The two look alike and are cut with the same machine, but they attach to surfaces in completely different ways. In short: if the project is fabric, use heat transfer vinyl; if the surface is hard and smooth, use adhesive vinyl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adhesive vinyl has an adhesive that sticks as soon as you press it on \u2014 no heat needed. The cut design is moved onto the surface with transfer tape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In our shop: 001G glossy<\/a> and 001M matte<\/a> adhesive vinyl, plus holographic, mirror chrome, glitter and color-changing adhesive vinyls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The adhesive in heat transfer vinyl activates with heat, so it is applied with an iron or a heat press. Once applied, it stretches with the fabric and holds up to washing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In our shop: PRO PU heat transfer vinyl<\/a> (lasts up to 50 washes), PU heat transfer vinyl<\/a>, plus glitter, holographic, puff (3D) and glow-in-the-dark heat transfer vinyl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No. The adhesive on adhesive vinyl isn't made for fabric: it won't survive washing and peels off when the fabric stretches. Heat transfer vinyl isn't meant for mugs or glass either \u2014 it's designed for fabric and holds poorly on hard, smooth surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHeat transfer vinyl: for clothing and textiles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Key differences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/th> Adhesive vinyl<\/th> Heat Transfer Vinyl<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Used on<\/th> Hard, smooth surfaces<\/td> Fabrics<\/td><\/tr> How it sticks<\/th> With pressure<\/td> With heat and pressure<\/td><\/tr> Cutting<\/th> As shown on screen<\/td> Mirrored<\/td><\/tr> On the cutting mat<\/th> Colored side up<\/td> Shiny carrier sheet down<\/td><\/tr> Transfer<\/th> With transfer tape<\/td> With its own carrier sheet<\/td><\/tr> Washing<\/th> Hand-wash decorated dishes<\/td> Machine wash, cold water<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n\n\n\n Can adhesive vinyl go on clothes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you can't decide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n