Heat transfer vinyl, commonly abbreviated as HTV, refers to a special type of vinyl used for creating designs as well as promotional products or various fabrics and materials.
The fact that it comes in form of a roll or sheet with an adhesive backing allows you to easily cut, weed, and place it on your substrates (e.g. a tee) for heat application.
Today, there are many brands out there manufacturing various versions of vinyl with varied heat transfer methods and for use with specific substrates or fabrics.
One thing all these brands promise you is that the transferred vinyl outlasts your fabric. It lasts and lasts.
But how true are these claims?
Join me in the discussion below as we discuss more details on the longevity of heat transfer vinyl.
How Long Does Heat Transfer Vinyl Last?
The heat transfer vinyl lasts a lifetime, ONLY if you attach it to your substrate in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer. You should ensure you apply the correct heat and temperature to help you achieve long lasting results with the transfer process.
In cases where the transfer vinyl fails to bind to your fabric or any other material you’re imprinting on, the issue is mainly due to wrong heat and temperature usage in your heat press machine.
With that said, it’s worth noting that the quality of the heat transfer vinyl you buy also directly affects its durability. If you go for a low quality model from the less known brands out there, you don’t expect it to stay for long
Tips To Make Your Heat Transfer Vinyl Last Longer
In addition to following the manufacturer’s instruction to the letter and using quality vinyls, taking proper care of your garments decorated with the HTV can help extend their lifespan.
Follow these tips below during laundry if you want to extend the life of your garments’ decorations:
- After application, let your garment stay for up to 24 hours before washing it. This enables the adhesive to harden without any interruptions, enhancing the durability of the transferred design or graphics.
- Avoid dry cleaning a garment with heat applied graphics; most of them can’t withstand the harshness of dry cleaning.
- Be sure to turn your garment inside out before washing it to protect the graphic/design from damages and abrasions as other items in the wash tend to rub together during cycle.
- Because high temperatures tend to weaken the heat transfers, you’re always advised against using hot water to wash your garments; use warm or cold water instead.
- Wash your fabric with mild detergents only; avoid using anything like whiteners, softeners, bleach, and any other aggressive cleaning solution.
- The best way to dry such clothes is to hand them to dry. This greatly minimizes wrinkles and chances of damages.Else, be sure to dry them on low heat/tumble setting.
- Directly ironing on the heat transfer design will ruin your garment- by either burning the adhesive or melting the vinyl. If you must iron your garment, consider placing a dish towel or any other appropriate cloth over the transfer and use a low heat iron setting.
Final Verdict
The durability of heat transfer vinyl chiefly depends on the quality of the transfer paper you use. Following the specific manufacturer instructions when heat transferring your design also contributes to the longevity of the vinyl.
And once you’ve your garment imprinted with the garments, be sure to observe the above mentioned tips when washing them to increase the chances of the HTV outlasting your garment!