Heat Transfer Vinyl goes by many different names, but they all mean the same thing. HTV is the abbreviation of Heat Transfer Vinyl. You may also see it referred to as Heat Set Vinyl, Hot Transfer Film, Iron On Fabric, or Heat Press Vinyl. It is a specialty material designed with a unique heat-activated adhesive on the back. When applied with the proper heat temperature and the correct pressure, the heat activated adhesive forms a strong bond on porous surfaces such as fabrics, leathers, and other textiles. HTV is ideal for creating custom apparel designs that are both durable and washable.
Adhesive vinyl, also known as peel and stick vinyl, self adhesive vinyl film, adhesive film, decal vinyl, craft vinyl, sticker vinyl, sign vinyl, permanent, removable or wall vinyl is a thin flexible material with a pressure sensitive adhesive backing similar to a sticker. To use adhesive vinyl simply cut out a design, peel off the paper backing, and stick your custom decal to any smooth, hard, flat surface. Most designs require the use of transfer tape to transfer the design to its final destination without misshaping it. Adhesive vinyl will not adhere to fabrics, textiles, or textured surfaces. Adhesive Vinyl is never applied with heat. Adhesive vinyl is further categorized into three categories based on the strength of the adhesive backing.
Permanent adhesive vinyl, also known as sign vinyl, is intended for both indoor or outdoor use and is ideal for long lasting projects that require durability.
Craft vinyl has strong adhesive but is not as durable as Permanent Vinyl. Craft vinyl comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, finishes, and textures that are versatile and easy to use. The Rhinestone World is the exclusive reseller of ColorSpark Adhesive Vinyl with finishes including glitter, matte, metallic, opal, glow, patterned, holographic, and color changing varieties. Craft varieties are a great option for multi-use projects and Colorsparks vinyl rolls are ideal for use in electric vinyl cutters.
Removable adhesive vinyl also known as wall vinyl is intended for indoor use only and temporary projects such as vinyl messages on painted walls that need to be removed later with minimal damage to the paint.