Wash Clothes Inside Out Once you do need to wash your article of clothing, be sure to turn it inside out so that the heat transfer vinyl is on the inside. This will give the vinyl itself an additional layer of protection from the other clothes in the wash, which will help it stay in good condition longer.
Make sure thick seams, buttons, zippers, and collars are not coming in the way. If there will be any hindrance, even pressure will not be applied leading to the peeling up of vinyl. You can fix this issue by using a heat press pillow when making the transfer.
Generally, heat transfer vinyl can last up to 50 wash cycles. This means roughly one to two years depending on the frequency of usage. Some HTV designs even last for 50 to 100 wash cycles. It all comes down to the quality of the film and maintenance of heat transfer vinyl after application.
The heat press works by adjusting the time, temperature, and pressure. Depending on the vinyl, you will need to apply more or less pressure. You should check the product's datasheet and follow the instructions. If the HTV doesn't stick to the garment, increase the pressure of your heat press.
For the Mod Podge, brush on a thin layer. You want to coat not only your heat transfer vinyl design but go over the edges a bit as well to seal all the way around. This will help it adhere well to the material. The Mod Podge will look a little bit milky when you apply it, but it will dry clear.
Choose a mild detergent: In order to make sure the vinyl lasts for the long term, avoid using strong detergents, bleach and fabric softeners. Hang Dry or on Low or Tumble setting: Similar to washing, you do not want the vinyl to be rubbed against other products at a high temperature.
Use a Clear Coat of Paint
The surface you're applying the adhesive on may have an uneven surface. Using clear paint will help smooth out the rough spots and add a shine to your decal! This is definitely an easy way to keep adhesive vinyl from peeling.
We recommend using a removable adhesive glue that you can purchase for a few bucks. This helps prevent the edges of your wall decal from peeling in the future.
Mod Podge is a great choice for sealing vinyl on glass. It is also used in making custom photo canvases and glittering things. Seal vinyl with Mod Podge helps it from peeling off.
ORACAL® 951:This is an even higher-grade cast vinyl. It is designed to last about 2 years longer in the sunlight than even 751 (around 8-10 years). It is also more expensive. We carry 106 colors of this product in limited that are not made in the 651 or 751 lines.
Teflon Sheet
It is non-stick, so bits of heat transfer vinyl don't get stuck to your iron or your press, and they help protect your design so it doesn't melt to your press.
HOW LONG WILL HEAT TRANSFERS LAST? With proper care of your garment (wash inside out on a cool wash, dry inside out on a washing line and iron inside out - no tumble drying or dry cleaning) the manufacturer recommends around 50 washes for the vinyl heat transfers, which do eventually crack and fade.
Correct pressure settings are crucial to prevent peeling of heat pressed transfers. Too little pressure leads to incomplete adhesion, causing transfers to peel off. Too much pressure can scorch or distort the transfer, also resulting in peeling.
We find that using polyurethane spray as a seal on plastic works well. It's important to note that if you're applying this spray to an item you are in a well-ventilated area. Polyurethane is toxic and has a strong odor so we recommend applying it outside or in a well-ventilated, large room with a fan blowing.
You risk 'overcooking' the vinyl if you press more than once for the same amount of time. If it has not adhered after the recommended time, just give it only another 2-3 seconds, not the full time again (if using an Easy Press or iron make sure to press even harder during this extra time).
For peeling stickers – Apply gentle heat on the peeling vinyl graphics with a hairdryer or heat gun. This will reactivate the glue, so have some wax paper ready to lay the sticker on. You may like to know: How to remove old vehicle decals.
Finally, don't use rubbing alcohol. Repeated use will lead to vinyl becoming brittle and dry, which will make it crack faster over time. It can also damage the wear layer in a similar way to ammonia.
Take care of the items you have applied vinyl to.
With shirts, it's best to turn them inside out before washing. Wash them in cold water to help preserve your designs. With unsealed items like mugs and tumblers, you will need to hand wash them. Do not submerge them in water.
Another benefit of Siser Easyweed is its long-lasting durability. It won't fade, crack, or peel when properly applied and cared for, unlike cheaper products. Siser Easyweed is 0.09 mm thick and works well with cotton or linen-blend fabrics, making it the top choice for t-shirt vinyl.