Heat transfer vinyl sheets are a very popular material used for crafting. It is extremely versatile, durable, affordable but at the same time overwhelmingly diverse which can make anyone feel skeptical of where to start from.
But don’t be afraid of stepping into this world as this diversity is also very addictive and once you know that you have unlimited options when it comes to vinyl crafting, your desire to learn more will grow ten folds.
In this article, I will be telling you all the amazing options you have in vinyl and how each of your projects can look spectacular with the right kind of vinyl.
What is Heat Transfer Vinyl?
Before heading into the minor details, the first thing to learn is the basics, right? HTV is a very special kind of plastic that is super versatile and flexible. This can be used for a myriad of decorating and crafting purposes.
In fact the vast scale and full potential of it is still being discovered and the more people are using it the more they are loving it and can’t get enough of it. HTV is a very useful and resourceful material when it comes to giving personalized touches to any garment, utensil, invite, decor or logos.
Along with the versatility and diversity it is also incredibly easy and childishly simple to use and master which is why so many small businesses and startups are popping up using HTV as their prime source of customization. Be it event management, printing facilities, decoration items, garments or gift shops.
The name heat transfer vinyl is due to the heat activated adhesive in it that allows the vinyl to flawlessly adhere itself permanently on to any fabric or solid surface it is transferred to with enough time, pressure and temperature.
Printable heat transfer vinyl comes in all sorts of finishes, colors, designs, shapes, sizes, prints and patterns that the permutation and combination are literally countless and unimaginable. This material is subject to your creativity, so you can choose to do so much from it.
In order for HTV to work efficiently, you need to know the right HTV for the right material and purpose.
Types of Craft Vinyl
Vinyl crafting is very exciting, fun, challenging and rewarding, if you nail the art of vinyl crafting you will not only earn a lot but also have the room to grow and excel. In today’s world where customizations, bespoke marketing and personalization is everything, vinyl crafting is very important.
Generally there are only 2 main categories of vinyl but these 2 main types have other sub-types and I will be discussing each one of them with you.
1.Adhesive Vinyl
The adhesive vinyl, as the name suggests has adhesive on one side of it and plain on the other side. You can use this type of vinyl just like a sticker and with enough pressure any design can be transferred from it.
For all the projects like coffee mug printing, wall decals, water bottles, wall signs, banners, special decor, customized stickers are all done with adhesive vinyl.
2.Permanent Vinyl
Permanent vinyl is water-resistant and is generally used for outdoor projects so that it can withstand the harsh climatic conditions. This type of crafting vinyl is perfect for projects like car decals, glassware, key chains, outer banners, water bottles and so many other things.
Although the permanent vinyl is somewhat removable it may cause some damage to the surface underneath it like scratches.
3.Removable Vinyl
Removable vinyl has a water-based formula that allows its easy removal from all surfaces. The difference between this type of vinyl and the permanent one is simple and pretty clear- it doesn’t leave any cast behind after its removal and there is no damage done to the surface below.
After removing this type of vinyl, you can resume that surface for any other project or just use it as is. This type of vinyl is great for short term customizing like doing a hashtag for weddings, writing a catching phrase for your room walls or making someone feel special in their special moment.
4.Speciality Adhesive Vinyl
When the word special comes with adhesive, magic is bound to be created. The speciality adhesive vinyls are the cooler ones like glow-in-the-dark, static cling, fluorescent, chalkboard and other cool stuff like that.
5.Heat Transfer Vinyl
Probably the most heard and known type of crafting vinyl is heat transfer vinyl. This kind of vinyl is plain and smooth on both sides and is attached on special heat transfer vinyl sheets once the design is ready.
This one is particularly perfect for fabric and flowy materials, or in simpler words any material that can withstand the immense pressure and heat. You can use it for campaigning with special logo shirts, you can customize your merchandise with this type of vinyl and so much more. With heat transfer vinyl crafting sky's the limit.
6.Glossy/Glitter/Glow-in-the-Dark Heat Transfer Vinyl
Apart from the standard matte finish, you also have the option for the glossy or even glittery finishes for various crafting projects with printable heat transfer vinyl.
You can make different textures, styles with glossy and glitter vinyl that can bring the X factor to any of your projects.The glossy and glitter vinyl makes your designs pop out, adds fabulous touch and oomph to your shirt or cap or wherever you have used it.
Another amazing type of vinyl is the glow-in-the-dark ones, these go amazingly well with darker backgrounds as this allows the vinyl to truly take the center stage when in dark. The glow-in-the-dark vinyls look the best on t-shirts and you can mix and match other textures in this type as well like, glitter, glossy, neon colored or flock finishes.
Conclusion
When it comes to vinyl crafting you can’t use any type of vinyl and think it would work. Choosing the right type of vinyl for the right project will result in its longevity and better results. If you are a beginner looking to step into the world of vinyl then these types of vinyls should be on your finger tips!
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While it may seem like a lot at first, once you make the investment you can create a wide variety of things for years to come, and you can even turn your hobby into a business.
What is Heat Transfer Vinyl?Before we go any further, you need the basics.
That includes gym bags, sneakers, dish towels, aprons, hats, canvas, glass, wood and so so SO much more!What Craft Supplies Do you Need for Working with HTV?
Be sure you’re shopping for a reputable brand with quick shipping, high-quality products and a 100% money back guarantee.
Don’t forget to get a machine with a blade and a cutting mat, or be sure to purchase those items separately.
An iron - like one you have in your house - or a heat press is needed to heat up the material’s adhesive allowing it to adhere to the item you're pressing - and stay put during wear and wash.
