In this article, Sytech Supplies discusses the differences between heat transfer vinyl and adhesive vinyl.

Adhesive vinyl comes in all kinds of colours and finishes, but it always has a paper backing and is sticky to the touch when that backing is peeled off. Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV), on the other hand, does not have a paper backing. Instead, HTV has a transparent or white plastic carrier sheet that covers the top of the vinyl. The other side is where the adhesive is (it’s not sticky), and this is the side of the vinyl that you will cut. The adhesive is activated when heat is applied on it.

There are other more obvious differences between the two. HTV is applied to textiles and other substrates by using heat. The heat transfer can be done using a heat press machine, or for fun personal projects, a home iron. Adhesive vinyl is not applied with heat, it’s basically a sticker. There are different types of adhesive vinyls you can choose from, such as a vinyl with a temporary or removable adhesive.

Subtypes of vinyls within each category:

Heat Transfer Vinyl

Although there are many types of HTV that Sytech stocks, a few include Flock HTV, Glitter HTV and Metallic HTV. Flock HTV has a soft suede feel and is a great HTV to use when trying to replicate that colourful retro-sport look and is relatively easy to use if you’re a newbie.

Glitter HTV gives textiles an extra sparkle. It can be a challenge to weed, but the result is always spectacular. For that ‘pop factor’, nothing is better for a T-shirt than a Metallic HTV finish. It is a little stiffer than the other HTVs and does not stretch that well, so it’s better to use for smaller prints.

Adhesive Vinyl

Think all things road signs, wall decals and stickers. That is what adhesive vinyl was traditionally used for. However, in present times, adhesive vinyl also appeals to the textile industry and apparel market.

Sytech has an extensive range of vinyl films, both cast and calendered. Types of films range from temporary adhesive, high tack adhesive to conformable films and more. Temporary adhesive is great for short-term advertising on a variety of substrates, including walls, ceilings, floors, etc.

High tack adhesive is used for long-term jobs as it has a strong adhesive for tougher surfaces that require a robust type of media. Conformable media comes in handy for conforming over curves and recesses. Popular applications include vehicle wrapping, car graphics and other curved surfaces.

For crafts, when considering which type of vinyl to use, consider this basic rule: in general, if the surface is hard and smooth (walls, mugs, bottles, picture frames etc.), then it’s best to use adhesive vinyl. If the surface is soft and can withstand heat (clothing, shoes, books etc.), then heat transfer vinyl will work best.

This article was originally published by Sytech Supplies.

SYTECH SUPPLIES +27 (0) 87 056 3231 www.sytech.co.za