PATTERNED VINYL INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF YOUR PATTERNED ADHESIVE VINYL

Printed vinyl is just that – printed vinyl! At CSDS Vinyl, we use a special printer and eco solvent inks to ensure that our printed vinyl is of the best quality. And the ink has a 3 year UV resistant warranty, meaning it will not fade for 3 years in sunlight. However, there is no warranty against scratches and fading from being handled. Our hands have oils in them, and these oils can be destructive to printed vinyl – unfortunately! If you are placing this vinyl in areas that will constantly be touched, it is a good idea to use TRANSPARENT VINYL to protect the printed vinyl. Oracal makes great transparent vinyl that is completely see through. When placed properly, it can allow your printed vinyl to be protected from constant touching for 4-5 years!

How do you do this?

There are 2 ways of going about this

1. Cut transparent vinyl in the same design as your printed vinyl. Same size, same shape. Layer the transparent vinyl over the top of the printed vinyl using transfer tape.
2. Cut a square of printed vinyl that is just slightly larger than your intended design. Cut the same size square of transparent vinyl. Layer the transparent vinyl over the printed vinyl. Be careful and use a vinyl squeegee to ensure you do not end up with a bunch of bubbles. Cut your design on your vinyl cutter. You may need to adjust settings accordingly to cut a thicker material.

Voila!!! You have now sealed your printed vinyl! Almost like a laminate and now your printed vinyl will last for years to come. 

Please Note

This is not necessary but strongly suggested to ensure the life of your printed vinyl. This is not necessary for car decals, as car decals usually do not come in contact with hands.

HOW TO USE PRINTED HEAT TRANSFER VINYL

We recommend doing a temperature/time test before you get started-especially if this is the first time using this item or if you are applying with an iron.

Manufacturer recommended settings: 315 degrees for no more than 15 seconds.

***Use a teflon sheet over the transfer. The ttd easy mask transfer tape will not completely protect the vinyl from excess heat. Test on a scrap fabric or in an inconspicuous are first to figure out your needed time and iron settings since all irons and presses are different.

The cotton setting on an iron is too hot. An average iron cotton setting is around 400 degrees. The polyester or silk setting is usually around 300 degrees. If there is a distressed look, faded, smearing or the pattern looks like the inks are coming up, then the iron is too hot. It is better to start with a low temperature and add time than temperature. The enclosed ttd easy mask can often be used twice (or more). Just return it to the backing after the first use.

Heat Press Instructions

Cut pattern/color side up (like an adhesive vinyl decal, do not mirror/reverse image) and weed excess material. Do not cut through the backing. Backing can be thrown away once removed. You will only want to cut through the actual vinyl. Apply ttd easy mask transfer tape on top of vinyl design. Squeegee vinyl really well on the front and back to ensure that the ttd easy mask is securely attached. Remove backing and place design on garment, pattern up. Cover with teflon sheet. Heat press at 315 degrees with medium pressure for no more than 15 seconds. You can press a second time if needed after your design has cooled. Peel the ttd easy mask off your design while it is still hot or within 5 seconds.

Home Iron Instructions

Cut pattern/color side up (like an adhesive vinyl decal, do not mirror/reverse image) and weed excess material. Do not cut through the backing. Backing can be thrown away once removed. You will only want to cut through the actual vinyl. Apply ttd easy mask transfer tape on top of vinyl design. Squeegee vinyl really well on the front and back to ensure that the ttd easy mask is securely attached. Remove backing and place design on garment pattern up. Cover with teflon sheet. Turn iron onto medium heat (poly setting). Start with 10-15 seconds with even downward pressure and add an additional 5-10 seconds as needed. It is better to increase time as needed than temperature. Try to avoid moving the iron side to side. When the pattern of the fabric threads can be seen through the vinyl and the edges are attached, the vinyl is properly adhered. Peel hot.

Please Note

While an iron can get the job done, a heat press is the best equipment to apply heat transfer vinyl.

Check out this how-to video for a more visual demonstration!