How to Put Siser® Heat Transfer Vinyl
on Fabric Face Masks Safely
Everyone’s lives have been affected in some way by the Corona Virus pandemic. We must do our best to help lift each other up (from a distance), stay positive, and stay healthy. The Siser Team has been working hard to put out helpful and heartwarming content to keep you and the kids entertained during this historic time.
But even more important than entertainment is health. The CDC now recommends everyone wears a face covering while in public community settings. So all those sewers who were working hard to provide face masks for medical workers now have double if not triple the orders. Many makers aren’t charging for their masks or charging lower than they’re worth. Adding an HTV logo, monogram, or quote is another way to increase the value of your product or just add a little more personality. Many have already caught on to this and started decorating their face masks. We love the creativity, but we do want to put out a word of caution on best practices so you and your loved ones can stay safe!
There are tons of face mask sewing tutorials out there, but these tips apply to all varieties! I’m using the free Silhouette face mask pattern (it’s very similar to the Cricut face mask pattern) and the Maker’s Habitat version that I learned from a video tutorial.
Face Mask Tip #1: Use CPSIA Certified Iron on Vinyl
The vast majority of Siser products are CPSIA-certified, which means that they are safe for children’s clothing and release no toxic chemicals so they will not cause any bodily harm if small pieces are accidentally ingested.
Note that there are other factors we take into consideration when it comes to face mask applications, and as a result some CPSIA-certified materials may not be suitable for face masks. Suitable materials include EasyWeed® (standard colors), EasyWeed Electric, EasyWeed Stretch, EasyWeed Extra, EasyWeed SubBlock, EasyWeed Glow, EasyWeed Adhesive, EasyReflective®, BlackBoard®, Glitter, Twinkle, Holographic, Metal, StripFlock® Pro (standard colors (excl. black)), EasySubli®, EasyPatterns®, ColorPrint™ Easy, ColorPrint PU (gloss/matte), ColorPrint Soft Opaque, ColorPrint Sublithin, and Hi-5 Print Matte.
Face Mask Tip #2: Use a Heat Transfer Pillow
You can apply the HTV before sewing since the fabric is at it’s flattest and it will be easiest to achieve even pressure. However, if you don’t factor in your seam allowance you may end up hiding part of the HTV, so I prefer to put the iron the vinyl on after the face mask is sewn.
Whether you use an iron, EasyPress, or Heat Press, you’ll most likely want to use a heat transfer pillow to create even pressure if you’re applying on a finished mask because all the seams and/or pleats create uneven pressure.
A Glitter HTV monogram helps you know who’s face mask is who’s when you share the same fabric in a family.
If you’re able to isolate the pressing area away from the problem areas, then you don’t need a pillow, but if you notice some areas are applying and some are not, it’s time to reach for the pillow.
The EasyPress Mini is able to isolate the monogram, so no heat transfer pillow is needed.
The standard time, temperature and pressure settings are perfect for cotton fabric face masks. You can find application settings for each product on our website and app.
Face Mask Tip #3: Smile!
Just because your face is covered, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t smile. It’s time to work on your “smize” as Tyra Banks would say!
After receiving feedback from numerous sources and conducting more extensive research, we have determined that there is no immediate danger to applying HTV on the front (mouth and nose areas) of the mask.
The elastic bands can lead to discomfort on the ears when worn for prolonged periods. Crafters are helping solve that problem with clips and headbands to hold the elastic away from the sensitive skin. Check out all the other ways crafts are helping on the Cutting for Business blog.
If you liked this blog post, you may also enjoy the video tutorial showing how to decorate a face mask using your home iron, EasyPress, heat press, or cap press!
Please feel free to share this information with anyone looking to apply HTV to fabric face masks, and pin the image below to Pinterest to spread the word. If you have any additional questions, please leave a comment!
Hi Lily! I just stumbled on your blog page and love it! Is there a way to subscribe so that I get an email link when you post them?
Hi Stephanie, thanks for reading! Yes, there’s a subscription box on the top right of the screen to enter your email address :)
Hello!
Are these masks still washable after applying HTV? If so, what’s the wash process?
Hi Mel! Yes, the masks are still washable after applying HTV. The standard washing process for all Siser® heat transfer vinyl is recommended:
• Wait 24 hours before first wash
• Machine wash warm or cold / mild detergent (no liquid fabric softeners)
• Dry on normal dryer setting
• Do not dry clean
I tried using some of your product. But some were not adhering. I used a Cricut easy press with the mat. Is there anything special to do? The mask were already sewn and had lining on inside of mask.
Hi Cheryl! I’m sorry you’re having trouble. You may need to increase your EasyPress temperature. I’d suggest reading this blog post with tips for applying Siser HTV using an EasyPress.
When applying HTV to the front of the mask does it make if difficult to breathe clearly or cause facial sweating?
Hi Tanya! There is no immediate danger to applying HTV on the front (mouth and nose areas) of the mask.
HELP! How would I adjust and/or apply a cut image across the FRONT of a curved face mask??? I just cannot get the logo for my foundation ironed on properly because the front is curved😢
Hi Amy! You’ll have to do your best to support the curve with a heat transfer pillow if the mask is already sewn. Otherwise, I’d suggest applying the logos before sewing them.
Hi,
I use Easyweed and print on it my logo and I wanted to know how much heat do I make for 90% cotton 10% poly for my face mask?
do I use 150c? and medium pressure for 10-15 sec?
You got it, Lior! That’s exactly right.
Can you fold a curved mask in half and press the decal first one side and then the other?
Yes, I do this with mine. It works fine.
I was hoping to put a silly vinyl mouth on my mask over my mouth area. Is that much over the mouth still safe?
Yes! Please feel free to read the statement on the homepage of our site (green box in the middle of the page) for more information.
Will print then cut designs hold up on a mask and if so what is the proper washing requirements??
Hi Whitney! Yes, there are 5 approved Siser® Print and Cut products on our list: ColorPrint™ Easy, ColorPrint™ PU (gloss/matte), ColorPrint™ Soft Opaque, ColorPrint™ Sublithin, and Hi-5 Print Matte. We suggest following the mask manufacturer’s instructions for proper washing/disinfecting.
Hi.
I have been user Siser heat press vinyl on my face masks. It works and they look amazing.
But now some of the masks I made a few weeks ago the vinyl is lifting. Any tips? I’m not sure why.
I make shirts and that doesn’t happen. Any suggestions you have would be wonderful.
Hi Margaret! Most face mask styles will need the help of a heat transfer pillow to get proper pressure across the heat transfer vinyl. Peeling most often occurs from a pressure issue.
Can the vinyl safely be applied to the inside of the mask? Specifically, I’m looking to put it on the side by the ear loop. I’m needing to label masks for school with my children’s names.
Hi Liz! Yes, it’s safe to apply HTV from our recommended list on the inside as a label as well.
Hi thank you, and to clarify, the Easyweed black and white are included in the “standard colors” for suitable options?
Yes, they are :)
Hi LIly,
Should instill use pillow on a black poly blend mask?
I saw a tip that it will show press/ heat marks
Hi Monica! If you’re able to get even pressure across the mask without using a pillow then you can avoid it, but you may need to use one in order for the HTV to properly stick. Pillows can retain heat from the iron/heat press so if you’re worried about press marks you can lower the temperature (270-280°F) and increase your pressing time (15-20 seconds.)
When I put vinyl on facemask Can i machinewash? How to care?
Hi Kay! Yes, you can still machine wash Siser® HTV. We recommend following the face mask manufacturer’s washing instructions for best results.
Is it okay to wash HTV Designed face masks regular in a washing machine, as well as dry on regular, as it is suggested to use hot water and hot dryer to disinfect face covers?
Hi Lenny! Yes, however you may notice cracking or peeling occurring sooner than usual.
Do I need to wash the face mask before I apply the vinyl?
Hi Carole! We typically do not recommend pre-washing any garments/fabrics, but if the mask manufacturer suggests it then I would follow their instructions. Please note, liquid fabric softeners deposit a residue that inhibits the HTV application. However, softener sheets do not have that affect.
Hi Lily… My question is about mask with Siser Brick. Is necesary set protection paper on the mask with your heatpress?
Hi Francis! If the Brick HTV still has the carrier attached, then a cover sheet/protection paper isn’t necessary but it is best practice to use one for every press to protect your garment.
I have a gaiter mask I think 90% polyester.
What type of vinyl should I use, the siser stretch and what temperature?
Hi DaNean! Yes, I’d recommend EasyWeed® Stretch at 320°F with firm pressure for 20 seconds.
Can I sew the ColorPrint Easy vinyl onto my fabric (satin) instead of ironing it?
Hi Eileen, you could use ColorPrint Easy as an HTV applique like the Glitter HTV is shown with machine embroidery in the this post. However, if you simply wanted to sew around the edge, I would still suggest heat applying the HTV for longest lasting results. You may also want to check out this video on heat applying satin and silk.