Recently we received a question from a customer trying to apply heat transfer vinyl to polyester construction vests.
Can heat transfter vinyl be applied to polyester and spandex.
Siser heat transfer vinyl can be applied to 600 denier polyester with the lower temperature method explained in this post 280 f for 15 20 seconds and you ll likely want to use a heat transfer pillow or rolled up towel to achieve even pressure.
But coated polyesters used in specialty applications can pose the same difficulties as coated nylon.
Generally polyester is an easy fabric for garment decorators to use.
This can lead to the material getting too hot and melting.
Heat transfer sheets are typically made for use on 100 percent cotton or for a 50 50 mix of cotton and polyester.
It s the water resistant bit that may complicate matters.
Polyester is among the most sensitive types of fabric that can react badly to excessive heat especially if applied for a long time.
However keep in mind that a cover sheet can also reduce the temperature reaching the transfer application by another 10 degrees.
If it is 100 polyester you can take elasti prints down to 275f.
This may cause fairly minor damage such as a slight crinkling in one area.
Material fabric selection chart please note.
Hi josylin some polyester is super sensitive to heat.
This means that these sheets can be used on fabrics that are made of 50 to 100 percent cotton and 0 to 50 percent polyester.
While you can safely apply heat transfer vinyl to polyester and cotton safely other materials may introduce variables that can cause issues particularly with darker color garments.
Some transfers sheets can also be used on 50 to 100 percent polyester spandex rayon and other fabrics.