Glitter Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) transforms ordinary apparel into sparkling, high-impact designs. This vinyl is thicker and more textured than standard HTV because it contains embedded glitter flakes, which are held within the polyurethane film to prevent shedding. The resulting material offers a durable, vibrant, and highly reflective finish. Successfully applying this unique material requires specific preparation and application techniques to ensure proper adhesion and longevity.
Preparing Your Design and Cutting Settings
Initial preparation is crucial when working with HTV. Before sending the design to your cutting machine, you must electronically mirror, or flip, the image horizontally. HTV is cut from the back, with the clear carrier sheet facing down on the cutting mat, so the design must be reversed to read correctly once applied to the fabric.
Glitter vinyl’s increased thickness necessitates adjusting your cutting machine’s settings to ensure a clean cut. Standard HTV settings are insufficient, so you must increase the blade depth and pressure to compensate for the density of the glitter particles. For example, common settings for a Silhouette machine might involve a blade setting of 4 or 5 and a force setting of 10 or higher.
Always perform a small test cut, often called a “kiss cut,” using the recommended settings before committing to the full design. This small shape allows you to check if the blade is cutting cleanly through the vinyl layer without slicing into the clear carrier sheet. Once the settings are confirmed, place the glitter HTV on the cutting mat with the glitter side facing down and the clear carrier sheet facing up.
Step-by-Step Glitter HTV Application
After the design is cut, the next step is weeding, which involves removing the excess vinyl material from around and within the cut lines. Because the textured surface of glitter HTV can make the cut lines less visible than smooth vinyl, using a weeding tool to gently lift a corner and peel away the unwanted material is helpful. Cutting a small weeding box around the design can also make this process easier.
Before pressing the vinyl, the garment must be pre-pressed on the heat source for a few seconds, typically two to three seconds. This brief heat application removes moisture and smooths wrinkles, ensuring a better bond between the vinyl’s adhesive and the garment. Position the design on the pre-pressed garment, keeping the clear carrier sheet protecting the glitter surface.
Using a Heat Press
For a heat press, the application requires a temperature range of 305°F to 320°F (150°C to 160°C) and a pressing time of 10 to 15 seconds. Glitter HTV requires firm pressure to force the adhesive through the thick vinyl layer and into the fabric weave.
Using a Household Iron
If using a household iron, set the dial between the cotton and linen settings. You must apply consistent, firm pressure to each section of the design for the recommended time. Avoid using an ironing board, as it lacks the necessary rigidity for proper adhesion.
The final step is peeling the clear carrier sheet away, which can be a hot, warm, or cold peel depending on the specific brand. Many glitter HTV products are designed for a warm peel, meaning you wait a few seconds until the carrier sheet is warm to the touch before slowly pulling it off at a 45-degree angle. If any part of the design lifts during the peel, simply lay the carrier sheet back down and press the area again for a few more seconds to complete the adhesion.
Ensuring Longevity: Care and Washing
To allow the adhesive layer to fully cure, wait a minimum of 24 hours before the garment’s first wash. Washing the item too soon can weaken the bond, leading to premature peeling or cracking of the design. This waiting period is effective to maximize the durability of the finished product.
When the garment is ready for cleaning, follow these guidelines:
- Turn the item inside out before machine washing.
- Use cold water and a mild detergent.
- Avoid harsh additives like bleach, as they degrade the vinyl’s adhesive.
- Turning the garment inside out protects the design from friction caused by other clothing or zippers during the wash cycle.
For drying, the safest method is to hang the garment to air dry, which eliminates the risk of heat damage. If a dryer must be used, select a low tumble dry setting. Never iron directly onto the glitter design, as the intense heat can melt the vinyl. If ironing is necessary, turn the garment inside out or cover the design with a protective cloth and use a low temperature setting without steam.