Aftercare for Clothing With Heat Transfer Vinyl
Heat Press Transfer is one of the quickest ways to slap your favourite graphics on clothing products. The detailing and resolution are unmatched. However, with that, comes the responsibility of following certain aftercare routines while washing and some smart choices for clothing with heat transfer vinyl on it.
So, experts at Workwear Toronto have made a list of a few things you can do to make sure your products with heat transfer, remain intact for a longer period and some tips for getting a design that’s feasible.
- Don’t go too big: Although there are no restrictions on the size of the graphic you can get, since heat transfer vinyl requires a bit of extra care, choosing a bigger design can add to it. An example is a graphic that covers the entire chest of a T-Shirt, it will need more care as compared to a T-Shirt with a minimal graphic on it.
- Don’t wash for 24 hours after heat press: Heat press is quick and easy and it looks like the job is done and you can start washing and wearing it, but it is in best practice to let the vinyl sit for at least 24 hours before you wash it for the first time. Doing so, allows the adhesive to soak in with the fabric of the cloth and make a strong grip.
- Say no to dry cleaning: Generally, it isn’t a big issue. But for clothing with heat transfer vinyl on it, the high temperature and chemicals used in the process can tamper with the vinyl. So rule out dry cleaning as an option when you get something heat transferred.
- Wash & Dry Inside Out: While your garments with heat transfer are being washed with other clothing in the machine, the friction between all those clothes can cause the vinyl to peel off.
- Do not wash with too hot water: Washing garments with vinyl on them in water above 178-degree Fahrenheit will make the adhesive that sticks the vinyl onto clothes, weak and can cause it to peel or crack.
- Choose a mild detergent: In order to make sure the vinyl lasts for the long term, avoid using strong detergents, bleach and fabric softeners.
- Hang Dry or on Low or Tumble setting: Similar to washing, you do not want the vinyl to be rubbed against other products at a high temperature. In most cases, you should be good if you choose to dry the clothes at a low temperature or tumble dry them. However, whenever possible, try to hang dry the clothes for the best results.
- Do not iron directly onto the vinyl: While it is essential to get rid of the wrinkles, but the one thing you absolutely do not want to do is directly iron on the vinyl unless you’re trying to ruin your shirt. The high temperature of the iron will cause the vinyl to melt and the adhesive to burn, leaving behind nothing but a mess that you can’t wear. However, to get away with it, you can place a cloth on top of the vinyl and then iron it at a low temperature, or you can iron it from the inside of the shirt.
These tips may sound a bit too much when you read them, but it’s worth it when you know they can extend the shelf life of your products by a lot.
Workwear Toronto has been working in the industry for several years. We do all kinds of decorations, such as heat transfer, embroidery and screen printing.
To learn more about these techniques, visit our what we do page.
If you wish to brand clothing products with your favourite graphics or your company logo, Workwear Toronto is here to make it happen. Feel free to contact our experts at 647-533-7223 or visit our showroom at 24 Ronson Dr, Unit 1, Etobicoke, ON, M9W1B4.
