Slide 001: HTV Types, Properties, and Material Selection¶
Slide Visual¶
Slide Overview¶
This slide covers the different categories of heat transfer vinyl, their physical properties, and how to select the right HTV type for each garment and application scenario.
Instruction Notes¶
What Is HTV?¶
Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV), also called iron-on vinyl, is a specialty vinyl with a heat-activated adhesive backing. When heated to the correct temperature under pressure, the adhesive melts and bonds permanently to fabric fibers. Unlike adhesive vinyl, HTV requires a heat source (heat press or household iron) for application.
HTV Product Categories¶
| Type | Texture | Temp/Time | Peel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Siser EasyWeed) | Smooth, matte | 305°F / 10-15s | Hot peel | T-shirts, bags, everyday garments |
| Stretch (Siser Stretch) | Smooth, flexible | 305°F / 10-15s | Hot peel | Performance wear, activewear |
| Glitter | Sparkly, textured | 320°F / 15-20s | Cold peel | Fashion, cheer, dance |
| Flock | Velvet/suede texture | 320°F / 15-20s | Cold peel | Premium look, sports numbers |
| Puff | Raises/inflates when heated | 300°F / 10s (varies) | Cold peel | 3D effect, kids designs |
| Metallic/Foil | Shiny mirror finish | 305°F / 10-15s | Cold peel | Accents, premium designs |
| Printable (inkjet) | Printed before cutting | 305°F / 15s | Cold peel | Full-color photos, complex art |
| Printable (sublimation) | Sublimation-printed | 385°F / 45-60s | Hot peel | Full-color on polyester |
| Glow-in-dark | Photoluminescent | 305°F / 10-15s | Cold peel | Safety, novelty, kids |
| Reflective | Retroreflective | 320°F / 20s | Cold peel | Safety, athletic gear |
Fabric Compatibility¶
| Fabric | Standard HTV | Specialty HTV | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Cotton | Excellent | Excellent | Best all-around substrate |
| Cotton/Poly Blend (50/50) | Good | Good | May need sublimation blocker for light HTV on dark garment |
| 100% Polyester | Use caution | Low-temp specialty | Standard temp can damage fabric; sublimation dye migration risk |
| Nylon | NOT recommended at standard temp | Low-temp only (280°F) | Melts at standard HTV temperatures |
| Leather/Faux Leather | Limited | Low-temp only | Test first; may damage surface |
| Canvas/Denim | Excellent | Good | Higher pressure may be needed |
| Performance/Moisture-wicking | Good | Stretch HTV preferred | Stretch HTV maintains flexibility |
Key Selection Criteria¶
- Fabric type: Determines maximum temperature and HTV compatibility
- Intended use: Athletic wear → stretch; fashion → glitter/flock; everyday → standard
- Design complexity: Single-layer → standard; multi-color → printable or layered
- Wash durability: All HTV is wash-durable when properly pressed; follow care instructions
- Garment color: Light HTV on dark garments → use opaque/sublimation-blocking HTV
Key Talking Points¶
- Standard HTV handles 80% of applications—learn it well before moving to specialty types
- Always check fabric compatibility before pressing—melted nylon cannot be undone
- Mirroring the design is the most common mistake for beginners—build it into your workflow checklist
- Printable HTV opens full-color design possibilities without layering
Learning Objectives (Concept Check)¶
- Can students identify at least 5 HTV types and their key properties?
- Can students select appropriate HTV for a given fabric type?
- Do students understand hot peel vs. cold peel requirements?
Last Updated: 2026-03-19