Siser’s Top Heat Transfer Vinyl Tips Continued…
So what do you get for making it through the first 5 tips? Five more tips of course! Our previous tips focused on cutting and weeding while the following are all about heat application. Keep reading to make sure you’re using the methods the experts recommend!
Tip 6: Prep your Garment
Always pre-press your garment to create the best application surface possible. A pre-press helps out in more ways than one:
- Removes wrinkles
- Removes moisture
- Pre-Shrinks
A wrinkle and moisture free fabric allows for the best adhesion between the garment and HTV, as well as a nice and smooth finished look. Pre-shrinking the fabric is especially important when working with 100% cottons since they tend to shrink the most. When you can, opt for a blended t-shirt fabric to lessen the likelihood of a shrunken shirt and wrinkly vinyl.
However, there are some rare instances that a pre-press is not needed. If you’re working with a highly heat sensitive fabric, like some types of nylon, then a pre-press may harm more than help your project.
Additionally, a pre-wash is not always necessary either. If you prefer to wash your blanks, make sure to steer clear of liquid fabric softeners which leave behind a HTV repelling residue.
Tip 7: The Pressure Predicament
Heat Transfer Vinyl needs the combination of heat + time + pressure to equal a long-lasting application. Unfortunately, when pressure gets dropped from the equation the heat transfer vinyl usually drops off the shirt as well. When using a Cricut® EasyPress™, the pressure is only regulated by how much force you manually apply throughout the whole application time. Whereas a heat press can be adjusted to accurately and evenly press more (or less) firmly, and all you have to do is pull the handle down once.
Check out this video for more tips on pressing with a home iron, EasyPress, and heat press!
For your convenience, the time, temperature, and pressure settings can be found on the Siser® App. You might notice that EasyWeed® Stretch needs firmer pressure than regular ol’ EasyWeed. Stretch’s lightweight and slim figure isn’t the only difference between the two materials however! With extra elasticity and a matte finish, EasyWeed Stretch is a favorite for more than just sports related garments (like the cotton tote bag used in the project pictured on the right!)
Keep in mind that while firm pressure is great for Stretch, it’s not necessary for every type of heat transfer vinyl! The weave or texture of the garment does not need to be seen through the HTV to indicate a good press, and in some cases (like Glitter and StripFlock®) it’s simply impossible because of their texture.
Additionally, a clear adhesive halo around the HTV is not a sign of a proper press. The more adhesive squished to the side of your vinyl means the less that’s underneath bonding the vinyl to the fabric. In these cases, you may actually need to decrease your pressure. Check out the following video for more details on pressure!
Tip 8: The “Tack” Trick to Layering
Quick, short presses are best when it comes to layering multiple colors of HTV. When you use this method, we call it “tacking” because you’re giving the material just enough heat and pressure for it to bond to the fabric and release from the carrier. As each new color is heat applied, the lower layers also receive heat, so by the end of the whole process each layer has had between 10-20 seconds of heat and pressure. This is the sweet spot to aim for because you can have too much of a good thing! Adding more and more pressing time to your design is going to begin to dry out the HTV, which makes it more susceptible to cracking and peeling. For most Siser materials, a 3-5 second press is enough to tack a layer down, but with products in the EasyWeed family you can get away with a 1 second tack!
To create the ice cream cone pictured, my heat press was set to 305°F and I adjusted my pressure knob until I had firm pressure on the tote bag. Here’s how the presses went:
- EasyWeed tan- 1 second (hot peel carrier)
- EasyWeed Stretch sweet mint – 1 second (hot peel carrier)
- EasyWeed Stretch lilac – 1 second (hot peel carrier)
- EasyWeed Stretch passion pink – 1 second (hot peel carrier)
- 10 second press (don’t forget your heat transfer cover sheet!)
Tip 9: Mixing Materials With Different Application Settings
Mixing and matching different types of heat transfer vinyl often creates some of the coolest looks. Many people get excited while creating and cutting their artwork, but when it comes to heat applying they’re nervous to bring the handle down. When in doubt, set your heat press for the HTV in your project that calls for the lowest recommended temperature. Then work your way from the thinnest material (like EasyWeed Stretch) to the thickest material (Brick™ 600.) You may need to adjust your pressure along the way, especially if you use a heat transfer pillow. If any of the HTV still wants to grip the carrier instead of the fabric, you may need to increase your pressing time by a few seconds.
Want to see how this beast was made? Watch the video here!
Tip 10: Decorating Heat Sensitive Fabrics
It seems that the most popular fabrics these days are also the most heat sensitive! Some polyesters, rayon, modal, tri-blends, nylon, and others can have a negative reaction to heat. In these cases, our standard recommended heat settings (typically ranging from 305°-320°F and pressing for 10-15 seconds) could result in heat marks, scorching, or melting. But when you use Siser HTV there’s no need to worry! A couple adjustments to the heat application proces are all you need to prevent problems!
You can see where the heat press came into contact with the fabric by the shiny heat mark around the HTV.
To use the lower heat application method, turn the temperature down to 280°F and press for 15-20 seconds. When you use a lower temperature you must make up for it by increasing your pressing time. See this process in action in the decorating rayon with EasyWeed Stretch blog post.
Want to know more about possible heat sensitive fabrics? See this post for 4 more decorating tips.
Ten tips later and you’re an HTV expert, right?! If anything, you’re at least well read! But a true HTV expert practices with their tools of the trade. So it’s time to take everything you’ve learned and apply it to your next project! We’d love to see what you make whether you tag us with #siserna on Instagram or show it off in our Facebook Group: Siser N.A HTV &EasyPSV.
Keep every tip handy by pinning the image below.
im ironing glitter onto silk like capes. do i need a towel in between the vinyl and iron? what should i use?
Hi Renee! I’d recommend using parchment paper in between the heat transfer vinyl and the iron. Additionally, you may want to read these tips for applying to heat sensitive garments and use the lower temperature application method mentioned.
Lets say I’m making a shirt with easyweed and glitter. It’s not layered. Do I press this design all at 320, 15 seconds? I was worried about the temp being higher than recommended for regular easyweed? I’m new to vinyling and am nervous about pressing or layering different vinyls with different temp times. Thank you so much.
Hi Christie! Although 320°F for 15 seconds likely won’t harm EasyWeed® (HTV can be applied in a range of temperatures.) When layering HTV, a good rule of thumb is to use the lowest temperature called for. In your case that’s 305°F for EasyWeed®. I’d suggest pressing for 15-20 seconds. Good luck!
do you have pint and scan htv for ink jet printers?
Thanks for reading the Siser Blog, Robin! We do not offer inkjet printer HTV. The Print and Cut materials we offer are only compatible with eco-solvent, solvent, and latex inks.
Hi! I just tried easy weed stretch on a shirt that has 95% rayon and 5%spandex. I used 280 degrees. It didn’t stick to the fabric no matter how long I pressed or how much pressure I used. I even switched to an iron at one point! Nothing worked. Do you have any ideas as to why and what I could do next time?
Hi Diana! Sorry to hear of your troubles! EasyWeed® Stretch requires firm pressure. I’d suggest increasing your pressure and using a heat transfer pillow to ensure you’re avoiding problem areas like seams, buttons and zippers. You may want to check this blog post out for more tips on pillows and pressure.
I used Siser Stretch Heat Transfer Vinyl on a s shirt. It came out great except I forgot to weed two small tear drop shapes. Then I used a small iron and was able to remove them. In doing so, I have a few tiny wrinkles. Is there any was to get rid of wrinkles?
Hi Mary! If you put a heat transfer cover sheet or parchment paper back on top of the HTV and press the wrinkled area for 1-5 seconds, that should smooth things out.
I have some polo shirts 60% cotton & 40% Polyester, what temperature and pressure would I use with Siser Easyweed for a 2 colour (not layered) application (I will have to press them in 2 separate presses). Thank you so much for your informative videos and tips!
Hi Michelle! For a cotton/polyester blend, you can use the standard time: 305°F and medium pressure. Since you have to do 2 presses, I’d recommend tacking the first color for 1-3 seconds and hot peel the carrier. If the second color can be placed without the carrier overlapping the first color then you can do a full 10 second press. If the carrier does overlap though, I’d recommend tacking the second color for 1-3 seconds and then covering everything with a heat transfer cover sheet and pressing for a final 10 seconds. This will eliminate any carrier creases on the first applied color.
I have a neon cad flex heat press vinyl and its not sticking to my shirt. the temp is on 305 , 15 second duration with medium pressure i dont know what to do.
Hi Johnathon! When the application temperature and time are correct, we often find there’s a pressure problem. I’d suggest using a heat transfer pillow inside the shirt to create an even pressing surface. This video explains more about using pillows. Additionally, please note that CADflex is a cold peel, so if you remove the clear carrier while it’s still warm, you may experience lifting HTV.
What about 100% cotton t-shirts that say they are pre-shrunk, do they need pre-washing?
Hi Karen! It’s not necessary to pre-wash shirts before applying HTV. However, we do recommend pre-pressing the garment for 1-5 seconds before applying the HTV. A pre-press removes wrinkles and lingering moisture in the shirt so it can create a better bond with the adhesive on the heat transfer vinyl.
Is the quality of easy weed different at Michael’s than what is available on line? It seems much thinner.
Hi Sherry! The quality of Siser materials at Michaels stores is the same as what you would get from any other authorized distributor or reseller. Be careful who you buy from online though, as there are many people selling HTV that claim to be Siser brand but are not, check out this post for more information. If you need to find an authorized distributor in your area, please email Info@SiserNA.com.
When I got my vinyl off the mat, some of it pulled off of the carrier sheet. What did I do wrong? First time usimg siser easyweed.
Hi Tanaya! If you peeled your vinyl off the mat and some of it stayed behind, then the HTV was cut too deep. I’d suggest reading over this beginner cutting post for more details on adjusting your cut settings.
im having a problem i set my temp at 305 for 14sec melted everything is my pressure to high the carrier everything melted dont know what to do please help
Hi there! Sorry to hear you’re having troubles. I’d suggest using a thermometer gun to gauge your heat press temperature to see if the read out is accurate. If the temp is right, it may be possible you have ingenuine HTV. Can you please send pictures as well as your application settings and who you purchased from to our tech team at Support@SiserNA.com so they can help troubleshoot this case?
After I heat press my tees, the htv seems to wrinkle after it cools on the shirt. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Andi! I’d recommend pre-pressing your shirts for a few seconds before applying the HTV. Additionally you may need to increase your pressure or use a heat transfer pillow.
I’m having issues with easyweed peeling or cracking after a few washes. I can’t even put it in the tumble dryer at low heat as it will lift after one dry!
Is there a way to tell if there is an issue with your press as soon as it’s done? The grain shows through the vinyl once I’ve pressed but that’s all I really look for.
I pre press. Don’t pre wash. Press at 150degrees but often I press for longer than 15 seconds (‘to make sure’).
Hi Lisa! It sounds like you may be over pressing the HTV. If HTV is pressed for too long/too hard, a significant amount of adhesive can be squished out from under the vinyl which causes lifting and the HTV becomes more brittle as it’s exposed to more heat. You do not always have to see the grain of the shirt fibers through the HTV for it to be a good application. In fact, this usually indicates you are close to over pressing and in worst cases you may experience “strike through” which is the fabric of the shirt pushing through the face of the HTV. I recommend following our application instructions on the website for each product since they have been tested to provide the best and longest lasting results.
I use Siser Easyweed with a Cricut Easypress and almost all of my tshirt designs wrinkle terribly after washing them. They look pretty and smooth when they are first pressed, but a wrinkled mess afterwards. I do prepress before I use the vinyl, but can’t understand what I am doing wrong! Please help!
Hi Carissa! Wrinkling HTV is a common affect that occurs from the laundering process and can happen when applied with an EasyPress or a heat press. It’s possible to remove the wrinkles by placing a heat transfer cover sheet on top of the applied vinyl and pressing for a few seconds.
can you layer sisers Hi-5 printable HTV and siser easyweed vinyl?
Hi there! We do not recommend layering any Siser® print and cut products. However, you can use knockout style art to create a layered look. Watch this video for more details.
Hi, I am putting names on a canvas fabric in a blank spot left for a name that already has an existing HTV design on it. How can I press the fabric to get out all the wrinkles? Can I put the design facing down on the pad instead of up facing the heat to get the wrinkles out before adding the name to it? Then how do I apply the name so that it doesn’t effect the existing HTV design? Thank you!
Hi Della! To press the wrinkles out of already applied HTV, I’d recommend placing a heat transfer cover sheet (parchment paper or a cotton cloth works too) on top of the vinyl and iron or heat press like you normally would for 1-5 seconds. Without a cover sheet you run the risk of transferring adhesive to your heating element. Afterwards you can place the name, replace the cover sheet, and press for the recommended time based on the type of HTV you’re using. The cover sheet will protect the HTV that was previously applied.