Interested in taking a closer look at heat transfer vinyl?  Not sure what garment films are, or what you might need to get started?  Printing your own designs using printable HTV and iron on films has never been easier.  A78 is your one-stop shop for all things HTV and iron on materials.  If you’re completely new to HTV, read on for the full lowdown!

What Is HTV?

HTV, or heat transfer vinyl, is a type of plastic or film which is specifically used to transfer images and designs onto garments and clothing.  There are many different types of HTV and many varieties of colours and types of HTV which we will explore in a further blog post.

Heat transfer vinyl can be printed onto, weeded and cut.  This allows you to carefully remove your images, designs and lettering, ready to be printed onto a wide range of materials.  You can heat press vinyl onto cottons, polyesters and more.  You can even use HTV to print onto mugs, baseball caps and even wood!

How Does Heat Transfer Vinyl Work?

Heat transfer vinyl, as you’ll see when you purchase it for the first time, can be delivered in sheets or as part of a longer roll.  There is an adhesive backing which needs to be peeled off before you apply it to any clothing.

You’ll also see that there are two sides to your heat transfer sheet.  There is a matte side and a glossy or shiny side.  The shiny side is also known as the ‘carrier’, which is responsible for helping to keep your design firmly in position while you apply heat.  This means you should always make sure the carrier faces up while it is being applied.  However, during cutting, it will go face down.

You may wish to use a cutter or cutting machine to help you safely remove your designs from HTV.  You can use a wide variety of different HTV options with cutters and printers, too – which means the process is made all the more simple.

How Do I Transfer with HTV?

Simple!  Iron on films and those used for garment decoration are, strangely enough, applied to fabric during heat transfer and pressure.  For smaller graphics and logos, you can use an everyday household iron to carefully press your desired creations into fabric.  However, for larger designs, shapes and complicated letters and numbers, we always recommend larger heat presses which are built for this purpose.

Remember, too, that the type of HTV sheet you use will require a certain amount of pressure and heat.  Generally, you should be vinyl pressing for no more than 10-15 seconds.  Do always pay attention to any and all instructions provided!

Find Out More

Interested in creating some fantastic designs with heat transfer films and vinyl material?  A78 has a huge array of colours, HTV types and ideas for you to try.  Take a look in store or call us on (+44 7471598378) to find out more!