Heat Transfer Vinyl: A Game-Changer for Successful Printing

When it comes to printing on team sports garments, a crucial factor that often gets overlooked is the heat transfer vinyl (HTV) used in the process. For a successful print, an HTV with dye-blocking properties is essential. This is particularly important when working with fabrics made of polyester or containing a high content of polyester, as they are prone to dye migration.

The Turbo range of Poli-Tape HTV offers a best-in-class coloured HTV that boasts a heat pressing time of just three seconds. With its super soft PU film and suitability for a variety of textiles including cotton, polyester, blended fabrics, and uncoated nylon, this HTV is an ideal choice for leisure and activewear.

However, it's not just about choosing the right HTV - understanding how to use it correctly is equally important. To avoid any mishaps, it's essential to have a can of Flex Off ready in case of accidents or changes of mind. Additionally, customers should be aware of the limitations when it comes to laundering garments with heat transfer vinyl.

Before applying the HTV, it's crucial to consider the wash resistance needed and check the recommended time and temperature settings for the specific HTV being used. Digital printing requires a different approach, treating the design like a regular print and cut film before using a special heat-proof application tape such as Transprint to transfer it to the garment.

When transferring onto polyester fabric, it's essential that the HTV has an added layer to offer dye-blocking capabilities. This is because fabrics made of polyester or containing a high content of polyester are sensitive to heat and prone to dye migration. The type of HTV film used will also depend on the material being applied to - for example, an HTV designed to transfer onto cotton will have different properties than one designed for polyester fabric.

In conclusion, choosing the right heat transfer vinyl is just the beginning. Understanding how to use it correctly and taking into account factors such as dye-blocking capabilities, wash resistance, and material compatibility are all crucial steps in ensuring a successful print. With the right knowledge and tools, you can achieve professional-looking results that will impress your customers.

Heat transfer vinyl