For any beginner working with heat transfer vinyl, having a lot of questions is completely normal! From determining the right cutter for your needs, deciding which tools to use, and figuring out how to actually apply your designs, there is a lot to cover and wrap your head around.
Some of the most common questions newbies tend to ask relate to the different types of heat transfer vinyl materials that are available, and when and why to use them. If this is something you’ve been wondering about yourself, you have found the right place to get started. We are going to go over some of the most common types of heat transfer vinyl materials, and tell you a little bit about what makes them special.
Before we get started, let's just make sure we have a proper understanding of what heat transfer vinyl is and what it is used for.[caption class="snax-figure" align="aligncenter" width="1140"][/caption]
Heat Transfer Vinyl aka HTV aka Iron on Vinyl
Heat transfer vinyl is also known as iron on vinyl, or HTV for short. It is used to decorate garments and other materials, and it is applied using heat - typically with a heat press or home iron. You can apply HTV to a number of different surfaces including fabric, glass, wood, canvas, shoes and so much more. Basically, any medium that can withstand the heat application process, you can apply HTV to.
Heat transfer vinyl is a fun, immersive and unique type of craft where the possibilities to grow are endless. However, it is important to note that heat transfer vinyl is different from adhesive vinyl. Adhesive vinyl is more like a sticker, and it is commonly used to apply decals to cars, outdoor decor, tumblers and more. To sum it up, anything that would melt from the application of heat is a good candidate for an adhesive vinyl decal.
Ok, so now that we are up to speed on the basics, let’s move onto something a little more advanced: the different types of HTV. There are quite a few out there, but we are going to cover some of the most common and the most unique options. While some of these materials are staples in every craft stash, some are more speciality materials that add flair to your everyday projects.
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Matte HTV
Matte is a must in your craft supplies. This craft HTV material features a flat finish and it is available in tons of colors (including neon and pastels). It can really be used in any project and it is often the most used iron on material by crafters. It also works great for sports jerseys and company shirts because of the color availability and how easy it is to weed and apply.
Glitter HTV
Glitter HTV speaks for itself. However, not all glitter is the same. Some are hard to weed and can’t be layered. Look for a brand that gives you the ability to layer glitter with other materials, and one that is not super stiff when applied or hard to work with.
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Hologram HTV
If you want an eye-catching design, look no further than hologram heat transfer vinyl. This type of HTV was created to be ultra-reflective and with prism-like designs to give a 3D-like effect.
Metallic or Liquid Metallic HTV
While metallic and liquid metallic have a similarly super-shiny finish, these materials have some differences that are important to note. The regular metallic is a thicker material with an ultra-smooth finish, and liquid metallic is a softer and thinner material with the same shine. Another difference to pay attention to is metallic HTV cannot be layered, while liquid metallic HTV can be layered.
Spectrum HTV
If you want an extra unique element in your HTV design, you’ve got to go with spectrum! This speciality material shifts colors depending on the light and angle. And, the same color sheet of spectrum could look different depending on the color of the garment you are applying it to. But that is what makes this material so awesome!
Going camping or sending kids to a sleepover? Then you definitely need some glow in the dark HTV. After this material “charges” in the sunlight, it will glow bright when the lights go off. Such a cool effect!
Flock HTV
Are you looking for an HTV material that is soft and fuzzy to the touch? Then check out some flock iron on vinyl. Flock is made with a suede-like texture you’ll have a hard time keeping your hands off of.
Puff HTV
Give your designs some unmatched dimension with puff heat transfer vinyl. This type of craft vinyl literally puffs up when heat is applied, creating a unique 3D look and feel for your designs. Be sure you read puff HTV instructions carefully before applying, there are a few things to note to ensure you get the best effect from the material.
Pattern HTV
While beginners tend to avoid patterned vinyl because they are intimated, after just one try they see how easy and fun it is! Patterned heat transfer vinyl can feature a wide range of designs including ombre, sports, plaid, seasonal designs and so, so, SOOO much more. The options really are endless. When to use patterns depends on your preference, but you should take the pattern and design you’re cutting into account. This way you ensure your design is easy to see and you’re not cutting off any important parts of the pattern.
Printable HTV
Do you have an image with multiple colors, or one with small and intricate pieces? Then you should opt for printable HTV. All you need is an inkjet printer and you print and cut ANY design. Be sure you look for a material that can be applied to both dark and light garments to save you time, money and hassle. Printable is also a good option when you run out of a HTV color that you need.
That’s it! It may seem like a lot at first, but once you dive in and get your hands on the different craft vinyl materials, you'll quickly get a feel for what to use and when. Be sure you mix it up and have fun experimenting with all the different types and colors of HTV out there!
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