HTV Vinyl on Nylon

Getting Started with Nylon: Learning How to Transfer HTV on Nylon

You’ve already mastered the art of applying HTV on most substrates – from cotton, wood to canvas. However, deep inside, you’re still craving to go the extra mile, wanting to create more visually appealing projects with materials other than the usual. And so, you’ve locked your eye on another target- Nylon.

There’s a reason why Nylon was not on top of the list of preferred substrates for Heat Transfer Vinyl. This synthetic fiber is infamous for burning or scorching easily. But guess what! You are here and you’re up for the challenge. Your interest in learning how to navigate your way around Nylon signifies that you are no longer intimidated by its reputation as a delicate fabric for heat press.

So come on, let’s find all the reasons to love this material and who knows, maybe applying HTV on Nylon could be the next best thing in your arts and craft journey.

Uncovering the truth…Can Heat Transfer Vinyl be applied to Nylon?

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, there lies a challenge in the heart of heat pressing HTV on Nylon. For many crafters, Nylon is one of the trickiest mediums to deal with. Such fabric melts easily, even at low temperatures. This posed an issue with HTVs that required higher temperatures and more prolonged exposure to the heat source. The fact that most heat transfer products available are not specifically modelled to stick to this fabric makes it a tough task.

But above all these uninviting notes is the undeniable truth that transferring HTV on Nylon is doable. Behind the bad reputation is a door that leads you to a goldmine of beautiful projects – from Nylon jackets to bags. There’s plenty of ways you can express your artistic ideas through HTV and Nylon. You need to learn few tricks and unearth the secrets.

Discovering the secret…Which HTV is best for Nylon?

You probably have an idea right now that finding the best vinyl is your ticket to success here. But what really is the best HTV for such tricky material? Because of its incompatibility issue to most Heat Transfer materials available in the market, the majority of the manufacturers have created a specific type of HTV that adheres well to Nylon. So the best Heat Transfer Vinyl for Nylon are the ones that are specially crafted with the additional adhesive feature that is intended to stick well on its surface. You are indeed lucky to have not just one but multiple options to choose from.

How to Heat Press on Nylon

Now that we’ve uncovered the secret, it’s time to put it to the test! Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to adhere HTV on Nylon.

This process is not much different from the usual application of HTV on any substrate. The same level of confidence and competence is required to pull off an outstanding result.

Heat Pressing on Nylon Jacket

Begin creating a design, don’t forget to mirror it, then print, cut, and weed out the excess vinyl.
Prepare the heat press based on the recommended heat setting.
Lay flat the nylon jacket. Ensure that buttons or zippers won’t get stuck and prevent the heat press from fully closing. We want to avoid any obstruction that can cause uneven pressure.
Preheat it for a maximum of 3 seconds.
Position the design on the spot where you want to put it; don’t forget to add a cover sheet like parchment paper.
Press it based on the required time and pressure.
You can remove the design by either hot or cold peel.
To secure the vinyl, return the jacket on the heat press, cover it using parchment paper, and press it again for another 10 seconds. There you have it – a successful attempt in using HTV on Nylon.

Heat Pressing Nylon Bag

Heat Pressing Nylon bags are done on an almost identical process. Just add these little steps to your procedure. To free the bag from any wrinkle, add a pressing pillow inside it or you can put the pressing pillow on the heat press’s base platen, lay flat the bag, then preheat for three seconds. For the next step, resume following the 5^th step above.

Heat Pressing Multiple Layers of Designs

If you are applying multiple design layers, press each layer twice, first hit for about 5 seconds and then another 5 seconds for the second press. Don’t forget to cover it with a Teflon sheet or parchment paper for every layer. Let it cool first before doing another layer. You can apply a cold pack for it to cool down fast. After applying all the designs, perform the final press as instructed above to secure that the vinyl adheres well.

Can I Use Home Iron to Apply HTV on Nylon?

Although applying Heat Transfer Vinyl on Nylon should preferably be done using a Heat Press, a Home Iron will do if you don’t have one. We recommend you do this on a solid and flat surface so it can withstand the pressure. If you are all set, follow these steps to create your project successfully.

Adjust the setting on Linen.
Prepress the specific part where you intend to transfer your design.
Add your design to the desired location.
Add a cover sheet such as a Teflon sheet or a pillowcase to protect the Nylon from exposure to intense heat.
Iron the design with medium to firm pressure for 10-15 seconds.
Check if the HTV successfully adhered. Slowly peel off the carrier sheet. If particular portion of the design still lifts with the carrier sheet, redo the pressing for another 5-10 seconds.
Depending on the type of HTV used, apply the cold or hot peel to see the result finally.

Here’s a helpful reminder whenever you are working with a heat-sensitive fabric. Always do a test press on the substrate to assess how it will tolerate a particular heat setting. Find a conspicuous area in the garment, so whatever happens during the test press won’t be noticeable.

Heat, Time, and Pressure Guide on the Best HTV for Nylon

What’s unique about Nylon is that it has a special HTV product fittingly made just for its surface. Even though these heat transfer materials exist for the same purpose – to stick on Nylon, they still differ on heat, time, and pressure requirement. Here’s a brief guide on some most popular Heat Transfer Vinyl for Nylon

Vinyl	Temperature	Time	Peel	Pressure
EasyWeed Extra HTV	305^°F/150^°C	10-15 sec	Hot/Cold	Medium
CAD-CUTGorilla Grip II HTV	320^°F/160^°C	10 sec	Hot/ Cold	Light
Happy Craftters HTV for Nylon	320^°F/160^°C	10sec	Cold	Light

Tips When Using HTV on Nylon

What we’ve shared above is more than enough for you to succeed in your attempt to use Nylon as a new substrate to explore. However, equipping oneself with additional tips wouldn’t harm your adventure. So here are some valuable pieces of information that could help you master the art of applying HTV on Nylon.

Be mindful of the heat. Always bear in mind that Nylon is a heat-sensitive fabric. You lose your guard for once, and you’ll end up burning your castle, which is your Nylon-made material.
If you are working on something complicated or an important project, avoid the risk of potentially ruining it by having a stand-by alternative. Make sure that you have a duplicate item if you accidentally scorch or burn the first one.
There are instances that you can forget to add a layer of a cover sheet, but not with Nylon. You can’t afford to miss this one crucial step as it is what protects your fabric from the intense temperature of the heat press.
If you are afraid and uncertain of the heat settings you’re going to use, the best thing to do is try it low and little – using low temperature for a little amount of time. In this case, you’ll be able to maneuver your way to the tolerable setting for Nylon carefully.

To think that before this, Nylon is seemingly one of the toughest materials to apply an HTV with. But now that we’ve finally uncovered the secrets behind it, there is no doubt that in no time, you’ll amaze us with the wonderful creations of your hand.

We sincerely hope that these few reminders will enable you to build a collection of exceptional work with Nylon. You are a step closer to this goal. All you have to do now is pour your heart, apply the learning you got here and see what magic it will bring you.

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