10 Best Heat Transfer Vinyl Reviews – Ultimate Buying Guide

If you are a T-shirt entrepreneur, looking forward to designing your own unique fashion statement then you need the Best Heat Transfer Vinyl and we are here help you.

It’s the obvious dream of every designer to create designs and prints which leave an everlasting impression on your customers.

This is not just a piece of cake, you need to make proper planning regarding your designs, which machines to be used and which substrate cloth to be used. If you don’t use high-quality heat transfer vinyl papers even after having all the above mention things you cannot achieve what you planned for.

If you have been in the vinyl business for quite some time then you will surely agree that if you don’t select proper vinyl, it will not only ruin your design but also impact your business. Today there are lots and lots of vinyl’s are available in the market and it becomes quite impossible to select the best one among them. With proper knowledge and budget, you can easily select the best vinyl transfer paper for your suitable garments.

Top 5 Heat Transfer Vinyl Comparison

What is Heat Transfer Vinyl?

Okay, the very first thing that we are going to do is to understand what a” heat transfer vinyl” is actually? HTV or Heat Transfer Vinyl is the ultimate answer to all your transfer designs projects. It enables you to give a personalized touch to every project.

HTV is a thin sheet of polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride material on a clearer and self-adhesive material. These are available in roll and sheets from which designs are cut using computer controlled cutters such as Silhouette Cameo or the Cricut or Rolland GX or even hands. These designs are then weeded for the extra material and are generally heat pressed to complete the transfer.

If high-quality vinyl is used and applied properly thin it becomes a part of the fabric and lasts as long as the garment itself. The Heat Transfer Vinyl can be distinguished from other transfer media as it feels soft and smooth in touch and also has many vibrant colors. Moreover, it does not give any rubbery or stiff texture.

Why you need heat transfer vinyl?

It’s time to answer the most important question in this article today. There are a ton of reasons which I can point out in favor of heat transfer vinyl when compared to other forms of transfer. The most important ones are mentioned below.

  • Precise designs and accurate cuts: As most of the vinyl cutting is done by computer-automated cutters so you get more attractive designs. The designs are sharpers plus there is no chance of soiling a design by human errors.
  • Affordable: One thing which I would like to highlight is that the vinyl transfers are many costs efficient when compared to direct to garment print or the screen printing process.
  • Sizable: The vinyl transfer business is highly adaptable to the business needs. As you can easily store the designs made well in advance without any issues, so when a sudden demand is felt simply use the designs to get products ready.
  • Vibrant color and multiple forms: Have you seen the T-shirts with really vibrant color worn by people around you which look much more appealing. These are nothing but vinyl design, there are lots of effects with which they are available such as opaque vinyl, Sparkling Vinyl, Metallic vinyl, patterns or glitter vinyl.
  • Durability: Out of all the other transfer forms Heat Transfer Vinyl is the one which lasts the most. If the transfer is properly made then the vinyl transfer will last as long as the garment itself.

Things to consider Before Buying

We have discussed quite a few things about heat transfer vinyl but before making the final purchase there are certain factors that you should look for. These are some of the basic features of high-quality vinyl which ensures much better quality products.

  • Quality of the vinyl: There are the various quality of heat transfer vinyl available on the market today and find the best one is a challenge. Try to get the best one available until and unless you want to get frustrated with your designed products. The best vinyl will be durable, won’t fade or crack and most importantly do not peel off, no matter how many time they are washed. One key feature of top quality vinyl that they are thin, which makes them easier to work on. Look for the user reviews to get the best one, if you find peeling, bubbling or melting issues in the review it’s more than enough to stay away from it.
  • Ease of transfer: This might be the most important point here if you know the proper transfer characteristics of vinyl it will save you a lot of hard work.
    • Transfer time: It’s the time required by the vinyl to get completely stuck to the substrate under the properly fixed parameter such as temperature and pressure. It also gives you a rough idea that how much time will a piece require.
    • Transfer temperature: As known by its name it is a heat transfer method, so we need to know the proper temperature at which it works. If the temperature is correct it will give better results.
    • Pressure: Most of the vinyl require a hard press while the transfer is taking place. Look for the pressure required by the vinyl to get completely transferred.
  • Color combination: Every pack of vinyl comes with a different color combination so it totally depends on you that which option you go with. These packs come with a very wide variety of colors from simple shades of grey to all the stuff found in the rainbow. Choose a pack which offers you diverse and trendy colors while being practical all your projects.
  • Size of vinyl: It is a very important factor, depending on the quantity required in a single transfer and as a whole on the entire project. If you are beginner sheets may be enough for you but later in the day, you may consume yards of vinyl.
  • Washable: Although vinyl is known for lasting, the last thing you want for your design to lose its quality as gets washed. Look for the piece which offers maximum wash cycle life.

These are just some of the highlight aspects which you should consider before selecting a pack, there are other factors depending on the project and budget which will be discovered at some later point in time.

Top 10 Heat Transfer Vinyl Reviews

#01. Qbc Craft 12×12 Permanent Adhesive Vinyl Sheets (36 Pack)

Qbc Craft 12x12 Permanent Adhesive Vinyl Sheets (36 Pack) Including...
  • Durability Easy To Weed and Cut Vinyl for Indoor and Outdoor 5 yrs when properly displayed MADE IN...
  • Easy and Headache Free self adhesive backed craft vinyl for Cricut Silhouette and all craft cutters
  • 3 MIL Thick and Holds your Designs Shape after cutting and weeding use on windows graphics letters

If you just started the vinyl print business and are really looking for something that would be easy to work with, then this started bundle might be the item you need. It comes in a super-sized package containing 36 sheets of heat transfer vinyl. Being in the sheet form allows you to easily take measures of your design and customize them accordingly. The vinyl material is of supreme quality and is highly durable even after years of rough use and washing. In my view, if used on garments it’s going to stay as long as the garment lasts itself.

Talking about the dimensions all the 36 sheets bear the same size of 12” X 12, that’s a decent size to work with most of the vinyl cutters and heat presses. They offer you the most extensive color range, needless to mention they literally have all the vibrant and practical colors out there. Because of such a wide range of colors, there is no project out there that you can leave apart and you can come up with something for every product thrown at you.

When it comes to the usage part the Qbc vinyl sheets are a charm as the packet comes with a nice instructional sheet. It is simple to understand and can be referred if have any doubts about the application. The pack includes transfer tapes which help in the easy repositioning of vinyl sheets thus reducing the chances of tearing or stretching.

For working with small decals with finer details you need to use the opaque blue grid transfer tape which is less adhesive thus allowing finer details to stay intact while withdrawing the sheets after cutting and weeding. But when you are working on large designs consider using the red transfer tape as it’s aggressively adhesive.

Highlighted Features:

  • Highly durable vinyl can last up to 5 years if applied properly
  • Designed for indoor as well as outdoor use
  • Gives you lots of vibrant shades
  • The self-adhesive back makes it best heat transfer vinyl for Silhouette cameo and Circut
  • 3 MIL thick which makes it ideal for any kind of craft or decoration projects

#02. Ultimate Oracal 651 Starter Pack 63 Glossy Self Adhesive Vinyl Sheets

ORACAL Vinyl Sheets (63 Pack)
  • All 63 Oracal 651 colors
  • Competitive pricing - ordered/processed/distributed efficiently to keep you crafting affordably
  • Oracal 651 - high quality vinyl made in Georgia use

If you want something on a tight budget that offers significantly superior quality and offers almost all the different shades needed for a project then you go for the Ultimate Oracal. People often get confused with the name of this vinyl set, first of all, let me clarify that it is not a set of 651 sheets rather 651 means Outdoor Adhesive Vinyl in a glossy finish. The pack still comes with 63 Assortment and two extra sheets namely matte black and matte white.

Talking about the quality of the vinyl, it’s designed for outdoor use which means it can last for much longer. It can be used for outdoor signage, Dishes, decoration mugs, or any kind of project that going to be exposed and washed regularly. All of this makes it highly durable.

The sheets are very much sticky and if transferred properly then will last for a very long time. Some of the users have even used the products which are washed in a dishwasher and the vinyl still stays as good, this gives you an idea about the durability of the product.

The vinyl sheets are overall of very high quality and are very thin. If you plan on using this on Circut or Cameo use it on the paper setting else it will be shredded. The people who used the vinyl set never faced any problem in the transfer or cutting of the design. This vinyl is ideal for making smaller projects.

The only reason that why it is not in the number one position is that it does not come with transfer tapes whereas the Obc craft comes with two different transfer tapes.

Highlighted Features:

  • Highly durable, Made for outdoor use
  • Gives you lots of vibrant shades
  • The self-adhesive back makes it ideal to be used with any kind of vinyl cutters
  • Very well for smaller projects.
  • 5 MIL thick which makes it ideal for any kind of craft or decoration projects

#03. iImagine Vinyl 72-Sheets of Premium Permanent Self Adhesive Vinyl Sheets

Sale
iImagine Vinyl Permanent Vinyl, 72 Pack Permanent Adhesive Vinyl...
  • ✂️PACKAGE BUNDLE: 12-inch x 12-inch permanent vinyl sheets in 25 GLOSSY, MATTE, and METALLIC...
  • ✂️DURABILITY & WATERPROOF: iImagine vinyl is waterproof and withstands outdoor exposure for 4...
  • ✂️EASY TO USE: Suitable for Cri-cut(Setting on “Iron on +”), silhouette cameo and cutting...

If you were okay with Ultimate Oracal but want something extra in the same price range then here we have the iImagine Vinyl set for you. And by extra here we mean a different kind of vinyl such as the glossy, the matte-finished, or the metallic ones. Here you get all of them in one pack. The pack comes with 60 sheets along with bonus of 12 sheets which increases the count up to 72.

This vinyl set features most of the vibrant colors and in different shades and textures which makes it stand apart from the rest. Also, when the compared price per piece of the sheet is one of the most affordable ones.

Talking about the quality of the vinyl, it’s a permanent vinyl as described by the manufacturer which makes it similar to the 651 thus it has been made designed for outdoor use. It can be used for outdoor signage, letters, Banners, Mugs, Dishes, Cars or any kind of flat surface where you need them. The project can be exposed and washed regularly as the vinyl is highly durable.

            The vinyl sheet is very thin which talks about its quality itself and gave no problems to users it on Circut or Cameo.  The only thing that you need to take care of is maintaining the speed, thickness, and blade setting on those automatic cutters. You need to use transfer tapes for this vinyl to avoid any issues with the final project.

As per users the transfer and cutting characters are really good and they never faced any issue while weeding too. It should have been provided with transfer tapes as in the case of Obc Craft.

Highlighted Features:

  • Similar to 651, designed for outdoor use
  • Gives you lots of vibrant shades in different textures
  • The self-adhesive back makes ideal for working on projects like tumblers, glass, ceramics, and others
  • 0 MIL thick, making it ideal for craft and decors

#04. ATNTY HTV Heat Transfer Vinyl White

No products found.

If you are into the T-shirt print business and are looking for some of the best HTV to engrave texts and simple designs in pure white then we have the best product for you. If you are considering getting the best quality heat transfer vinyl in the budget then there is nothing wrong with this vinyl. At $ 1.44 per sheet they may sound a bit more expensive than our top three picks, but let me assure you that these are high-quality vinyl solely designed for working with softer and smoother surfaces.

Some of the persons questioned me that why we should go for a 16 piece pack of vinyl in a single color that costs nearly as much as a 65 piece pack with a lot of color options. My answer was that to sell a $ 3 T-shirt for $ 15, because of the better quality of vinyl printing.

The vinyl comes in a nice folder which prevents it from getting damaged or folded and at the same time keeps it clean. It cuts great and has a very smooth transfer process. There is no issue with weeding even when fine cuts are expected. This is the best heat transfer vinyl for cotton T-shirts. It only takes 20-30 seconds to transfer at 320 – 330-degree temperature. The vinyl is quite durable and stays new even after multiple wash cycles if applied properly it will outlast the fabric itself.

Because it’s slightly thin it cuts well on the Cricut and the silhouette ( use setting 5 for depth, 8 for speed, and 7 for thickness). The only thing that you need to take care of is that needs to be pressed a little longer while transferring.

Highlighted Features:

  • Designed for indoor use on fabrics and garments mostly
  • So thin that it does not even feel on fabric
  • Great for small projects
  • Best vinyl sheets for beginners

#05. ATNTY-Heat Transfer Vinyl Assorted Colors – 22 Colors

No products found.

If you tried your hands on the White or Black vinyl from ATNTY and found it quite exciting and easy to work with then it’s time for upskilling yourself. T-shirt print business requires you to be able to print in multiple colors and at will. There is no room for error and the quality needs to be premium that’s where our next to heat transfer vinyl comes into play. These vinyl sheets are a bit on the expensive side and cost around $ 1.5 each, but looking at the quality they are worth every penny.

This pack contains three glittering sheets of dimension 10” x 12.19” and the rest of 19 sheets are simple and of size 12” x 12” each. The contains some of the trendiest colors and includes special highlight colors such as Gold, silver, and pink in glitter shade. The vinyl comes in the exact same folder which prevents it from getting damaged or folded and at the same time keeps it clean.

It cuts great and has a very smooth transfer process. There is no issue with weeding even when fine cuts are expected. This is similar to its white and black counterpart and is easily the best heat transfer vinyl for T-shirts. It only takes 20-30 seconds to transfer at 320 – 330-degree temperature. The vinyl is very durable, stays new even after multiple wash cycles, and maintains its color and texture. If applied properly it will outlast the fabric itself.

Because of its much slimmer design, it cuts extremely well on the Cricut and the silhouette and other cutting machines. If you are looking to do hats, hoodies, and sweatshirts these might be the best vinyl sheets for you. It takes a similar time and temperature setting as the ATNTY HTV White.

Highlighted Features:

  • Features all the vibrant colors available
  • Has the special glitter HTV which are much more expensive
  • So thin that it does not even feel on fabric
  • Highest rated heat transfer vinyl on Amazon
  • Highly durable stays as new even after long time use.

#06. BRIGHT IDEA Heat Transfer Vinyl HTV Bundle

At number 6 we the Bright Idea HTV bundle, you may not have liked the above products for some reason or you want something extra. Well, right here we have the bright idea that has got a ton of reasons to be selected. This is the vinyl that is designed to take care of all your heat transfer needs. The bundle contains 2 sheets of white and black along with 2 metallic sheets namely golden and silver besides the rainbow swatch. And if that was not enough it features a Glow in the Dark vinyl sheet of premium quality. Honestly speaking, it’s the one pack that can take care of toys, caps, aprons, and much more.

These vinyl sheets are made from high-quality polyurethane which gives them extra flexibility and is strong and durable at the same time. Talking about the durability of this vinyl it can sustain up to 100 wash cycles without showing any signs of fading, peeling or developing cracks. The color vibrancy and shape stay as new for a very long period of time.

The HTV sheets feature a strong adhesive layer which makes it much comfortable to work with any of the automatic vinyl cutters. Also, it makes the wedding and application process much simple. It is ideal for creating superior quality designs that require fine cuts such as monogramming, lettering, or texts. It works well with both the iron and heat press machines.

If you needed something that goes well with almost all the fabric such as cotton, polyester, Rayon, and others then these are the vinyl sheets you were looking for. Even now if you don’t find sufficient reasons think once again as it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee (no questions asked) if the users are not satisfied.

Highlighted Features:

  • Features all the vibrant colors available
  • Has the special metallic and Glow in dark HTV sheets which are quite expensive
  • Highly durable stays as new even after long time use.
  • Comes with money back guarantee

#07. Permanent Adhesive-Backed Vinyl Sheets by EZ Craft USA

EZ Craft USA Permanent Adhesive Backed Vinyl Sheets 12' x 12' - 40...
34,333 Reviews
EZ Craft USA Permanent Adhesive Backed Vinyl Sheets 12" x 12" - 40...
  • SAVE MONEY! BEST PRICED PACKAGE! 12” X 12” INCH VINYL 40 sheets in 30 different glossy colors, 2...
  • HIGH QUALITY ADHESIVE BACKING AND LINER to protect the adhesive until it is exposed and ready for...
  • LIFETIME SATISFACTION GUARANTEE OR YOUR MONEY BACK. If unhappy with this product then you can send...

Well if you are looking for something that has been designed to work with all the automatic cutters and at the same time provides you with various textures then your search is over. What if I say that it is much cheaper than what you have been approximating, it’s like Santa has brought you a gift. Well, it’s the best-priced pack of 40 which has all the vinyl in 12” x 12” size. The set has a white and black in a matte finish, 3 sheets each of metallic texture for golden and silver, 2 brushed silver sheets, and 30 regular rainbow swatches, what more do you want?

The vinyl sheets feature high-quality adhesive backing along with liner to protect it. Because of this the sheet does not get ruined or separated during the cutting or weeding process. The liner is very easy to peel thus preventing from creating the mess. The vinyl is made from premium quality polyurethanes which makes it much thinner and stronger at the same time.

The vinyl sheets come in a flatly packed folder which prevents the bent corners which are caused by rolls. It’s more like an Oracal 651 sheet meant to be used for outdoor purposes. It’s durable and can last up to several years facing high exposure. Even after a long run, it can hold its color and shine.

It’s good for any kind of flat surface such as mugs, vases, cars, signages, and others. If it’s a flat and smooth surface you can use this vinyl on that. Moreover, it comes with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee which means if you are unhappy with the product simply return it and get a refund.

Highlighted Features:

  • Features all the vibrant colors available
  • Designed for outdoor use
  • Has the special metallic sheets which are quite expensive
  • Highly durable stays as new even after long time use.
  • Comes with money back guarantee

best heat transfer vinyl for cotton#08. Premium Heat Transfer Vinyl Iron on

Okay you need to buy some high-quality heat transfer vinyl sheet and also your old cutting mat has had enough wear and tear and you need a Teflon sheet too for the transfers. This bundle has got you covered for everything mentioned above and all those at a much smaller budget. The package contains 15 HTV sheets of dimension 12” x 10” of vibrant and primary color.

The vinyl is made from 100% polyurethane making it much slimmer and the stronger same time. It stretch resistant and has been provided with modified adhesive layers which make the weeding process very easy. Because of its thin nature, it has to be cut on paper setting on most of the cutters. Talking about the quality, it has been designed to be weather resistant which means you can use them in warm as well as freezing cold conditions. The vinyl is durable and outlasts most of the fabrics with which they were used if applied properly.

The vinyl has been designed to transfer using only irons but if you have a heat press it will be great. You can even use it on smaller projects like mugs and other flat surfaces.

Highlighted Features:

  • Features all the vibrant colors available
  • Designed to be used with simple irons
  • Comes with a cutting mat
  • Highly durable stays as new even after long time use.
  • Comes with a Teflon transfer sheet

#09. SISER EasyWeed Heat Transfer Vinyl, 12 x 15″ 12-Color Starter Bundle

SISER EasyWeed Heat Transfer Vinyl, 12 x 15" 12-Color Starter Bundle...
  • 12 most popular Siser EasyWeed colors on the market! Get White, Red, Orange, Yellow, Sun Yellow,...
  • Ready and Easy-to-cut material designed for custom garment decorations and graphics
  • Pressure sensitive adhesive backing allows you to weed small letters and fine designs with ease!

This heat transfer vinyl starter bundle is a great way to build your stash without dropping a fortune. With 12 different colors, you can complete a variety of projects with just this one set. In addition to the vinyl sheets, you’ll also receive a toolkit with a detailer squeegee and two safety edge decals.

This bundle features Siser EasyWeed’s most popular colors. Even if you don’t use one of the colors right away, it’s sure to come in handy down the road. Each sheet measures 12 by 15 inches, making these sheets the perfect size for a range of projects. The pressure-sensitive adhesive backing helps you weed small details with ease.

With this heat transfer vinyl bundle, you can expect your finished garments to withstand many repeat piles of washing. These heat transfer vinyl sheets are compatible with a variety of scanning and cutting machines.

Highlighted Features:

  • Features the most popular colors currently available
  • Compatible with all of the top cutting machines
  • Easy to weed out fine details and lettering

#10. Heat Transfer Vinyl Black and White

Unime Heat Transfer Vinyl Black and White - 12"x12" - 12 Sheets - Iron...
  • Package come with 6 Sheets black color and 6 Sheets white color transfer vinyl.
  • Each size at 12x12 inch allows you to operate the cutting machine more conveniently, especially for...
  • Our transfer vinyls are made of thin but strong PVC material. Its extra thin design offers great...

Finally, we are at the end of our list we have the last product for you. What would you do with your regular vinyl pack if you are working on a project where you require large quantities of white and black vinyl? You get stuck in middle, as most of them have only one or two black & white sheets. The solution to this problem is the U-ZM Heat Transfer Vinyl bundle as it has 5 sheets each of black and white. It is one of the best heat press vinyl out there and works like charm with most of the fabrics.

The sheets are as good as any other on the list and are made from 100% PU which makes them highly durable and they look like new even after 50 washes. Because of the high-quality PU, it’s much easier to cut and weed for an even smaller and sharper design. They come in 12” x 12” size and are ideal to work with most of the automatic cutters.

Highlighted Features:

  • Made from high-quality PU
  • Designed to be used with almost all the computerized cutters
  • Highly durable stays as new even after long time use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of heat transfer vinyl?

  • Standard Heat Transfer Vinyl.
  • Pearlescent Heat Transfer Vinyl.
  • Glitter Heat Transfer Vinyl.
  • Flock Heat Transfer Vinyl.
  • Glow In The Dark Heat Transfer Vinyl.

Is there a difference between iron-on vinyl and heat transfer vinyl?

Heat Transfer is equally known as iron-on vinyl. On the flip side, an iron-on is a special paper that is transferable to fabric by applying both heat and pressure. From their definition alone, it is difficult to draw out similarities or differences. You’d need a closer view on how the two designing materials work to know if they’re the same. However, most companies clearly state a difference between the two. Heat transfer vinyl is meant for heat presses while iron-on vinyl is meant to be used with a regular iron for ironing clothes.

What materials can not be heat pressed?

The list of such materials would be way too long for an article like this, even if it comprehensive. Generally-speaking, do not heat transfer anything that doesn’t have a label clearly stating out that it’s safe for a heat transfer. Otherwise, you might run into some nasty surprises, such as your materials catching fire or your printer becoming unusable and needing a repair or even a replacement.

Should you wash shirts before heat transfer vinyl?

No, there is no manufacturer that recommends pre-washing your shirts before applying a heat transfer vinyl. If you’re extremely cautios about hygiene, you could try it, but we don’t take any responsibility if you find yourself in trouble during the heat transfer process afterward. Do note that it’s best to respect the manufacturer’s instructions, as they were written with the sole purpose of guiding you through a thorough and efficient heat transfer process.

Final Verdict

Now that you have seen some of the best heat transfer vinyl sheet bundles available on the market today, it’s time to make the decision that which one do you need. Before making the final selection look for the requirements of your project. If you are starting for simple T-shirts then you can go with a bundle that offers you a lot of colors to play with so that you can have multiple color combinations.

Also, look for the wash cycle life and texture that you require for a particular project. Finally, do not try to save some bucks and end up purchasing a low-quality product. I am sure you can find something on our list that fulfills all your needs.

Last update on 2023-09-17 at 21:43 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Leave a Comment