Vinyles de transfert thermique

Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) is a thin, pressure-sensitive material applied to fabric and other surfaces using heat and pressure from a heat press. It is used to create custom designs on t-shirts, hoodies, bags, hats, and accessories. HTV comes in solid colors and specialty finishes, making it one of the most accessible and versatile decoration methods for both hobbyists and production print shops.

For most standard HTV on 100% cotton, press at 305–320°F (152–160°C) for 10–15 seconds at firm, even pressure. Specialty finishes like glitter, metallic, or flock require slightly different settings — always consult the manufacturer's data sheet for the specific product. Pre-press the garment for 3–5 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles before applying the transfer.

HTV adheres to cotton, polyester, cotton-poly blends, nylon, canvas, and denim. Pure polyester requires lower press temperatures (270–300°F) to prevent scorching the synthetic fibres. Stretch HTV is specifically formulated for athletic and spandex fabrics that flex during wear. Standard HTV on high-stretch garments will crack — always match the HTV type to the fabric's stretch level.

Edge peeling is caused by one or more of three issues: insufficient press pressure, too-short dwell time, or pressing onto a wrinkled or damp surface. Pre-press the garment to eliminate moisture and flatten seams. Apply firm, consistent pressure across the full platen, and verify your press temperature with an infrared thermometer — many presses read 15–25°F lower than the actual platen surface temperature, leading to under-pressed transfers that appear bonded but fail quickly in the wash.

A properly applied HTV transfer on cotton should withstand 50+ wash cycles with minimal degradation. Wash garments inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low heat. Never iron directly on HTV — use a pressing cloth or press from inside the garment if touch-up is needed. Exposing HTV to high dryer heat and harsh detergents are the two fastest ways to shorten transfer lifespan.

For small runs of 1–12 pieces with single-color or simple layered designs, HTV is typically the most cost-effective decoration method. Material cost per piece is low (under $1.50 for a standard chest print), there are no setup fees, and no minimum quantities. DTF becomes more competitive for complex multi-color designs at similar quantities. Screen printing requires screen setup costs that make it uneconomical below 24–36 pieces.

Print a full-size alignment guide on regular paper using your design software and tape it to the garment as a positioning reference. Press and cool the first color layer completely before positioning the second layer — warm HTV stretches slightly and causes misalignment. Use a heat-erasable pen to mark the center point of the print area on the garment, and align your transfer to that mark rather than estimating by eye. This method produces consistent alignment across an entire production run.

Sublimation produces a softer, embedded print with no surface feel, but requires white or light polyester substrates. HTV sits on the fabric surface with a slight raised texture and works on any fabric color including black, on cotton, polyester, and blends. Choose HTV when decorating dark garments, cotton apparel, or when creating bold single-color or cut-text designs. Choose sublimation when you need photorealistic full-color prints on white or light polyester items.

Reputable HTV brands formulated for apparel decoration are manufactured without phthalates, lead, and other substances restricted under CPSIA (US) and equivalent Canadian children's product safety regulations. Look for products that provide a signed Children's Product Certificate (CPC) or equivalent documentation. Always verify compliance with the specific HTV brand and product line — do not assume compliance based on general marketing language.

Store HTV rolls vertically or flat in a cool, dry environment at 60–75°F (15–24°C), away from direct sunlight and humidity. Keep vinyl in the original packaging or a resealable bag — exposure to air and UV light degrades the adhesive backing over time. Never store rolls horizontally with heavy items stacked on top, which causes permanent curl that prevents accurate cutting. Properly stored HTV maintains adhesive quality for 2+ years from the manufacturing date.