Skip to content
Flat Rate Standard Shipping to Canada and USA. Order before 2 pm MST for same-day shipping. Call us: +1 403-455-0358 SHOP NOW

Customer Service +1 403 455-0358

Blogs

A Comprehensive Guide to Using Heat Transfer Paper and HTV Films

by web artwing 01 Aug 2024

Heat Transfer paper and HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) are some of the most important tools that help to add vibrant design to your items like fabrics and many more. Whether you are fresher or experienced, heat transfer paper and HTV films are key to unlocking the customization skills.  

Here’s our step-by-step guide to learning techniques with a list of materials and tools required to apply all the instructions on them. 

Difference Between Heat Transfer Paper and HTV Films

Both heat transfer paper and HTV Films use heat to transfer designs on fabrics, but they come with their pros and cons. Here are the key differences:

Heat Transfer Paper

Function

  • It helps to transfer full-color designs printed using inkjet or laser printer onto light or dark fabrics.

Material

  • It is a paper sheet with a special ink-release layer.

Benefits

  • It offers multiple benefits like in-depth detailing and multi-colored designs with photo-realistic quality.  
  • They can work on light and dark fabrics (with specific paper types for each).

Drawbacks

  • Designs are slightly more rigid compared to HTV. 
  • It also requires specific temperature settings depending on the fabric and paper type.

HTV Film

Function

  • It helps to transfer pre-colored vinyl sheets with pre-cut designs or custom designs cut from a solid sheet onto fabrics.

Material

  • It is a thin plastic sheet in many colors and finishes (matte, metallic, glitter, etc.).

Benefits

  • It provides a flexible, durable finish that feels more integrated with the fabric.
  • It is easier to weed (remove excess vinyl) for simple designs.

Drawbacks

  • It is limited to single-color designs. 
  • It is not suitable for photo-realistic images with intricate details.
  • It doesn’t stick well to all fabric types, especially those not meant for heat application.

Steps to Use Heat Transfer Paper

Here are the basic steps that  should be followed:

  • At first, use graphic design software to create art or choose an image you like.
  • Adjust printer settings for your heat transfer paper. Mirror the image if needed (some software does this for you).
  • Trim away the extra paper around your printed design.
  • According to the heat transfer paper instructions and fabric set the temperature and timer.
  • Place the printed design face down on the fabric where you want it. You can also use a ruler or measuring tape to position it accurately.
  • Cover the design with parchment paper. Press the iron or heat press firmly according to the recommended time and temperature.
  • After pressing, let the fabric cool completely. Once it is cool, gently peel off the paperback. 

Steps to Use HTV Films

  • First, you will need to use a cutting machine to make your design on HTV film or skip this if you have a pre-cut design.
  • Now, use any trimming tool to remove the extra vinyl around your design. Tweezers can help with small details. Keep the parts you want to put on the fabric.
  • Follow the fabric preparation steps from the heat transfer paper section.
  • Set the temperature and timer according to the HTV film and fabric instructions.
  • For detailed designs, use transfer tape to keep all parts together. Press the tape onto the design so it sticks well.
  • Put the design (with or without transfer tape) on the fabric, with the right side facing up.
  • Cover the design with parchment paper and press it with your iron or heat press for the recommended time and temperature.
  • After pressing, let the fabric cool completely. Then, slowly peel off the transfer tape (if used) and the clear sheet from the HTV film to reveal your final design on the fabric.

Essentials Tools and Material

For Heat Transfer Paper

  1. Heat Transfer Paper
  2. Inkjet Printer
  3. Scissor or Knife
  4. Iron or Heat Press
  5. Hard Surface

For Heat Transfer Vinyl Film

  1. HTV Film
  2. Cutting Machine
  3. Weeding Tool
  4. Iron or Heat Press
  5. Transfer Tape
  6. Tweezers
  7. Ruler or Measuring Instrument

How To Take Care of Your Design

If you want your design to be long-lasting after printing it on the fabric, you need to follow these steps:

  • Wash inside out on a gentle cycle.
  • Use cold water and low heat for drying.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals.
  • Do not iron directly on the design.

Conclusion

At Craft Vinyl, we believe that learning new skills should be the main focus of an individual because they help you think more creatively and out of the box to create unique artistic designs never made before. However, understanding different tools like Heat Transfer Paper and HTV Films can make your customizing journey a victory.

So, choose and create art by unlocking creativity freedom!

930 x 520px

SPRING SUMMER LOOKBOOK

Sample Block Quote

Praesent vestibulum congue tellus at fringilla. Curabitur vitae semper sem, eu convallis est. Cras felis nunc commodo eu convallis vitae interdum non nisl. Maecenas ac est sit amet augue pharetra convallis.

Sample Paragraph Text

Praesent vestibulum congue tellus at fringilla. Curabitur vitae semper sem, eu convallis est. Cras felis nunc commodo eu convallis vitae interdum non nisl. Maecenas ac est sit amet augue pharetra convallis nec danos dui. Cras suscipit quam et turpis eleifend vitae malesuada magna congue. Damus id ullamcorper neque. Sed vitae mi a mi pretium aliquet ac sed elitos. Pellentesque nulla eros accumsan quis justo at tincidunt lobortis deli denimes, suspendisse vestibulum lectus in lectus volutpate.
Prev Post
Next Post
Someone recently bought a

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
Compare
Product SKURatingDescription Collection Availability Product Type Other Details
Terms & Conditions
# Terms and Conditions of Use for CraftVinyl.ca ## 1. Acceptance of CraftVinyl.ca Terms and Conditions Your access to and use of CraftVinyl.ca is subject exclusively to these Terms and Conditions. You will not use the website for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by these Terms and Conditions. By using the website, you fully accept the terms, conditions, and disclaimers contained in this notice. If you do not accept these Terms and Conditions, you must immediately stop using the website. ## 2. Advice The content on CraftVinyl.ca does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon when making or refraining from making any decisions. ## 3. Change of Use CraftVinyl.ca reserves the right to: 3.1. Change or remove (temporarily or permanently) the website or any part of it without notice, and you confirm that CraftVinyl.ca shall not be liable to you for any such change or removal. 3.2. Change these Terms and Conditions at any time, and your continued use of the website following any changes shall be deemed to be your acceptance of such changes. ## 4. Links to Third Party Websites CraftVinyl.ca may include links to third-party websites that are controlled and maintained by others. Any link to other websites is not an endorsement of such websites, and you acknowledge and agree that we are not responsible for the content or availability of any such sites. ## 5. Copyright 5.1. All copyright, trademarks, and other intellectual property rights in the website and its content (including without limitation the website design, text, graphics, and all software and source codes connected with the website) are owned by or licensed to CraftVinyl.ca or otherwise used by CraftVinyl.ca as permitted by law. 5.2. In accessing the website, you agree that you will access the content solely for your personal, non-commercial use. None of the content may be downloaded, copied, reproduced, transmitted, stored, sold, or distributed without the prior written consent of the copyright holder. This excludes the downloading, copying, and/or printing of pages of the website for personal, non-commercial home use only. ## 6. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability 6.1. The website is provided on an "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" basis without any representation or endorsement made and without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of satisfactory quality, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, compatibility, security, and accuracy. 6.2. To the extent permitted by law, CraftVinyl.ca will not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss or damage whatsoever (including without limitation loss of business, opportunity, data, or profits) arising out of or in connection with the use of the website. 6.3. CraftVinyl.ca makes no warranty that the functionality of the website will be uninterrupted or error-free, that defects will be corrected, or that the website or the server that makes it available are free of viruses or anything else which may be harmful or destructive. 6.4. Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall be construed so as to exclude or limit the liability of CraftVinyl.ca for death or personal injury as a result of the negligence of CraftVinyl.ca or that of its employees or agents. ## 7. Indemnity You agree to indemnify and hold CraftVinyl.ca and its employees and agents harmless from and against all liabilities, legal fees, damages, losses, costs, and other expenses in relation to any claims or actions brought against CraftVinyl.ca arising out of any breach by you of these Terms and Conditions or other liabilities arising out of your use of this website. ## 8. Severance If any of these Terms and Conditions should be determined to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason by any court of competent jurisdiction, then such Term or Condition shall be severed, and the remaining Terms and Conditions shall survive and remain in full force and effect and continue to be binding and enforceable. ## 9. Governing Law These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which CraftVinyl.ca operates, and you hereby submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of that jurisdiction. For any further information, please contact us via email at [contact@craftvinyl.ca](mailto: contact@craftvinyl.ca).
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items
0%

Before you leave...

Take 10% off your first order

10% off

Enter the code below at checkout to get 10% off your first order

SAVE10%

Continue Shopping
Recommended5