Using the Incorrect Temperature If the temperature you use is too low, the vinyl won't stick. You'll have to go over it again at a higher temperature. If your iron temperature is too high, your HTV design will melt and pucker. It'll adhere, but it'll also alter the texture of the fabric.
Yes, you can iron on permanent vinyl but too much heat can damage it and make it lose its tack so it is advised to keep the temperature low and iron on only if it is necessary. You can use a regular iron or heat press on permanent vinyl but this is not the best vinyl choice for garments.
Conversely, pressing for too long risks burning vinyl and the garment. The heat, pressure, and time settings are not complicated requirements.
If you overheat HTV, the design will melt and warp. Not only the decal but the fabric might also get scorch marks.
If the temperature is set too high, it can lead to scorching, burning, or discoloration of the materials, resulting in poor quality transfers or damage to the substrate.
Application Instructions (Heat Press):
Apply design at 305°F / 150°C (EasyPress users add approx. 30°). Use medium pressure for 10-15 seconds.
You need to aim for that “sweet spot” in the middle where the right amount of pressure results in an adhered vinyl. Too little and heat transfer vinyl won't stick, too much pressure and it will result in an over-application.
If the HTV doesn't stick to the garment, increase the pressure of your heat press. The presence of a coating on the fabric could also be the reason why vinyl doesn't stick to the garment is the presence of a coating on the fabric, generally water-repellent or antimicrobial products.
If your iron temperature is too high, your HTV design will melt and pucker. It'll adhere, but it'll also alter the texture of the fabric.
Inadequate pressure is one of the biggest reasons why HTV peels off shirts.
The vinyl material used in records has a specific melting point, and exposure to high temperatures can cause the vinyl to soften and change shape. This is a critical factor in the warping process. The vinyl melting point is around 160 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit (71 to 100 degrees Celsius).
Preheat the application area of your base material for 10-15 seconds. Place the weeded image, liner side up, onto the preheated material. Apply medium pressure with the iron for 25-30 seconds. Flip the material over and apply medium pressure with the iron to the back of the material for an additional 25-30 seconds.
Tip: For best results, keep your design to four (4) or fewer layers. With each applied layer, the design becomes thicker and stiffer and may not appear as desired. If possible, allow the carrier sheet area of inner and top layers to be large enough to cover the bottom layer completely.
This is simply because not all transfer tapes are good quality. They're therefore not as sticky as they should be. Heavier vinyl types also need sticker transfer tapes. If your design makes use of glitter or foil vinyl, you'll need to make use of a transfer tape with a stronger adhesive.
When using iron-on, Cold Peel means allow your transfer to cool completely before removing liner.
This could be because of seams, zippers, or anything else that will cause you to not have a flat surface. Verify that your Cricut EasyPress is set to the settings recommended in our online Heat Guide (Cricut EasyPress and Cricut EasyPress 2) or the Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3).
Properly Storing Heat Transfer Vinyl To Make it Last
High temperatures and humidity can cause the vinyl to warp or deteriorate.
To extend the life of your vinyl records, try not to overplay them. Overuse damages the grooves more severely, which lowers the sound quality. Turn over your records and set a limit on how many times you can listen to a specific record.
Layering HTV allows you to add depth and texture to your designs. Whether you're creating a bold multi-color graphic or using different finishes like flock or reflective, HTV gives you the flexibility to create a premium look without spending a lot of money.
Time, temperature and pressure are all extremely important factors when applying HTV, so do check all of these factors are correct for each vinyl you use. Time – If your pressing time is too long or too short it will cause HTV to peel away from your garment.
The ideal temperature to use for heat transfer vinyl is between 260 ℉ to 315 ℉ (130 ℃ to 160 ℃) using medium pressure.