HTV / Iron-On
HTV Heat Settings Chart (by Material Type)
Heat transfer vinyl is the most beginner-friendly pressing method, but each type of vinyl wants its own heat. Here is a clean chart of common starting points for everyday, glitter, flock, and holographic HTV — temperature, time, pressure, and peel.
Quick answer
Standard everyday heat-transfer vinyl presses at 305–315°F (150–160°C) for 10–15 seconds with medium-firm pressure. Textured vinyls differ — glitter, flock, and holographic usually want a little more heat or time. Follow your vinyl's warm- or cold-peel instruction and test a small piece first.
HTV chart, by material
| HTV type | Temp | Time | Pressure | Peel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday / standard | 305–315°F (150–160°C) | 10–15 s | Medium-firm | Warm or cold* |
| Glitter | 320°F (160°C) | 15–20 s | Firm | Warm or cold* |
| Flock | 305–320°F | ~15 s | Medium-firm | Warm* |
| Holographic / metallic | 290–305°F (145–150°C) | 10–15 s | Medium | Cold* |
*Peel type varies by brand — always follow your vinyl's instruction. Values are common starting points.
How to read this chart
Every HTV press comes down to four things: temperature, time, pressure, and peel. The first three fuse the adhesive into the fabric; the fourth determines whether the design stays put when you remove the carrier sheet. Thicker, textured vinyls generally need a little more heat and time than thin everyday vinyl, while shiny, heat-sensitive vinyls often need a touch less to avoid dulling. Match the row to your material and you have a starting point.
Everyday / standard HTV
Standard heat transfer vinyl is the most forgiving material to learn on. A common starting point is 305–315°F (150–160°C) for 10–15 seconds with medium-firm pressure. Pre-press the garment for a few seconds to flatten it and remove moisture, then press the vinyl. Follow your vinyl's warm-peel or cold-peel instruction, and finish with a short second press (with a cover sheet) to lock the edges.
Glitter HTV
Glitter vinyl is noticeably thicker, so the heat needs more time to travel through it to the adhesive. A common starting point is around 320°F for 15–20 seconds with firm pressure. Always use a cover sheet — it protects both the glitter surface and your platen. If the edges lift, more time (and firm, even pressure) is usually the answer before more heat.
Flock HTV
Flock has a soft, raised, suede-like texture. It presses around 305–320°F for roughly 15 seconds with medium-firm pressure and is typically a warm peel. Avoid crushing the pile with too much pressure or an overlong press; the goal is to bond the adhesive while keeping the velvety surface intact.
Holographic / metallic HTV
Holographic and metallic finishes are the most heat-sensitive vinyls on this chart. Too much temperature or time dulls the shine, so a common starting point is a slightly lower 290–305°F for 10–15 seconds, usually a cold peel, and always a cover sheet. If your finish looks flat after pressing, drop the temperature a few degrees and shorten the time before anything else.
Layering and a word on pressure
When you layer multiple HTV colors, tack each lower layer for just a few seconds and save the full press for the top layer so you do not over-cook the bottom ones. Across all types, pressure quietly causes a big share of failures — "medium-firm" means steady, firm resistance, not your whole body weight. If a design lifts even when the temp and time look right, check your pressure and that your platen is level.
HTV is one of several methods you may run, and each one keeps its own numbers. For sublimation and DTF in the same master view, see the heat press temperature guide. The makers who never re-guess a vinyl setting are simply the ones who logged the material, temp, time, pressure, and peel the first time it worked.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature do you press everyday HTV / iron-on? +
Standard everyday heat transfer vinyl is commonly pressed at 305–315°F (150–160°C) for 10–15 seconds with medium-firm pressure. Follow your specific vinyl's instructions for warm or cold peel, and always test a small piece first.
What heat setting do you use for glitter HTV? +
Glitter vinyl is thicker, so it usually needs a touch more heat and time than standard HTV — a common starting point is around 320°F (160°C) for 15–20 seconds with firm pressure. A cover sheet helps protect the glitter surface and the press.
Why does my holographic HTV look dull after pressing? +
Holographic and metallic vinyls are heat-sensitive, so too much temperature or time can dull the shine. A common starting point is a slightly lower 290–305°F (145–150°C) for 10–15 seconds, a cold peel, and a cover sheet. Always follow the guidance for your specific vinyl.
Do you warm peel or cold peel HTV? +
It depends on the vinyl — both warm-peel and cold-peel HTV exist, and using the wrong one can lift the design. Always check the instruction for your specific material. After peeling, a short second press with a cover sheet helps lock down the edges and improves wash durability.