Plaids

Finding vinyl that is unique and that matches the overall vision of your project can be a difficult task. However, it does not have to be. Expressions Vinyl has many different colors, patterns, and textures, so there will be sure to be a type of vinyl that will fit the vision that you have for your project. One of the unique patterns of vinyl that we have to offer is plaid vinyl. We offer many different colors of our plaid vinyl that will be perfect for the spring, holiday season, or any time of the year!

What is Plaid Vinyl?
Plaid vinyl is a type of patterned heat transfer vinyl, also known as HTV. This means that you can apply this type of vinyl to material by using heat. Some of the colors we offer include light pastels which would be perfect for the springtime, classic Buffalo plaid, and even Christmas plaid. No matter what you are wanting plaid vinyl for, we have the selection so that you will be able to find the perfect combination for your project, whatever it may be.

Uses of Plaid Vinyl
Plaid vinyl is very versatile vinyl that can be used on a lot of different things. The fabrics that the plaid vinyl sticks well to include:

Cotton
Polyester
Poly-Cotton Blend

There are so many different things that you can make with these types of materials some of the more common projects that are made include:

T-shirts
Sweatshirts
Sweatpants
Jackets
Tote Bags
Towels
And so many more!

No matter what type of project you are wanting to make, you will have the type of plaid vinyl that will be a perfect fit for your project.

The Adhering Process 
The process of adhering the vinyl to the material is one that is not complicated. However, it is essential to make sure that each step of the process is followed precisely. The steps of the application process include:

Choosing a Design
Many people craft in order to express themselves creatively. Using vinyl to create apparel or other projects is a great way for people to express themselves. This step is the one where you will be able to express yourself. In this step you will have your vinyl, and then you will be able to choose the design that you would like to have. Once you have chosen and created your design, you will then need to cut it out. When you are taking the time to cut out the design, you will want to make sure that it is cut out reversed or mirrored. You will also want to make sure that the correct side of the vinyl is laying down on the mat. This will ensure that everything will turn out correctly.

Setting the Correct Heat Temperature
The next step of the process is to make sure that you are setting the correct heat temperature. This is essential because if the temperature is too hot, then there is a potential for it to burn a hole in either the vinyl or the material, however if the temperature is not set high enough, then it will not allow the vinyl to adhere correctly, which could result in a low quality job, or could result in the ends of the vinyl peeling. You will want to check the instructions that come with the vinyl to ensure that you can set the correct temperature.

Preheating the Item
Another step that will not want to be missed is that after setting the heat, you will want to preheat the item. You can do this by using either a heat press, or even an iron could work for this step. There are a couple of different reasons why you need to preheat the item before adhering the vinyl. One of the reasons is so that all of the wrinkles are pressed out of the material, which will ensure that the material is smooth when the vinyl is being applied. Preheating the item also extracts any moisture that may be in the fabric, so that the vinyl will correctly adhere to the material.

Place the Design and Add Heat
After the material has been preheated, it will be time to place the design and then to add heat. It is necessary to check the instructions sheet to make sure that you have the heat press or iron on the right temperature, so that it will stick correctly. Not only do you need to watch the temperature, but it is also important to look at the amount of pressure, and the amount of time that the heat is applied to the vinyl. Following these instructions will ensure that the vinyl will prevent future problems from occurring.

Once you have applied the heat at the right temperature, for the correct amount of time, you will want to remove the heat immediately. Doing so will help prevent any sort of burns from occurring in either the vinyl or the material.

Peeling off the Backing
The final step of the process will be peeling off the backing from the vinyl. Once again you will want to refer to the instructions sheet, as different types of vinyl will have you peel off the backing at different times. Sometimes, you will wait until it has completely cooled off. In other cases, you will peel off the backing when it is still warm. Just make sure that you are aware of when it works best for the type of vinyl that you are using.

Why Choose Expressions Vinyl?
Selecting vinyl to use in your projects is no easy task. There are so many different options, colors, textures and patterns that can be chosen from. Whether you are a professional crafter, or you are just beginning, Expressions Vinyl has a large selection of vinyl that will be sure to meet your needs. We take pride in our excellent customer service and will ensure that you get quality vinyl in a timely manner. Contact us if you have any questions! Shop now to get started on your crafting journey.