Textures

Crafting is a great way for you to express yourself creatively. Many people use crafting as an outlet so that they can stand out from other people. There are many different crafts that people do in order to express themselves creatively. One of the more common crafts that people do is that of using vinyl on apparel. This is a unique way that your clothes can stand out from among the crowd. Expressions Vinyl has many different colors, patterns, and textures of vinyl that you can use that will be sure to give your clothes a unique look.

What is Texture Vinyl?
Textured vinyl is just as it sounds. It is vinyl that you will put on material that is not flat but has a unique texture to it. There are many different patterns and colors that this textured vinyl will come in. Some of the common patterns include ombre, rainbow, tie-dye, watercolor, among many others. If you are looking for a unique vinyl, then you will want to use textured vinyl to help you achieve a fun look for your craft.

How Can You Use Texture Vinyl?
Textured vinyl is a type of heat transfer vinyl, also known as HTV. This type of vinyl is applied to material through heat. There are a few different fabrics that it will adhere well to. These types of fabrics include:

Polyester
Cotton
Poly-Cotton Blend

While this may not seem as though it can go on a lot of different fabrics or items, there are so many different items that you could adhere this vinyl to that will help you create your craft. Some of the common crafts that are created using this vinyl include:

T-shirts
Sweatshirts
Sweatpants
Towels
Jerseys
Tote Bags
And Many More!

Application Process
The application process of adhering the vinyl to the material is one that is not very complicated, but it is one where the steps of the process need to be followed completely and exactly as the instructions say. The steps of this process include:

Choosing the Design
This part of the process is where you get to get your creative juices flowing. In this part of the application process, you will get the chance to choose the design that you would like your vinyl to have. After you have chosen the design that you would like to have, you will then need to cut it out. In order to cut it out correctly you will need a cutting machine. It is also important to make sure that the correct side of the vinyl is lying face down on the mat, and that you cut it our mirror or reverse of how you would like it to look once completed.

Setting the Right Heat
Having the correct heat set to apply vinyl is a critical part of adhering the vinyl to the material. If the heat is set too hot, then it could burn a hole through either the vinyl itself, or even through the material. In contrast, if the heat is not set to high enough, there is a great chance that the vinyl will not adhere correctly and will peel off of the material. It is important to read the instructions that come with the vinyl so that you can get the correct amount of heat. This will help you prevent any burns in the vinyl and in the material.

Preheat the Item
For the best application process, you will want to make sure that you preheat the item before applying the heat and pressure to the vinyl. You can do this step by either using an iron or a heat press. This step of the process will help you smooth out the area and will iron out any wrinkles that are in the area where you are trying to adhere the vinyl. It also will make sure to release any moisture that may be in the fabric before the application of the vinyl, which will ensure better results.

Place the Design and Add Heat
Once the material has been preheated, it is not time to place the vinyl! Making sure to read through the instructions that come with the vinyl will be important on this step. Not only does the temperature of the heat matter, but it is also so important to know how long the heat and pressure needs to be applied to the vinyl. If it is applied for too long, it could cause burins in either the fabric or the vinyl, but if it is placed too short of a time, then the vinyl will not adhere correctly, and will cause the edges to peel.

Once the time is up, you will need to remove the heat immediately from the vinyl and material. Removing the heat immediately will help protect the vinyl from any burns in the craft.

Peeling Off the Backing
This is the last step of the process. Once again you will want to refer to the instructions page to see when the best time is to remove the backing. Some types of vinyl will need to have the backing peel removed once it is completely cooled down, while with others, you will not need to wait that long. No matter what type of vinyl you are using, you will want to ensure that you follow the instructions so that you can achieve the best results possible.

Why Choose Expressions Vinyl?
Choosing vinyl for your project can be a difficult thing, but it does not have to be. At Expressions Vinyl, we have a large selection of different colors, patterns, and textures so that you will be sure to find the perfect vinyl for your project. We want to make sure that you get quality vinyl in a timely manner. We take pride in our customer service and want to help you on your crafting journey. Contact us if you have any questions! Whether you are a professional crafter, or just a beginner, we want to help you find the vinyl that you need. Shop now to start your crafting experience!