Adding Heat Transfers To Your Clothing? How To Keep Them Looking Brand New
If you've recently invested in a vinyl transfer machine, you need to learn how to care for the vinyl. Heat transfer vinyl is a great way to customize clothing and other items. However, the vinyl does require special handling, especially once it's applied to clothing. Here are some special care instructions that will help your vinyl stay beautiful longer.
Give the Adhesive Time to Cure
Once you've applied the transfer to your clothing, you may be tempted to start getting some use out of it. Unfortunately, using your garment too soon could damage the transfer. Instead, you want to give the transfer adhesive some time to cure. The transfer may feel like it's securely attached to the garment, but until it's had time to cure, it can lift off the fabric. That's because the adhesive needs at least 24-hours to properly adhere to the fabric. Once the transfer adhesive has cured and bonded to the fiber, you'll be able to wash and wear your garment.
Take Care With Laundering
When you wash clothing with heat transfers, you want to follow special handling instructions. First, to prevent damage to your transfer, you should always turn your clothing inside out. Second, you should never use bleach or fabric softener, as those can cause your transfers to peel and crack. Third, wash your clothing on a gentle cycle to protect your heat transfers. Finally, never dry clean clothing that has heat transfers attached. The chemicals will ruin your transfers. For delicate garments that are adorned with heat transfers, wash them by hand and line dry.
Avoid Excess Heat
When it comes to extending the life of your heat transfers, you want to avoid excess heat; including the dryer and the clothes iron. Clothing that is adorned with heat transfers should always be hung on the clothesline to dry. If you need to use a clothes dryer, leave the clothing inside out and use a low heat dryer setting. You should also avoid using a hot iron on your heat transfers. If you're going to iron your clothing, avoid the heat transfers. If the heat transfer vinyl does become wrinkled, turn the clothing inside out, place a moist towel over the area and iron with a low setting.
Heat transfers are a fun way to adorn your clothing. Use the tips provided here to care for your heat transfers or siser htv, and avoid premature wear and tear.
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