut Holographic. Then I cut Glitter and StripFlock with the Iron On+ setting. However, your cut settings may be different due to the age and wear of your blade, machine, or cutting mat, so be sure to do a test cut before cutting the whole design.

Step 4: Weed Heat Transfer Vinyl

Weeding is removing the vinyl that’s not a part of your design. So all the little bits inside of letters and the HTV that surround your have to go. Using a tool like the Siser Weeder helps this process.

Weeding crystal Holographic with the Siser Weeder.

Step 5: Heat Application

Typically, you’re going to be okay with the standard time, temperature, and pressure settings for the HTV you’re using. You can find our suggested settings on the Siser website or the Siser North America App.

However, a test press is still suggested to see how the paper will react to the heat. Since there are so many varieties of cardstock available we can’t guarantee HTV will work on everything, but it has worked on all the cardstock we’ve tried so far!

If your paper begins to curl from the heat, you can place it under something flat and heavy (like a book) while it cools and the paper will flatten back out. In this case, you could also experiment with a lower temperature to prevent curling. Since this craft won’t be laundered it’s ok to press at a lower temperature and time.

How to Heat Press Siser Glitter HTV on Cardstock

Time: 15 seconds Temperature: 320°F Pressure: Medium

1. Place the HTV where you like it on the cardstock.
2.  Cover everything with a heat transfer cover sheet.
3.  Press for 15 seconds.
4.  Peel the clear carrier warm.

How to Heat Press Holographic HTV on Cardstock

Time: 15 seconds Temperature: 320°F Pressure: Medium

1. Place the HTV where you like it on the cardstock.
2. Cover everything with a heat transfer cover sheet.
3.  Press for 15 seconds
4. Peel the clear carrier when it’s cold.

How to Heat Press StripFlock HTV on Cardstock

Time: 15 seconds Temperature: 320°F Pressure: Medium

1. Place the HTV where you like it on the cardstock.
2.  Cover everything with a heat transfer cover sheet.
3.  Press for 5 seconds per layer (15 seconds for 1 layer designs)
4.  Peel StripFlock’s carrier cold. ( StripFlock® Pro can be peeled hot!)

Do you recognize this poinsettia? I revamped the sunflower from my DIY Faux Necklace Dolman Sleeve Top in Cricut Design Space to create the Christmas flower!

What will you make with cardstock and heat transfer vinyl? Party decorations, greeting cards, and scrapbooking are just a few of the possibilities! Tag your creations with #SiserNA and we might give you a shout out!