posted by Ahijoy on October 19, 2022
Can You Use Heat Transfer Vinyl On Glass?
Yes, we can use HTV on glass. Read on to find out how you can transfer exquisite designs on a glass using heat transfer vinyl.
Heat transfer vinyl, also known as HTV, is a type of vinyl polymer that has special properties. When exposed to a heat source such as an iron or heat press, this vinyl can undergo a chemical change and its adhesive properties are activated. Therefore, it is great for using on fabrics such as cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends and the like.
You can embellish t-shirts, hats, towels, and other articles of clothing with it, but can it work on other surfaces?
This article will answer your questions about using HTV on glass. Yes, you can easily apply HTV on your glass project due to the surface’s heat conducting properties. From mason jars to glass vases and other types of glassware, all can be beautified using HTV. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know!
Precautions
First things first. Before we get into how exactly HTV is transferred onto glass, you need to be aware of a few safety measures.
- Due to glass being a thermal conductor, it gets extremely hot. So, while handling the hot glass make sure to use gloves preferably oven mitts to protect yourself throughout the process.
- After applying heat, do not place your hot glass on the cutting mat as it can easily ruin it. It may get warped, hence keep the glass away.
- If you are using a heat press as your heat source, apply light pressure so the glass does not break and keep a towel underneath to further protect it. The full process is stated below.
Application Process
Below is the step-by-step application process making it easy to use HTV on glass. Simply follow and create.
Step 1: Create Your Design
First, measure the area of the glass you want to cover and cut your HTV accordingly. You can do this using a Cricut or any other electronic cutter of your choice or scissors, if the design is not that complex. Do not forget to weed excess vinyl off using a weeding tool.
Step 2: Apply HTV To The Glass
Make sure the glass you are using is clean and dry or the vinyl design will peel off. It is better to clean it with isopropyl alcohol to remove any contaminants.
Next, choose your heat source which can be an iron, heat press or a heat gun. Regular irons are a hassle to use in this case but are still workable. You have to make sure that the glass is in a stable position the whole time you apply heat. A towel can help in this case. For both heat press and iron do not apply excessive pressure just enough to get the adhesive working.
Using A Heat Press Machine
Heat press machines are used when you want to transfer the design on a flat piece of glass.
- Pre-heat the heat press machine according to the desired temperature.
- Place a towel on its bottom pad so that the glass does not break due to the pressure applied. The towel will act as a cushion.
- Place the design on the desired spot on the glass and cover it with a Teflon sheet or a parchment paper.
- The temperature for the heat press should be 315°F. Place the glass on the towel and close the heat press. Do not lock it. The pressure and heat should be enough to activate the adhesive. Too much pressure and the glass will break.
- Press for 10-15 seconds then remove the glass. Do not forget to wear gloves
- After it has cooled down a bit, remove the clear carrier sheet on the design. Let the glass cool down completely.
Using Heat Gun To Transfer HTV
If you want to transfer the HTV design on a rounded glass such as a jar or a tumbler, you can use a heat gun to do so.
- Since we cannot apply pressure with a heat gun, we will keep the temperature high. You can keep it from 275 - 320°F.
- You don’t have to use a Teflon sheet on top of your design for this.
- Apply heat then press the design with your gloved hand. Keep repeating the process till the whole decal is heated properly.
- Do not concentrate the heat at one spot. Spread evenly over the whole design otherwise the plastic carrier sheet might burn.
- Once the design has cooled down, remove the plastic carrier sheet.
Maintenance of HTV on Glass
Getting the most out of your HTV design will require you to put in effort to maintain it. There are a few simple things you need to be mindful of while using HTV.
- Firstly, do you not keep your glass submerged in water.
- HTV is not microwave safe.
- You cannot wash the glass in the dishwasher. You must wash your glass yourself and that too gently, so you don’t mess up your HTV design.
- Do wash your hands after using the glass as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
If you are looking for customized or personalized glassware, heat transfer vinyl is definitely something you should look into. So do not hesitate and use this guide for your next glass project.