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
- Place the HTV where you like it on the cardstock.
- Cover everything with a heat transfer cover sheet.
- Press for 15 seconds.
- Peel the clear carrier warm.
How to Heat Press Holographic HTV on Cardstock
Time: 15 seconds Temperature: 320°F Pressure: Medium
- Place the HTV where you like it on the cardstock.
- Cover everything with a heat transfer cover sheet.
- Press for 15 seconds
- Peel the clear carrier when it’s cold.
How to Heat Press StripFlock HTV on Cardstock
Time: 15 seconds Temperature: 320°F Pressure: Medium
- Place the HTV where you like it on the cardstock.
- Cover everything with a heat transfer cover sheet.
- Press for 5 seconds per layer (15 seconds for 1 layer designs)
- 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!
I’m so glad I came across this!!! I have an intricate design and was wondering if I could iron HTV to my cardstock for my scrapbook layout! My question is how do I set the pressure on my heatpress?
Hi Thi, glad this post is helpful for you! Since most cardstock is very thin, you’ll likely have to increase your pressure almost all the way. Before applying the HTV, you can test press the cardstock by itself to make sure your pressure is sufficient.
I’ve started making my scrapbooking title die cuts using HTV since it is awesome for intricate cuts. Can I officially say that this is photo safe for scrapbooks? I sell on Etsy and at my friend’s scrapbook retreat house. I haven’t had any questions or concerns, but I’d like to know. Thanks!!
Hi Denise, that’s an interesting question! While we have not experienced or had reports of experiencing any ill affects, our materials are also not tested for that particular concern. So I cannot say with certainty that our products are photo safe, but I appreciate you bringing this to our attention so we can consider further testing.