Temperature and Time Guide for T-Shirt Printing
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Customizing t-shirts with heat transfer vinyl (HTV) is a creative, affordable, and professional way to transform clothing. However, each type of vinyl has specific characteristics and requires different temperatures and pressing times. In this article, we explain the main types of HTV , their uses, and the ideal application conditions for various fabrics.
What is HTV?
HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) is a heat-transfer vinyl that adheres to fabrics or surfaces with heat and pressure, usually with a heat press or iron. It's used to create designs, logos, phrases, or images on t-shirts, bags, hats, and more.
Types of HTV and Their Characteristics
1. Basic PU (Polyurethane)
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Description : Thin, flexible vinyl with a matte finish. Ideal for simple printing and everyday use.
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Application : Works well on cotton, polyester, blends and even materials like cork or felt.
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Ideal for : Basic T-shirts, sports shirts, cloth bags.
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Average temperature : 165 °C for 30 seconds.
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Removal : Hot or lukewarm (warm peel).
2. Foil (Metallic)
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Description : Glossy vinyl with a mirrored metallic effect. Provides a premium, eye-catching finish.
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Application : More sensitive, should be used with lower temperature and careful pressure.
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Ideal for : Decorative design, small phrases, luxury details.
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Average temperature : 155 °C for 30 seconds.
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Removal : Cold (cool peel).
3. Glitter
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Description : Thick, durable vinyl with glitter particles. Does not stretch.
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Application : Works well on cotton and polyester, but not on fine fabrics.
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Ideal for : Feminine, children's design, phrases, numbers.
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Average temperature : 170 °C for 30 seconds.
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Removal : Warm peel.
4. Holographic
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Description : Vinyl with iridescent reflections (rainbow), with visual depth.
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Application : Stiffer and less durable with repeated washing.
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Ideal for : Visual effects, short phrases or decorative elements.
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Average temperature : 165 °C for 30 seconds.
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Removal : Warm peel.
5. Stretchable (SportFlex or Stretch)
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Description : Elastic and breathable vinyl, follows the body's movements without peeling or cracking.
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Application : Perfect for technical fabrics, workout or stretch clothing.
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Ideal for : Sports equipment, leggings, activewear.
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Average temperature : 155 °C for 30 seconds.
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Removal : Warm peel.
6. Patterned
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Description : Vinyl with printed patterns (balls, flowers, shapes, etc.). Requires transfer sheet to apply.
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Application : Requires higher temperature and long time with firm pressure.
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Ideal for : Decorative pieces, children's or creative design.
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Average temperature : 170 °C for 50 seconds.
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Removal : Cold with firm pressure (cold peel, firm).
7. Ready-to-use designs
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Description : Vinyls already cut and prepared with complete designs (e.g. names, logos, symbols).
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Application : Same as patterned – requires transfer foil and careful pressing.
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Ideal for : Quick projects, event customizations.
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Average temperature : 170 °C for 50 seconds.
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Removal : Cold with firm pressure.
8. Adhesive Fabric (HTV Fabric)
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Description : Fabric with adhesive base for application on paper, cardboard, felt, etc.
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Application : Ideal for DIY or scrapbooking projects.
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Ideal for : Party decorations, invitations, creative gifts.
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Medium temperature : 145–155 °C for 30 seconds.
Application Summary Table by Material
This table lists the recommended temperatures and times for applying different types of heat transfer vinyl (HTV) to various textiles and surfaces using a heat press. The information is organized by degrees Celsius, duration, and removal method.
| HTV Type | 100% Cotton | Cotton/Polyester Blend | Polyester | Blend with Nylon | Silk | Network | Cotton Canvas | Felt | Synthetic Leather | Cardboard | Cork | Pressed cardboard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic PU | 165°C, 30s, W/G | 165°C, 30s, W/G | 165°C, 30s, W/G | 140°C, 30s, W/G | 140°C, 30s, W/G | 140°C, 30s, W/G | 170°C, 30s, W/G | 140°C, 30s, W/G | 140°C, 30s, W/G | 140°C, 30s | 155°C, 15s | 155°C, 30s |
| Foil | 155°C, 30s, C/G | 155°C, 30s, C/G | 155°C, 30s, C/G | 140°C, 30s, C/G | 140°C, 30s, C/G | 150°C, 30s, C/G | 150°C, 30s, C/G | 150°C, 30s, C/G | 125°C, 30s, C/G | 130°C, 30s | N/R | N/R |
| Glitter | 170°C, 30s, W/G | 170°C, 30s, W/G | 170°C, 30s, W/G | N/R | N/R | N/R | 170°C, 30s, W/G | 140°C, 30s, W/G | 140°C, 30s, W/G | 170°C, 30s | 155°C, 15s | 155°C, 30s |
| Holographic | 165°C, 30s, W/G | 165°C, 30s, W/G | 165°C, 30s, W/G | N/R | N/R | N/R | 145°C, 30s, W/G | 145°C, 30s, W/G | 145°C, 30s, W/G | 145°C, 30s | 155°C, 15s | 155°C, 30s |
| Stretchable (Sportflex) | N/R | N/R | 155°C, 30s, W/G | 155°C, 30s, W/G | N/R | N/R | N/R | N/R | N/R | N/R | 155°C, 15s | 155°C, 30s |
| Patterned | 170°C, 50s, C/F | 170°C, 50s, C/F | N/R | N/R | N/R | N/R | N/R | N/R | 130°C, 20s, C/F | 145°C, 30s | 155°C, 15s | 155°C, 30s |
| Ready-to-use designs | 170°C, 50s, C/F | 170°C, 50s, C/F | N/R | N/R | N/R | N/R | N/R | N/R | 130°C, 20s, C/F | 145°C, 30s | 155°C, 15s | 155°C, 30s |
| Fabric with adhesive | 155°C, 30s | 155°C, 30s | N/R | N/R | N/R | 150°C, 30s | N/R | N/R | N/R | 145°C, 30s | 155°C, 15s | 155°C, 30s |
Caption :
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W/G : Hot removal with gentle pressure
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C/G : Cold removal with gentle pressure
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C/F : Cold removal with firm pressure
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N/A : Not recommended
Tips for Professional Results
✔️ Always test on a sample before applying to the final piece.
✔️ Use Teflon paper or parchment paper on top to protect the vinyl.
✔️ Wash cold (max 30°C) and avoid tumble drying.
✔️ If the vinyl comes off after application, press it again with a protective sheet.
✔️ Store vinyl in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of HTV vinyl and how to apply them correctly is key to creating durable, beautiful, and professional prints. Whether for personal use or selling custom t-shirts, this guide will help you avoid mistakes and gain confidence in the process.
