The heat transfer & Vinyl Process

What is heat transfer vinyl?

Heat Transfer Vinyl, or "t-shirt vinyl" is a heat activated adhesive that is used on a variety of fabric surfaces. It comes in all different colors and can be cut to any solid shape or size. Vinyl is available in rolls and sheets and has a clear backing that is later removed after being heat pressed onto the desired garment.

Check out the step-by-step procress below

What is it used for?

T-shirt vinyl is very versatile and can be used on 100% cotton, 100% polyester, and 50/50 blends. This means it's not limited to t-shirts, and can also be used on jerseys, jackets, hoodies, sweatpants, and so much more!

Check out customer examples below

Step-by-step

STEP 1: FINALIZE VINYL DESIGN & PRINT

The *Heat transfer vinyl, or "t-shirt vinyl" process begins with a finalized logo or design. The design is printed on a *vinyl cutter, where the design is carefully cut into the sheet of vinyl, but not into the clear backing.

STEP 2: WEED THE DESIGN

Using a special tool, *weed or remove the negative space of the design. Make sure to remove all parts not in the design or logo. What remains will be heat pressed onto the desired garment. Quality check the vinyl while warming the heat press. Set vinyl in desired location on the garment and perform a heat press test in ensure the correct temperature.

STEP 3: HEAT PRESS

After testing and achieving ideal heat settings for the material being printed, place the item onto the heat press. Place the vinyl design in the desired location on the garment and heat press. Once pressed, remove the clear film by peeling it off garment.

Definitions:
*Heat transfer vinyl- A specialty vinyl polymer that can be used on certain fabrics & materials also referred to as "t-shirt vinyl"
*Vinyl Cutter- A type of computer-controlled machine, that cuts material, like a printer prints ink
*Weed- Process of removing the unwanted vinyl in the cut design

TIP:
Heat transfer vinyl will work better for different types of fabric and designs, so don't be afraid to get a quote or reach out to us for any questions you have!

Customer vinyl designs

Show your team spirit! Custom vinyl apparel is perfect for teams, clubs, and other athletic organizations!

Want to learn more about printing processes?

Screen Printing
Embroidery
Digital Printing
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