Our clear knowledge base contains extensive information on all common printing techniques, so you can quickly and easily find the answers to all your questions.
HTV: Starting Your Project
Everything you need to know before your first press, including materials and workspace prep.
Cutting & Press Settings
Essential guides for perfect cuts and finding the right temperature/time for your heat press.
Pro Tips & HTV Tricks
Advanced techniques, common issue troubleshooting, and maintenance for your finished garments.
HTV Terminology
Definitions of key terms, acronyms, and tools used in the HTV crafting community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about sourcing, application, washing, and storage.
Latest HTV News
Stay informed about new vinyl types, color releases, industry events, and software updates.
Glossaries about Heat Transfer Vinyls
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FAQ’s about Heat Transfer Vinyl
More FAQ’sWhich side of the Flex Film should I cut, and should I mirror my design?
You must always cut the Flex Film on the adhesive side (the dull side). The clear carrier sheet (the glossy side) remains untouched.
Yes, you must always mirror the design in your cutting software. Since you are cutting the back/adhesive side, mirroring ensures that the design reads correctly when finally pressed onto the textile.
Yes, you must always mirror the design in your cutting software. Since you are cutting the back/adhesive side, mirroring ensures that the design reads correctly when finally pressed onto the textile.
What is the best way to remove excess film after cutting (weeding)?
To remove the excess film (weeding), use a specialized weeding tool. Whether you prefer tweezers (like the MagiCut Tweedy) or a tool with a hook or point (like the convenient MagiCut LED Weeding Tool) is a matter of personal preference, but a dedicated tool makes precise removal easy.
What is the difference between MagiCut 123Flex, 123Premium, and 123Premium Ultra?
The main differences lie in carrier tackiness and the peeling method:
1. MagiCut 123Flex: Has a lightly tacky carrier and is Hot Peel (remove the carrier sheet immediately). Ideal for super-fast production, but less suited for extremely small, detailed designs.
2. MagiCut 123 Premium: Has a (strongly) tacky carrier and requires a Cold Peel (wait until cool before peeling). Excellent for small and detailed designs.
3. MagiCut 123 Premium Ultra: Features the strongest tacky carrier and is designed for Hot Peel. Also ideal for highly detailed designs.1.
All variants allow you to choose between low and high press temperatures for flexible processing.
1. MagiCut 123Flex: Has a lightly tacky carrier and is Hot Peel (remove the carrier sheet immediately). Ideal for super-fast production, but less suited for extremely small, detailed designs.
2. MagiCut 123 Premium: Has a (strongly) tacky carrier and requires a Cold Peel (wait until cool before peeling). Excellent for small and detailed designs.
3. MagiCut 123 Premium Ultra: Features the strongest tacky carrier and is designed for Hot Peel. Also ideal for highly detailed designs.1.
All variants allow you to choose between low and high press temperatures for flexible processing.
How do I prevent ‘Dye Migration’ (Bleeding) on polyester textiles?
Dye Migration occurs when color pigments from colored polyester fabric bleed into the white or light-colored HTV due to heat. The best solutions are:
1. Use an HTV that can be applied at a low temperature (e.g., MagiCut 123Flex or 123Premium) to minimize heat activation.
2. For thicker polyester fabrics like Softshell, choose HTV types with a ‘BlockOut’ layer (e.g., MagiCut 123Premium BlockOut) for extra protection against color absorption.
1. Use an HTV that can be applied at a low temperature (e.g., MagiCut 123Flex or 123Premium) to minimize heat activation.
2. For thicker polyester fabrics like Softshell, choose HTV types with a ‘BlockOut’ layer (e.g., MagiCut 123Premium BlockOut) for extra protection against color absorption.
Can I press all types of Flex Film on top of each other (multi-layering)?
No, caution is advised. Layering is not possible with all film types. This is generally not possible with Flock and most effect films. Always check the product details on the specific Flex Film product page to confirm if it is suitable for multi-layer applications.
Do I need a heat press to apply Flex Film to textiles?
Yes, a heat press is strongly recommended. A household iron cannot provide the consistent pressure and temperature required to guarantee a durable, washable result. For small designs, the TheMagicTouch HTP123 Mini is an excellent alternative, as it maintains a higher and more uniform temperature than a standard iron.
When should I use a cutting mat with Flex Film?
A cutting mat is not necessary for cutting Flex Film because the film already has its own carrier sheet. However, a mat can be useful for cutting smaller pieces of film or to ensure better precision (it is recommended for the Cameo Pro models).
I pressed something incorrectly, can I still remove the Flex Film from the T-shirt?
Removing incorrectly pressed film can be difficult. A Transfer & Flex Remover spray can help by dissolving the adhesive layer. Always test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first, as the chemical reaction can vary greatly depending on the textile type.
