Decorating Satin and Silk with Siser® Heat Transfer Vinyl
Satin and silk may seem out of the realm of Heat Transfer Vinyl possibilities, but it’s actually easier to accomplish than you think! Projects like DIY superhero capes, bridal robes, birthday sashes, and more can all be in your future by the time you finish this blog post!
The main thing to know about decorating satin and silk is that they can be heat sensitive depending on the quality of the fabric. Silks and satins of very fine quality (as well as silks and satins of more “affordable” quality) are more likely to discolor with heat marks. So the first step in decorating these types of fabrics is to determine if it is indeed heat sensitive with a test press.
Step #1: Test Press
A second garment is ideal for test pressing. However, if you only have one garment then we typically recommend the back, inside of the item as the most inconspicuous area to test on. If you’re too nervous to even give the test press a shot, then proceed to step #2
Using the standard application settings for whichever HTV you’re applying (see application settings for each product on our website and app!) press a small piece of HTV on the test area or garment. If the fabric does not discolor then you’re free to use the standard settings.
If the fabric discolors then you know it is heat sensitive and you will need to use the Lower Temperature Application Method. The discoloration may appear subtle here, but when the discolored square is front and center on the shirt it’s hard to miss. So it’s better to test press now and know how the fabric will react instead of being surprised later on.
Step #2: Lower Temperature Application Method
All Siser HTV can be applied with the Lower Temperature Application Method to accommodate heat sensitive fabrics. Don’t let the long name intimate you! It’s actually a pretty simple concept that you’ll be mastering in no time.
Here’s the break down:
- Lower Temperature: 270°F-280°F
- Longer Pressing Time: 15-20 seconds total
- Pressure: Use recommended based on HTV (typically medium-firm)
Bonus Tip: If the fabric is extremely heat sensitive, use parchment paper instead of a heat transfer cover sheet since the paper releases heat quicker than the non-stick cover sheet.
Think of this as your alternate route to HTV application! The low temperature prevents most heat sensitive fabrics from discoloring and the longer pressing time allows the adhesive on the HTV to activate and bond to the fabric.
If the Lower Temperature Application Method sounds familiar, it’s probably because I’ve talked about it on the Siser Blog a few times before when it came to other heat sensitive fabrics such as: Modal, Polypropylene, Suede and Faux Suede, Faux Leather, and Nylon.
Step #3: Final Fixes
However, the alternative route isn’t always foolproof. Some fabrics will discolor or get a shiny appearance in the pressing area no matter how much caution is exercised. In these cases, you may need to press the entire garment so the discolored or shiny appearance covers the whole garment creating a consistent appearance.
Or save yourself the trouble and choose a different garment altogether! 100% cotton and cotton blends are a good choice since heat marks will usually fade away or not appear at all.
Step #4: Watch How it Works
Rather watch than read? See these tips in action on our YouTube channel!
I hope this post has prepared you to decorate some satin ribbons, silk scarves, or something similar like this DY satin super here cape from Authorized Distributors, Ante Up Graphic Supply.
Have a question I didn’t cover here? Please leave a comment below! If this post helped you out, keep it handy on Pinterest by pinning the image below!
Is it possible to remove mistakes off satin? I mixed up the names on two robes and don’t have time to reorder robes. They are small monograms on left breast.
Hi Lindsay! Check out this blog post for 3 ways you can fix HTV mistakes. I would suggest going with option 1 or 2 and if you’re concerned about using a product like VLR on the satin, do a small spot test first. Good luck!
What did you end up doing? I have the same problem right now. Any tips? :)
Hi! I was wondering if you could tell me what kind of HTV to use on a Fire Retardant Modacrylic material, and what settings to use for this? Thank you.
What is the best type of HTV to use on satin? I am looking at the Easy weed electric heat HTV, I really don’t want to mess this up as they are gifts for the bridesmaids.
Hi Peggy! EasyWeed Electric or EasyWeed would be great choices for satin. I’d suggest watching the video at the end of this blog post for more tips on application. Good luck :)
Hi. I was wondering if you could tell me what kind of HTV to use on Fire Retardant Modacrylic material, and what settings to use? Thank you!
Hi Kayla! I’d suggest using EasyWeed® Extra. Most polyester will be fine with the standard application settings, but if you prefer to err on the side of caution then you can use the lower temperature application method (270°-280° for 15-20 seconds) just to be safe.
Hi lily, great article.
I tried this before on a satin robe, but the vinyl peeled off after one wash.
Do you have any tips.
Thanks
Hi Maria! We recommend waiting 24 hours before the first wash. Then machine wash warm or cold with mild detergent and dry on normal dryer setting. We do not recommend washing/drying with high heat since HTV is applied with heat, it can also come off with heat. Additionally, we do not recommend dry cleaning or liquid fabric softeners (dryer sheets are ok.) If the peeling did not occur from the laundering process, the HTV may have been missing a key ingredient in application (time, temperature, pressure.) I’d suggest re-applying the HTV using a cover sheet and 5 second presses until re-adhered.
Hi Lily! I am using Siser Glitter HTV to add names to satin capes to be used as favors for my grandson’s birthday party. Would you be able to tell me how to apply the HTV using a traditional iron since I don’t have a press? Also, what should I used between the iron and the HTV? Thank you!
Hi Gina! Typically when applying HTV with a home iron, we recommend using the cotton/linen setting and the normally suggested pressing time (usually 10-15 seconds). If you can’t test that heat setting on the satin, then I’d suggest using a setting 1-2 below cotton/linen just to be safe in case the fabric turns out to be heat sensitive. If you’re using a lower heat setting, be sure to increase your pressing time to 15-20 seconds. You can use a non-stick (or teflon) cover sheet, parchment paper, or a clean cotton pressing cloth between the iron and HTV. If any Glitter HTV is still lifting, try pressing for an additional 5 seconds or peeling the carrier cold. Best of luck- you got this!