How to Layer Heat Transfer Vinyl for Beginners?
The main thing to remember when layering HTV is that it takes time for each layer to dry. It’s a good idea to start with the least favorite color and step up from there, so if you’re not happy with your design after an hour or two of waiting, at least nothing else will be ruined. We recommend using graphite transfer tape on top of heat presses as well as pressing down while applying pressure in order for the vinyl adheres better. Remember: always peel off any pieces before they are fully stuck in place!
Layering Heat Transfer Vinyl On A Cotton Dress
Supplies:
-Heat Transfer Vinyl (iron on)
-Fray Check or Fabric Glue
-Iron and Ironing Board
-Scissors
-Exacto Knife, Razor Blade, Scraper Tool
Steps:
*Lay a piece of vinyl across the dress to determine placement. It is best to use sections that are as close together as possible so you’re not wasting yards of material in one area. **You can iron your fabric first if it is a woven cotton for less shrinkage after cutting when using an exacto knife or razor blade. ***When laying out HTV on top of another layer be sure to sandwich the two pieces between wax paper before applying heat with an iron otherwise they will stick together.
The iron should be set to the correct heat setting for the type of material you are using. For example, a cotton/polyester blend is typically safe at 320°F and polyester requires 315°F degrees.
Be sure not to smudge your design! Apply even pressure with an iron that has been properly heated up (see below). Do not press too hard or go over one area more than once as this will cause wrinkles in your HTV transfer or can create bubbles under it. After applying hot air from an Iron on top of HTV paper, there might be some “waves” left behind after flipping it over; they do disappear when cooled down though so don’t worry about them while transferring process is still on-going.
Press the iron down on top of HTV for about 20 seconds, and then remove it slowly from the surface. If you are applying a design that is larger than one piece of vinyl, repeat this process with another sheet or cut pieces until your entire design is complete. Check out our article “How to Apply Vinyl Designs” for more detailed instructions!
Do not apply pressure when using an Iron as it will cause wrinkles in your HTV transfer or bubbles under it – just use hot air instead (see above). Pressing too hard can also create waves which may disappear once cooled off though so don’t worry if some remain after transferring process has been completed because they won’t be visible afterwards anyway. When applying HTV to clothing, you will want to use a garment that has been laid flat on top of the surface (to avoid any stretch in your design).
While transferring process is still ongoing, there might be some “waves” left behind after flipping it over; they do disappear when cooled down though so don’t worry about them at this point. When laying out HTV on top of another layer be sure to sandwich the two pieces between wax paper before applying heat with an iron otherwise they will stick together. Press the iron down on top of HTV for about 20 seconds and then remove slowly from the surface if you are applying a design larger than one piece vinyl – repeat this process until entire design is complete and check out our article “How to Apply Vinyl Designs” for more detailed instructions!
Do not apply pressure when using an Iron as it will cause wrinkles in your HTV transfer or bubbles under it – just use hot air instead (see above). Pressing too hard can also create waves which may disappear once cooled off though so don’t worry if some remain after transferring process has been completed because they won’t be visible afterwards anyway. When applying HTV designs on clothing, you will want to use a garment that is laid flat against the surface of what you are applying design onto (to avoid any stretch in your design) and press down with iron until entire designated area is covered by vinyl.
FAQ’s:
1. Can I layer regular heat transfer vinyl?
Yes. It is best to sandwich the two layers together with wax paper between them before applying heat, so that they will not stick and wrinkle if you’re using an iron for application.
2. Can I layer glitter heat transfer vinyl?
Yes. There is no need to sandwich the two sheets together with wax paper between them because glitter HTV will not stick and create wrinkles in the design like regular heat transfer vinyl does when applied using an iron.
This is by far one of my favorite ways to use our Glitter Heat Transfer Vinyl! You can layer it on top of any color or type of material, including other types of HTV such as lettering or designs from a template sheet. This definitely makes for a more unique look than you would get if sticking just one kind of print onto your project surface (see below).
3. What about other specialty vinyls? Can I layer those?
Yes. You can layer any type of HTV that we offer- just remember to sandwich them together with wax paper between the two layers before applying heat if you’re using an iron for application!
I love this question because it brings up a really important point: When laying out your HTV, temperature levels will affect how much detail gets transferred onto your surface so be sure to get acquainted with our “Heating Temperature Guide” before starting projects or making purchases from us and always refer back to when in doubt on whether timing is right 😉
Bottom line: yes, layering vinyls is totally fine as long as they are sandwiched together first (with wax paper) while transferring process has not yet begun – once transfer starts though there is no need to sandwich them because they will not stick together.
4. Can I use specialty iron on as a base for regular heat transfer vinyl?
No. Never use a specialty iron as your base layer for an HTV transfer because they are not designed to work with heat and therefore will not adhere well enough to the surface you’re working on that has been heated up by contact (unless you want wrinkled vinyl).
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