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Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) is the ultimate method for individual customization and specialty finishes that no other decoration technique can match. Each design is precision-cut from colored vinyl using a computer-controlled plotter, hand-weeded to remove excess material, and heat-pressed onto the garment with commercial-grade equipment. HTV excels at names, numbers, simple logos, and bold graphics — and it shines brightest with specialty finishes like metallic gold, glitter, reflective, holographic, flock (velvet), glow-in-the-dark, and color-changing thermochromic materials. At French Press Custom, we stock over 50 standard vinyl colors and 8+ specialty material types, with same-day rush available for time-sensitive orders.
Overview
Heat transfer vinyl (HTV), also known as iron-on vinyl in the DIY world, is a thin film material with a heat-activated adhesive backing. Designs are cut from sheets or rolls of colored vinyl using a computer-controlled plotter/cutter — the blade traces your design path and cuts through the vinyl layer while leaving the carrier backing intact. After cutting, the excess vinyl surrounding your design is carefully removed by hand in a process called "weeding," leaving only your finished design on the carrier sheet. The transfer is then positioned on the garment and permanently bonded using a commercial heat press at the manufacturer's recommended temperature, time, and pressure.
What makes HTV unique among decoration methods is its extraordinary range of specialty materials. While screen printing, DTG, and DTF are limited to ink-based finishes, HTV opens up an entire world of textures and effects: mirror-finish metallic (gold, silver, chrome, rose gold, copper), embedded glitter that sparkles without shedding, retro-reflective vinyl that glows under headlights, holographic film that shifts colors with the viewing angle, soft velvet-textured flock, phosphorescent glow-in-the-dark, and even thermochromic vinyl that changes color with body heat. No other decoration method can reproduce these finishes.
HTV is also the industry standard for individual customization. Because each design is digitally cut (no screens, no plates, no stitch files), every single garment can have a completely different name, number, or text at the same per-piece cost. This makes heat transfer the go-to method for sports jerseys, team uniforms, personalized gifts, corporate name badges, event apparel, and any project where every garment needs to be unique. Just send us a spreadsheet with names and numbers, and every piece comes out perfect.
At French Press Custom, we use commercial-grade plotters capable of cutting vinyl as thin as 0.25 inches tall for fine text, paired with heavy-duty heat presses that deliver consistent temperature (±2°F), even pressure across the full platen, and precise dwell timing. This professional equipment is what separates our results from home iron-on projects — the vinyl bonds permanently to the fabric fibers, creating a result that withstands 50+ washes, machine drying, and daily wear without peeling, cracking, or lifting at the edges.
Types of Heat Transfer
We offer multiple heat transfer techniques to match your project goals, budget, and desired look.
Standard heat transfer vinyl is a thin, flexible PU (polyurethane) film available in 50+ solid colors with matte or glossy finish options. It produces clean, razor-sharp lines and is ideal for text, numbers, logos, and simple graphics. Standard HTV is the most affordable option and has a smooth, slightly raised feel on the garment — thinner and more flexible than you might expect. It is extremely durable, maintaining its color and adhesion through 50+ washes with no cracking or peeling. Standard matte is the most popular choice for team names, jersey numbers, and corporate text.
Metallic HTV creates a mirror-like, highly reflective surface with a premium, luxurious look that catches light from every angle. Available in gold, silver, chrome, copper, rose gold, bronze, and other metallic finishes. The foil-like surface is unmistakable — it adds an immediate sense of quality and sophistication to any design. Metallic vinyl is popular for fashion brands, event merchandise, award apparel, premium corporate gifts, and any project that needs to look expensive. It can be layered with standard HTV for multi-material designs (metallic text on a matte vinyl background).
Glitter HTV contains densely embedded glitter particles sealed within a transparent PU layer, creating a sparkling, eye-catching finish that catches light and turns heads. Available in 20+ colors from subtle shimmer to bold, full-sparkle finishes — including gold glitter, silver glitter, rainbow glitter, pink, red, blue, green, and more. The glitter is permanently sealed within the vinyl, so it will never flake, shed, or transfer to skin or other garments. Glitter HTV is one of our most-requested specialty materials, especially popular for cheerleading, dance teams, spirit wear, bachelorette/bridal parties, and youth apparel.
Reflective HTV contains thousands of microscopic glass beads that retro-reflect light back to its source — the same technology used in road signs, safety vests, and emergency vehicle markings. During daylight, it appears as a standard silver or white vinyl with a subtle sheen. At night or in low-light conditions, it becomes brilliantly visible when hit by headlights, flashlights, or camera flash, creating a dramatic safety and visual effect. Reflective vinyl is essential for safety workwear, running and cycling apparel, crossing guard vests, and any garment that needs to be visible in dark conditions. It is also popular for fashion and streetwear designs that want that flash-photography effect on social media.
Holographic HTV creates a stunning rainbow-shifting, prismatic effect that changes color continuously as the viewing angle shifts. The iridescent surface diffracts light into a spectrum of colors, producing an eye-catching, futuristic look that is impossible to ignore. Available in silver holographic, gold holographic, and colored holographic (where the rainbow effect is overlaid on a base color). Holographic vinyl is the material of choice for fashion-forward designs, festival and concert merch, limited-edition drops, and any project that demands maximum visual impact.
Flock HTV has a soft, raised, velvet-like texture created by tiny fiber particles standing upright on the vinyl surface. The fuzzy, plush finish is completely unique in the custom apparel industry — no screen print, DTG, DTF, or embroidery method can replicate this tactile feel. Running your hand over flock vinyl feels like touching velvet or suede. It is available in 15+ colors and is popular for retro and varsity-style designs, high-end fashion, children's apparel (the soft texture is kid-friendly), and premium branding where tactile experience matters. Flock vinyl is thicker than standard HTV, giving the design a noticeable raised dimension.
Phosphorescent glow-in-the-dark HTV absorbs ambient light (natural or artificial) and emits a visible green or blue-green glow in dark environments. The glow lasts for several hours after charging under light and recharges each time the garment is exposed to light again. Glow vinyl is a fun, novelty material that is extremely popular for Halloween designs, nightclub and rave apparel, kids' pajamas, event merchandise for evening events, and safety applications where low-light visibility helps. It can be combined with standard or specialty vinyl for designs that look normal in daylight and glow at night.
Thermochromic HTV changes color in response to temperature changes — typically transitioning from a colored state to white or transparent when heated by body warmth, breath, or touch. The effect is reversible and repeats indefinitely. Available in several color options (blue-to-white, pink-to-white, green-to-white, etc.). Thermochromic vinyl creates an interactive, "reveal" effect that is attention-grabbing for marketing campaigns, novelty merch, kids' apparel, and branded giveaways. The color change temperature can be calibrated for body heat (~86°F) or warmer triggers.
Ideal For
Our Process
From artwork submission to finished product — here is exactly what happens when you order heat transfer from French Press Custom.
Your design is prepared as a vector cut file (.AI, .EPS, .SVG) with clean paths, closed outlines, and text converted to curves. For multi-color designs, each color is separated onto its own layer since each will be cut from a different vinyl sheet. We confirm sizing, placement position (front, back, sleeve, etc.), and vinyl material selection before proceeding. For names and numbers, we format your roster spreadsheet into individual cut files.
We select the appropriate vinyl type and color from our extensive inventory — over 50 standard colors plus 8+ specialty materials (metallic, glitter, reflective, holographic, flock, glow-in-the-dark, thermochromic, and patterned). Each vinyl type has specific cutting parameters (blade depth, speed, pressure) and pressing parameters (temperature, time, pressure) that we calibrate for optimal results. For mixed-material designs, we plan the layer order and pressing sequence.
Your design is loaded into our computer-controlled vinyl plotter/cutter. The precision blade cuts through the vinyl film layer while leaving the carrier backing sheet intact — a process called "kiss cutting." Our plotter achieves detail as fine as 0.25" text and sharp corners on complex geometry. Cut quality is critical: clean, precise blade paths ensure razor-sharp edges and professional results on the finished garment.
After cutting, the excess vinyl surrounding your design is carefully removed by hand — a process called "weeding." Using precision pick tools, our team removes every piece of negative space, leaving only your finished design elements on the carrier sheet. Weeding small text, thin lines, and intricate designs is time-intensive and requires skilled, patient hands. Complex designs with tight spacing between elements require the most weeding time.
The weeded transfer is positioned on the garment using alignment guides, registration marks, and a laser alignment tool for consistent placement across the entire order. The garment and transfer are loaded into our commercial heat press and pressed at the vinyl manufacturer's specified parameters — typically 305-325°F for 10-15 seconds at firm pressure. Our digital heat press maintains ±2°F temperature accuracy and even pressure across the full 16x20" platen for uniform adhesion.
After pressing, the carrier sheet is peeled away — hot peel or warm peel depending on vinyl type. For multi-color designs, each vinyl color layer is cut, weeded, and pressed separately in sequence, carefully registered on top of each other using alignment marks. A 3-color design requires 3 complete press cycles with precise alignment between each layer. Each layer is inspected before the next is applied.
Every finished garment is inspected for vinyl adhesion (edge lift test), color accuracy, alignment/placement consistency, and overall appearance. For personalized orders, we verify each name and number against the original roster to ensure zero errors. Garments are then folded, poly-bagged (if requested), and packaged for shipping or pickup. We include care instruction inserts recommending inside-out cold wash and low-heat tumble dry for maximum vinyl longevity.
See Our Work
Real photos from our production floor in Santa Fe Springs, CA. Every project is printed in-house with our professional equipment.
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Vinyl Plotter/Cutter
Cutting
Computer-controlled precision cutting, 0.25" detail
Commercial Heat Press (16x20")
Application
Digital temp ±2°F, even platen pressure
Swing-Away Press
Application
For hats, sleeves, and specialty placements
Vinyl Inventory Rack
Materials
50+ standard colors + 8 specialty types
Weeding Station
Prep
LED backlit table, precision pick tools
Laser Alignment Tool
Registration
Consistent placement across full orders
Compatible Products
Heat Transfer works on a wide range of garments and products. Here are the most popular items our customers order.
Transparent Pricing
We believe in upfront, honest pricing. Here are typical price ranges — get an exact quote for your specific project.
| Quantity | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 6-24 pcs | $5 - $10/pc |
| 25-49 pcs | $4 - $7/pc |
| 50-99 pcs | $3 - $5.50/pc |
| 100-249 pcs | $2.50 - $4.50/pc |
| 250+ pcs | $2 - $3.50/pc |
Heat transfer pricing is per vinyl color, per print location. A 2-color front design costs approximately double a 1-color design because each color requires its own cutting, weeding, and pressing pass. Specialty vinyl (metallic, glitter, reflective, holographic, flock) costs 30-60% more than standard HTV. Individual names/numbers are priced per piece based on character count and size. Blank garments are additional. No screen or setup fees — pricing is straightforward per-piece.
Project Spotlights
See how we've helped businesses like yours with custom heat transfer.
Youth Basketball League — Norwalk, CA
The Challenge
A youth basketball coach needed 45 jerseys with individual player names and numbers — each one different. Screen printing can't do individual personalization cost-effectively, and the coach wanted reflective numbers visible under gym lights.
Our Solution
Precision-cut reflective HTV for numbers and standard vinyl for player names. Each jersey individually laid out, cut, weeded, and pressed with laser alignment for consistent placement across all 45 pieces.
Results
“Every single jersey was perfect. The reflective vinyl numbers look amazing under gym lights. Already planning next season's order.”
— Coach David S., Norwalk, CA
Dance Studio — Pico Rivera, CA
The Challenge
A dance studio needed 120 pieces with their logo in glitter gold on leotards and metallic silver on warm-up jackets. The spandex leotards stretch significantly and the nylon jackets have a slick surface — both problematic for standard decoration methods.
Our Solution
Used stretch-compatible glitter HTV for the spandex leotards — the vinyl flexes with the fabric without cracking. Applied metallic silver vinyl to the jackets at a lower temperature to prevent nylon damage. Each piece hand-positioned for consistent placement.
Results
“The glitter gold on the leotards sparkled under the stage lights and didn't crack during any of the routines. The girls were so excited. We'll be back every year.”
— Ms. Rodriguez, Pico Rivera, CA
Logistics Company — Commerce, CA
The Challenge
A logistics company needed 200 ANSI-rated hi-vis safety vests with their company name in reflective vinyl on the back. Embroidery on mesh vests wasn't feasible, and screen printing wouldn't provide the reflective safety requirement.
Our Solution
Cut reflective HTV with the company name and logo, then heat-pressed at reduced temperature and extended dwell time to bond with the polyester mesh vest material. Each vest individually pressed with a jig for consistent back placement.
Results
“The reflective vinyl on the safety vests is exactly what we needed. Our team is visible and branded at the same time. Great turnaround on a big order.”
— Robert K., Commerce, CA
Fashion Brand — Los Angeles, CA
The Challenge
An LA fashion brand launching a pop-up in Silver Lake wanted gold foil branding on black tees and natural canvas totes. They needed the premium metallic look that screen printing and embroidery can't replicate — actual reflective gold foil, not just gold-colored ink.
Our Solution
Applied gold metallic foil HTV to both garment types — precision-cut the brand logo and tagline, then heat-pressed at optimal temperature for each fabric. The foil creates a mirror-like reflective gold finish impossible with any other decoration method.
Results
“The gold foil looks incredible — it actually shines and catches light like real metal. Our customers thought they were high-end designer pieces. Sold out the first weekend.”
— Alicia M., Los Angeles, CA
Honest Assessment
Every decoration method has strengths and trade-offs. Here is an honest breakdown to help you decide.
Head-to-Head
Side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right method for your project.
| Heat Transfer | Screen Printing | |
|---|---|---|
| Personalization | Every garment can be different (names, numbers) | Same design for entire run |
| Specialty Finishes | Metallic, glitter, reflective, flock, holo, glow | Foil, puff, glow (limited selection) |
| Setup Cost | None — zero setup fees | $25/screen (per color) |
| Best Quantity | 6-100 pieces | 50-10,000+ pieces |
| Full-Color Images | No — solid colors only (1-4 layers) | Limited (CMYK/simulated process) |
| Turnaround | As fast as same-day | 7-10 business days standard |
| Hand Feel | Raised vinyl layer, visible on surface | Softer (plastisol) to very soft (discharge/water-based) |
| Edge Quality | Razor-sharp, crispest edges possible | Excellent but slightly softer edges |
Still not sure? Tell us about your project and we'll recommend the best method for you.
Customer Reviews
Real reviews from verified customers on Yelp and Google — here's what they say about our heat transfer.
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Everything you need to know about heat transfer at French Press Custom.
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