Welp MagazinePopularly referred to as HTV, heat transfer vinyl has made work much easier for apparel decorators operating large and small businesses. These high-functioning tools are used to transfer stunning designs onto clothes, cups, bags, motor vehicles, and a whole lot more.
Businesses are often searching for the best heat transfer vinyl for t-shirts as they have a high demand for such personalized apparel. Since the options are so many, it can be challenging for new apparel decorators to choose the right HTV.
This article outlines some critical aspects of HTV that will help you make the correct and most apt choice for your business.
What to Consider in Heat Transfer Vinyl?
An increasing number of apparel dealers and decorators rely on vinyl to create uniquely designed textiles. Consequently, the global HTV market is worth millions of US dollars, with an estimated growth rate of over 4.34% for 2021–2026.
But when it comes to finding reliable HTV, you might be surprised to find a plethora of options in the market, each claiming to be the best. In unfortunate cases, people buy a subpar product without the guidance of an expert, causing their investment to be pointless.
The fundamental thing to remember is that any HTV that causes the following issues is not worth the money.
- It is too Thick – Thick HTV is mainly used to make smaller logos or add another dimension to your designs. However, if the vinyl is too thick, it can lead to unpleasant results, such as stiffness and hardness. Moreover, the whole apparel can become heavier as an unwanted consequence of this thickness.
- It is Difficult to Weed – Good quality vinyl should be easy to weed from the cut design. If you find that the vinyl you are using is refusing to weed off smoothly, it is perhaps best to discontinue using it.
- Washes Off – One of the most unfortunate results of using poor-quality vinyl is that the design will peel or wash off the apparel.
- Colors Fade Quickly – Another negative result of low-quality HTV is the colors fading away too soon. Ordinarily, the designs should last for the lifetime of the apparel when you use high-quality vinyl. Typically, it should last for up to fifty washes at the very least.
To avoid all of the above-mentioned adverse effects, always invest in HTV that is soft, thin, easy to weed, and lasts for a long time. Moreover, it should still look excellent after every wash.
Most Popular HTV Brands and Features
Buying heat transfer vinyl for the first time can be a daunting task for many business owners. But with the proper guidance, the process of HTV selection and purchase can become fairly easier.
Even those running small businesses out of their home can invest in these incredible tools and make fabulous designs on a massive range of diverse materials.
Here’s a list of the most reputable HTV brands that can help elevate your business to a whole new level. Consider their features carefully and pick one that best suits your requirements.
1. Siser
Pronounced “seezer,” this is among the topmost vinyl brands in the market. It is thinner than most films and lets users weed small, intricate designs and fine letters with considerable ease. However, this can be an expensive HTV to buy compared to other brands.
2. FDC Vinyl
FDC vinyl is a great option to transfer decals and designs on walls, short-term signage, and other crafts. The most significant upside of using this HTV is that it offers 12″ x 20″ sheets in different colors suited for several craft cutters.
3. ThermoFlex
ThermoFlex is offered in various colors and is best suited for decorating sports T-shirts and other apparel. You can also safely use the vinyl on children’s clothes. It can be applied to cotton, wool, polyester, linen, and other specific fabric blends.
While the above HTV brands are great, the best heat transfer vinyl is undoubtedly the Triton brand by Coleman and Company. It has excellent features and is among the products that sell the quickest off the shelves.
Its most incredible features include the following.
- Highest quality, super-thin vinyl.
- Fastest and most straightforward to weed.
- Options include spectacular glitter that does not wash away.
- Besides solid opaque colors, a neon option is provided.
- Colors do not fade after multiple washes.
- Extremely economical choice – a 15″ x 5 yard roll costs barely $33.95.
For specialty applications, a strong contender is the Mermaid Heat Transfer Fabric. It is far from other heat transfer fabrics and gives an unmatched prismatic effect. There are diverse, exciting color options that buyers can choose from.
Why Buy in Rolls Instead of Shirt Vinyl Sheets?
Buying vinyl rolls is a better option than investing in sheets for various reasons, and the topmost ones are listed below.
Economical
As mentioned earlier, you can buy a 15″ x 5 yard Triton vinyl roll for approximately $33.95. But if you choose to purchase sheets, you may have to invest considerably more as each can cost around $8 or even higher. This is more than twice the amount you will need to spend on a roll. Therefore, purchasing rolls are a more economical option than sheets, which are a good option when you need a little of each color.
Easier Storage
Storing vinyl rolls is easier than keeping several sheets clubbed together as it takes up less space. Also, you do not have to arrange a separate storage area for each color or catalog them, as they easily fit side by side in a large drawer or box. Conversely, storing sheets one below another can be inconvenient, as you will need to constantly remove the above layers of colors to get to the bottom ones.
Better Color Consistency
If you plan on using a single color for a long time, it is best to buy the vinyl in a roll form. If you buy sheets, you may need to keep buying them over and over again. Besides, there may be variations in shades even if you buy the same color from different vendors.
Therefore, invest in rolls to enjoy more excellent color consistency, ensuring your project is completed with utmost professionalism and proficiency.
