Heat Transfer Vinyl vs. Heat Transfer: What's The Difference?
Heat Transfer Vinyl vs. Heat Transfer: What's The Difference?
If you’re a heat printer, you’re probably aware of Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) and Heat Transfer You’ve probably also wondering what’s the difference between the two decorating methods. Well keep reading, because we’ve got you covered!
Decorating clothing requires choosing the right materials and techniques for the job. So, how do you know when you should use one decorating method over the other? Whether you’re looking for a simple, durable solution or want photorealistic, full-colour prints, learn which heat transfer process is right for your project needs.
What is HTV?
HTV, or heat transfer vinyl, is a specialty vinyl that can be applied to apparel using a heat press. You can cut HTV yourself using a vinyl cutter or purchase pre-cut designs. HTV comes in various colors, finishes, and textures such as glitter, metallic, or flock. It’s extremely durable for printing designs on shirts, jerseys, jackets, bags, and more.
What is a Heat Transfer?
A custom heat transfer is made when a printer digitally prints ink designs onto a heat-sensitive film. The film allows you to print detailed, full-color artwork with no weeding of material involved. They can be used to decorate cotton, polyester, blends, and spandex garments with a heat press.
When to Use HTV:
- Numbers, names, and simple designs
- Pre-cut designs and templates
- Special effects like glitter, flock, and puff
- Metallic and other special-effect finishes
- Small personalization runs
- HTV excels in creating simple vector cut designs, making reusable templates, and producing unique effects.
When to Use Heat Transfers:
- Photographic and complex full-color artwork
- Designs with gradients or color blends
- Highly detailed designs
- Small quantity orders (1-4 pieces)
- Printing on heat sensitive fabrics like polyester and spandex
- DTF excels at detailed, full-color prints or for one-off or low quantity orders.
When it comes to heat printing apparel, Heat Transfers and Heat Transfer Vinyl both have their advantages. Consider the type of artwork, fabrics being decorated, number of pieces needed, and any special effects desired. This will help determine whether HTV or a Heat Transfer is the right heat transfer material for your project.
Check out our handy matrix below to figure out which type is the most cost effective for your business based on quantity:
