How to Use Heat Transfer Vinyl: Step by Step, with a Time and Temperature Chart
To use heat transfer vinyl (HTV), cut your design mirrored, weed away the excess vinyl, pre-press the garment, then press the design carrier side up at the temperature, pressure and time for that vinyl and peel the carrier. For Siser EasyWeed, that means 305°F at medium pressure for 10 to 15 seconds. Below are the full steps, a time and temperature chart for the HTV we stock, and how to care for the finished garment.
What You Need
- Heat transfer vinyl. Siser EasyWeed is rated for 100% cotton, 100% polyester, poly/cotton blends, nylon and leather.
- A vinyl cutter with a 45° blade. See our vinyl cutter buying guide.
- A weeding tool such as the Siser Weeder.
- A heat press with digital time and temperature. See our heat press machines.
- A cover sheet. The Siser Heat Transfer Cover Sheet prevents scorch marks and shine and keeps adhesive off the platen.
How to Use HTV: Step by Step
- Cut the design mirrored. Load the vinyl with the shiny carrier side down and cut a mirrored image with a 45° blade. Keep lettering and logo lines at least 1/16" thick, and always run a test cut before a production job.
- Weed the excess. Remove the vinyl you don’t want pressed, leaving the design on the clear carrier.
- Pre-press the garment. Press the blank garment for 2 to 3 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.
- Position the design. Lay it carrier side up, so the design reads correctly.
- Cover and press. Lay the cover sheet over the design and press at the settings for your vinyl (see the chart below).
- Peel the carrier. Peel hot, warm or cold, as your vinyl calls for.
- Let it set. Wait 24 hours before the first wash.
Heat Transfer Vinyl Temperature and Time Chart
These are the heat press settings for the HTV we stock, from our product pages and Siser.
| Vinyl | Temperature | Pressure | Time | Peel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siser EasyWeed | 305°F (150°C) | Medium (45 PSI) | 10 to 15 seconds | Hot or cold |
| Siser EasyWeed EcoStretch | 250°F (120°C) | Medium | 10 to 15 seconds | Hot |
| Siser BlackBoard | 275°F | Medium | 15 seconds | Warm |
Pre-press the garment for 2 to 3 seconds before every application. Each HTV has its own settings, so check the settings for the exact vinyl you are pressing rather than reusing one setting for everything.
Setting Up Your Heat Press
Temperature and time. Set both on the press’s digital controls before you start. Hotronix presses such as the Clam Basic have digital time, temperature and pressure controls.
Pressure. “Medium” on the EasyWeed page means 45 PSI. On the Hotronix EASY Craft Press, pressure is set with an over-the-center knob: turn it clockwise to increase and counter-clockwise to decrease. Set it once for the garment you are pressing and the press repeats it every cycle.
Peeling: Hot, Warm or Cold
The peel tells you when to remove the clear carrier after pressing. EasyWeed can be peeled hot or cold with the same result. A hot peel is faster in production, and a cold peel gives you a moment to check placement before the carrier comes off. EasyWeed EcoStretch is peeled hot, and BlackBoard has a warm peel carrier.
Choosing the Right HTV for the Fabric
Standard EasyWeed is made for cotton, polyester and blends. For athletic wear, leggings, compression gear and other stretch fabrics, use Siser EasyWeed EcoStretch, which stays soft and stretchy with the fabric where standard HTV can crack. Siser rates it for cotton, polyester, blends, leather and Lycra/Spandex, and it applies at just 250°F. Browse every option in our specialty heat transfer vinyl category.
Washing and Care
- Wait 24 hours before the first wash.
- Turn the garment inside out and wash warm or cold with mild detergent.
- No bleach and no dry cleaning.
- EasyWeed is rated for 50 wash cycles when applied correctly.
For EasyWeed EcoStretch, machine wash cold with mild detergent, tumble dry low and skip liquid fabric softener.
How to Use HTV: FAQ
What temperature do I press heat transfer vinyl at?
It depends on the vinyl. Siser EasyWeed presses at 305°F (150°C), EasyWeed EcoStretch at 250°F (120°C) and Siser BlackBoard at 275°F. Check the settings for the vinyl you are using.
How long do you press HTV?
Siser EasyWeed presses for 10 to 15 seconds at medium pressure, after a 2 to 3 second pre-press. EasyWeed EcoStretch presses for 10 to 15 seconds at medium pressure.
Do you mirror heat transfer vinyl before cutting?
Yes. Cut the design mirrored, because it is pressed with the carrier side up and the adhesive side against the garment.
Can you peel HTV hot or cold?
Siser EasyWeed can be peeled hot or cold with the same result. Other vinyls differ: EasyWeed EcoStretch is peeled hot and BlackBoard has a warm peel carrier.
When can I wash a shirt with heat transfer vinyl?
Wait 24 hours before the first wash. Then wash inside out with mild detergent, and avoid bleach and dry cleaning.
Get HTV and Heat Press Supplies
Central Sign Supplies is a family-owned distributor in Omaha, Nebraska, supplying sign shops and garment decorators since 1951. Call 1-800-999-3160 for help with settings or to order a Siser EasyWeed color not shown online, pick up at 4222 D St in Omaha, or shop heat transfer supplies online.