[simonf]

Hi,

I'm totally new to the world of HTV so please bear with me.

I have a range of wooden (painted) boxes and I'm looking for a nice way to personalise them. Ideally I want to get a nice professional finish without needing to paint the personalisation on by hand. I thought a HTV might be a good way to get a "paint-like" finish (so you can hardly tell there is a transfer there, minimal "bump" when you run your finger across) I wouldn't want to have to re-seal the box again with any varnish after applying the transfer.

The vinyl would be single colour (matt white) and pretty basic (names/simple company logos) and won't ever be more than 300x100mm in size. I haven't committed to any equipment yet, it's very much an idea at the moment so I'd probably want a cheap/mid-range cutter (as small as possible) and do I then need a press or would that not work because the boxes will be at least 200mm in thickness when put with transfer-side-up. So could/should I use a mini iron type thingy and do it by hand.

I've done some research but found it a bit of a minefield in terms of which vinyl to use, cutters, how to apply the HTV etc - so thought I'd ask if anyone else has tried this? is there an easier route?

I'm basically trying to find a method that would be cheap/simple to try, but reasonably scaleable if it was to take off.

Thanks!

 

[jimc]

Would have thought sign vinyl would be a better choice as it doesn't require a heat press.
For the size of print the cameo cutter would be ideal.

 

[into the T]

htv is easier to apply than sign vinyl (no transfer tape needed and can be re-positioned at will)

i believe you cannot use it on unfinished wood (the natural oils will cause it to peel)
indoor use is preferable for longevity (but in a vertical outdoor application you can get a few years)
do not use any overcoats except modgepodge

hopefully this spring i will have time to trial this,
as i have seen it done and it works well

if you do some trials please post your methods/results,
i for one would appreciate it

here is a video using siser stripflock, but i have seen just easyweed used
video

 

[Dekzion]

If your boxes are painted you are doomed from the start, you will be trying to apply at 160c? it will take the paint off your best bet is waterslide transfers

 

[Blue92]

Depending how smooth the box finish is I'd try sign vinyl.

 

[into the T]

i think the heat applied is much less than when applied to a tee,
as you are not trying to embed it deep into the fibers for hot washings

just enough to activate the adhesive,
a hand iron on low with a little pressure should do, or heat press on low w/o pressure, just weight of the platen

 

[Dekzion]

I would seriously look at the waterslide transfers though, they aren't difficult to put on and there is no hand or 'bump' afterwards.

 

[jimc]

I would seriously look at the waterslide transfers though, they aren't difficult to put on and there is no hand or 'bump' afterwards.

How would he get white print with waterslide transfer without the cost of a white laser system?

 

[Dekzion]

you print onto the white decal material not the transparent.

have a snoop around here, https://www.craftycomputerpaper.co....ff-decals-c554/dry-rub-off-decal-paper-p11207

 

[jimc]

But that's not waterslide.
Not seen this before but it is expensive.

 

[Dekzion]

didn't snoop around as suggested, here you are https://www.craftycomputerpaper.co.uk/decal-paper-c553/inkjet-water-slide-decals-c562 and what price for a nice finish.

 

[steve2835]

have you consider UV printing its fast and easy with no heat press just print direct onto the box
in full colour.

 

[rossnd1979]

I'd use a permanent adhesives craft vinyl. HTV just isn't quite right for the job - it's better for fabric applications.

This site has a pretty good rage - just make sure you get a permanent adhesive if you want it to last - Craft Vinyl . It also does HTV if you wan to go down that route. Just make sure you choose the right application from the menu on the left - Furniture application I guess?