Recommended starting settings
- Temperature: 150–160°C
- Time: Begin at the lower end of the recommended 20–50-second range
- Pressure: Medium and even
- Peel: Warm or hot peel
- Artwork: Mirror before cutting
Exact settings may vary according to the fabric, heat press, design size and environmental conditions. Always test the vinyl on a spare piece of fabric or an inconspicuous area before production.
Step 1: Prepare the artwork
Create the design using your preferred cutting software. Convert text to outlines where necessary and ensure all elements are suitable for vinyl cutting.
Mirror the complete design before sending it to the cutter. If the artwork is not mirrored, it will appear backwards when applied to the garment.
Step 2: Load and cut the vinyl
Place the vinyl into the cutter with the clear, shiny carrier side facing down and the matte vinyl side facing up.
Perform a small test cut before cutting the complete design. The blade should cut through the coloured vinyl layer without cutting through the clear carrier sheet.
Step 3: Weed the design
Remove the unwanted vinyl from around the design using a weeding tool. Carefully remove the centres of letters and other small internal details.
The finished design should remain attached to the clear carrier sheet with its adhesive side exposed.
Step 4: Prepare the garment
Place the garment onto the heat press and ensure that the application area is clean, dry and free from wrinkles.
Pre-press the garment for approximately 3–5 seconds. This removes moisture, smooths the fabric and prepares the surface for improved adhesion.
Avoid pressing directly over buttons, zips, seams or pockets, as these can prevent even pressure. Use a pressing pillow or pad where necessary.
Step 5: Position the design
Place the weeded design onto the garment with the adhesive side against the fabric and the clear carrier facing upward.
Check the alignment carefully before pressing. Use a heat-resistant alignment ruler if consistent placement is required across multiple garments.
Step 6: Heat press
Cover the design with a protective sheet or clean parchment paper.
Press at 150–160°C using medium, even pressure. Begin at the lower end of the recommended 20–50-second pressing range and check the result before applying additional heat.
Avoid unnecessary over-pressing, as excessive heat or time can affect the vinyl finish and damage heat-sensitive fabrics.
Step 7: Remove the carrier
Open the heat press and remove the carrier while it is warm or hot. Peel it back smoothly at a low angle rather than pulling it directly upward.
If any part of the design lifts with the carrier, stop peeling, replace the carrier and press again for a few additional seconds.
Step 8: Check the finished application
After removing the carrier, inspect all edges and small details. The vinyl should be firmly bonded to the fabric without lifting.
If additional pressing is required, cover the design with protective paper and press for a few more seconds using medium pressure.
Fabric-Specific Guidance
Cotton
Cotton generally provides excellent adhesion. Pre-press the garment to remove moisture and use the recommended starting settings.
Polyester
Polyester can be sensitive to high temperatures and may experience scorching, press marks or dye migration. Begin with the lowest effective temperature and time, and always conduct a test press.
For dark sublimated polyester garments, test carefully for dye migration before production.
Poly-Cotton Blends
Use the recommended starting settings, but confirm that both fibres can tolerate the selected temperature. Test pressing is recommended, particularly on dark-coloured garments.
Bordeaux Premium Heat Flex Matt HTV Vinyl
Price range: R58,00 through R125,00
