Adhesive Vinyl Vs Heat Transfer Vinyl

I will say my favorite application method for the heat transfer vinyl on a mug was the mini iron.

Adhesive vinyl vs heat transfer vinyl.

Iron on vinyl often called heat transfer vinyl or htv has a heat activated back. Adhesive vinyl is best for smooth surfaces like glass plastic metal. Both types of vinyl are available in either rolls or sheets usually 12 wide. Heat transfer vinyl is always cut with the glossy carrier side down.

Htv vs adhesive vinyl. Adhesive vinyl applies more like a sticker whereas you ll need a heat source like an easypress iron or heat press for iron on vinyl. The use of heat allows the design to firmly adhere to the substrate making it more durable. Now if you are going to hand wash your mugs you can probably use either adhesive vinyl or heat transfer vinyl and any of the application methods mentioned.

We use htv on clothing blankets hats bags canvas and even glass and some other surfaces we normally use adhesive vinyl on. Not all vinyl is created equal and often it can be a little overwhelming to decide which vinyl will work best for a specific project let alone how to best cut and apply it. Pressure sensitive vinyl is always cut with the glossy color side up and the liner side down. Should you use heat transfer vinyl or adhesive vinyl.

You need either an iron or a heat press to apply htv and need transfer tape to adhere adhesive vinyl. Expressions vinyl has a robust collection of both quality adhesive and heat transfer vinyls. As mentioned above adhesive vinyl has a sticky back. Now there is also the easypress mini that will work great for projects like these.

Both types come in a variety of colors. This way the blade cuts through the adhesive side of the material so you ll always need to mirror your artwork when working with htv. Heat transfer vinyl or htv requires heat and pressure to adhere to a surface.