SPECIALTY TRANSFERS

Go beyond the standard print.

Add texture, dimension, shine, reflectivity and specialty effects to custom apparel with a range of heat-applied finishes.

Classic
SOLID

Classic

Clean solid-colour vinyl for simple logos, lettering and bold graphic elements.

BEST FOR Logos, text & everyday branding
Glitter
SPARKLE

Glitter

A textured sparkle finish designed to make simple graphics and lettering stand out.

BEST FOR Events, merch & statement designs
Metallic
SHINE

Metallic

A reflective metal-inspired finish for artwork that needs a sharper premium look.

BEST FOR Premium branding & merchandise
Reflective
HIGH VISIBILITY

Reflective

A specialty material designed to reflect light and create a distinct high-visibility effect.

BEST FOR Workwear, activewear & specialty graphics
Glow in the Dark
GLOW

Glow in the Dark

A specialty finish that charges under light and creates a visible glow in dark conditions.

BEST FOR Events, merch & creative graphics
Flock
SOFT TOUCH

Flock

A soft, suede-like material that adds texture and a slightly raised premium feel.

BEST FOR Premium apparel & tactile designs
Holographic & Specialty
SPECIAL EFFECT

Holographic & Specialty

Specialty films can create prism, holographic, patterned and other eye-catching effects.

BEST FOR Limited merch & standout graphics
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Finish availability and garment compatibility can vary. We'll confirm the right material for your fabric, design and intended use before production.

WHY HTV?

Why choose heat transfer vinyl?

HTV combines flexible small-run production with personalization and specialty effects that can create completely different looks.

01

Personalization Friendly

Ideal for changing names, numbers and individual information from garment to garment.

02

Specialty Finishes

Create effects such as puff, reflective, metallic, glitter, flock and other specialty looks.

03

Crisp Solid Graphics

Well suited to bold logos, lettering and clean vector-style artwork.

04

Small Run Flexibility

Useful for smaller quantities and projects where individual garments may be different.

05

Wide Garment Use

Can be applied to many compatible apparel and textile products using the appropriate material and settings.

06

Material Options

A wide range of colours, textures and specialty effects makes it possible to create a very specific look.

BEST FOR

When specialty transfers make sense.

Specialty transfers are a great choice when your project needs a unique finish, individual personalization or something beyond a standard printed graphic.

01 SPECIAL EFFECTS

When the finish is part of the design.

Metallic, reflective, glitter and other specialty materials can add an effect that becomes an intentional part of the artwork rather than simply reproducing the graphic.

02 NAMES & NUMBERS

Ideal for individual personalization.

Add names, player numbers, staff roles and other changing details without needing every garment to use identical artwork.

03 CUSTOM RUNS

A practical option for smaller projects.

Specialty transfers work well for one-offs and smaller quantities, especially when a project needs a specific finish or individually customized details.

i
Not sure which transfer or decoration method to choose? Tell us about your garment, artwork and the look you're after and we'll recommend the best option.
FAQ

HTV questions, answered.

From specialty finishes and garment compatibility to personalization and durability, here's what to know before starting your project.

01

What is HTV?

HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) is a decoration method that uses heat and pressure to apply specially designed vinyl onto fabric.

It's a great option for names, numbers, logos and simple designs on t-shirts, hoodies, uniforms, team apparel and more.

HTV comes in a variety of colours and specialty finishes, including metallic, reflective and glitter options. It offers a durable, professional finish when properly applied and cared for.

02

What does HTV stand for?

HTV stands for Heat Transfer Vinyl, a special type of vinyl applied to fabric using heat and pressure. It's commonly used for names, numbers, logos and simple designs on custom apparel.

HTV is available in a wide variety of colours and specialty finishes, including metallic, glitter, reflective, holographic, glow-in-the-dark, flock (velvet-like), puff (3D), and more. Availability and compatibility may vary depending on the product and design.

03

What garments can HTV be applied to?

HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) can be applied to a wide variety of apparel, including t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, jerseys, uniforms, jackets, workwear, bags and more.

It works on many fabrics, including cotton, polyester and blends, making it a versatile option for custom apparel.

Not all fabrics or garments are suitable for HTV. Compatibility depends on the material, heat sensitivity, surface texture and type of vinyl used. We'll help you choose the best option for your project!

04

Is HTV good for names and numbers?

Absolutely! HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) is a great choice for adding names, numbers and personalized text to jerseys, uniforms, t-shirts, hoodies and other apparel.

It's especially popular for sports teams, employee uniforms and personalized merchandise, offering a clean, durable finish with a variety of colours and specialty options.

With proper care, HTV designs can withstand regular wear and washing.

05

Can HTV print full-colour photographs?

Traditional HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) is best suited for solid colours, text, logos and simple designs rather than full-colour photographs or complex gradients.

While printable HTV options are available, we typically recommend DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing for photographs, gradients and detailed full-colour artwork, as it offers greater flexibility and detail.

We'll help you choose the best decoration method for your design!

06

What is puff HTV?

Puff HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) is a special type of vinyl that expands when heated, creating a raised, 3D design that adds texture and makes your artwork stand out.

It's a fun way to give logos, lettering and graphics a bold, eye-catching look on t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts and more.

Puff HTV works best with bold, simple designs, as very small text and fine details may not puff evenly. We'll help you determine if it's the right fit for your project!

07

What is reflective HTV?

Reflective HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) is a specialty vinyl that reflects light from sources like headlights and flashlights, helping designs stand out in low-light conditions.

It's a great option for logos, lettering and graphics on workwear, sportswear, jackets, hoodies and more.

While reflective HTV can improve visibility, it does not automatically make a garment certified high-visibility safety apparel. Workwear requiring safety certification must meet applicable standards, and adding reflective vinyl does not guarantee compliance.

We'll help you choose the best option for your project!

08

Do you offer glitter, metallic or glow-in-the-dark vinyl?

Absolutely! We offer a variety of specialty HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) finishes, including glitter, metallic, glow-in-the-dark, holographic, reflective, puff (3D), flock (velvet-like) and more!

These specialty finishes are a great way to add texture, shine and unique effects to your custom apparel.

Availability and compatibility may vary depending on the colour, fabric and design. We'll help you find the perfect finish for your project!

09

What is flock vinyl?

Flock HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) is a special type of vinyl with a soft, velvet-like feel and slightly raised texture, giving your designs a unique, premium look.

It's great for bold logos, lettering, monograms, vintage-style graphics and simple designs on t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts and more.

Flock vinyl is perfect for adding a soft, textured finish that stands out! It works best with simple, bold designs, as very small text and fine details may not transfer well.

10

Can HTV stretch?

Yes! Many types of HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) are flexible and can stretch with the fabric, making them great for t-shirts, sportswear and other everyday apparel.

However, stretchability depends on the type of vinyl used. Some specialty finishes, such as glitter, metallic or puff, may have limited stretch compared to standard or stretch HTV.

For highly stretchy garments, we'll help you choose the best vinyl to keep your design looking great!

11

How durable is HTV?

HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) is durable and designed to withstand regular wear and washing when properly applied and cared for.

With proper care, HTV designs can maintain their colour, flexibility and appearance through many washes. However, durability may vary depending on the type of vinyl, fabric and usage. Some specialty finishes may require extra care.

To keep your HTV looking its best:

  • Wash inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle.
  • Use mild detergent and avoid bleach or fabric softeners.
  • Air dry when possible, or tumble dry on low heat.
  • Avoid ironing directly over the vinyl design.

Following these simple tips will help prevent cracking, peeling and fading, keeping your custom apparel looking great for longer!

13

Can HTV be used on performance apparel?

Absolutely! HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) can be applied to many types of performance apparel, including athletic shirts, jerseys, activewear and team uniforms.

We can use flexible, stretch-friendly vinyl that moves with the fabric, making it ideal for names, numbers, logos and simple designs.

However, not all performance fabrics are compatible with HTV, especially heat-sensitive or heavily stretchable materials. We'll help you choose the right vinyl and application method for your garment!

14

Can I supply my own garments?

Yes! We may be able to customize customer-supplied garments, depending on the material, construction and compatibility with our decoration methods.

All customer-supplied items must be reviewed and approved before drop-off. Please contact us with details about your garments and the customization you'd like so we can confirm compatibility before accepting them.

While we take every precaution, customization carries certain risks, including heat damage, discoloration or other unexpected results. Customer-supplied items are decorated at the customer's risk, and we cannot guarantee results or provide replacements or reimbursement for damaged items.

15

Can every garment have a different name or number?

Absolutely! We can personalize each garment with a different name, number or both, making it perfect for sports teams, employee uniforms, events and personalized apparel.

Using HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl), we can create individual designs while keeping a consistent look across your entire order.

Additional personalization fees may apply, depending on the design, size and placement.

NOT SURE IF SPECIALTY TRANSFERS IS RIGHT FOR YOUR PROJECT?

Show us what you want to create.

Send us your artwork, garment, quantity and print locations. We'll review your project and help determine the right decoration setup.

CONTACT US