When you ask our customers which of our premium heat transfer vinyl materials is their favorite, you’re more than likely going to hear liquid metallic HTV come up the most. This super shiny, iron on material is unlike any other, and with just one use you’ll see why it is so popular. And then you’ll use it so much, you will have to remind yourself that there are other materials in your craft stash. (I am speaking from experience) 😜
If you want to learn more about liquid metallic heat transfer vinyl and what makes it so special, you’ve come to the right place. We really, really love liquid and are happy to introduce you to this wonderful material. In addition, we want to answer any questions you may have about liquid metallic HTV, and go over the proper application process so you can get the most out of this product. So keep reading for tons of tips and tricks, and get ready to meet your new favorite heat transfer vinyl material.
What makes Liquid Special?
Now that we have hyped our liquid up, you’re probably wondering what all the fuss is about. This versatile product is available in sheets & rolls will be your go-to for a number of different reasons. Here are just a few.
Ultra-Reflective
Liquid metallic is an ultra reflective material that will make your projects pop! The liquid chrome effect catches the light beautifully to really make any garment you use liquid with shine brightly.
Super Soft
Our liquid metallic is also known as soft metallic. It is thinner and more flexible than our regular metallic HTV. This characteristic makes your projects with liquid metallic feel much more flush with the garment it is being applied to than some other, thicker materials.
Can be Layered
While the look of liquid metallic alone is enough to make you fall in love with this product, there is something even better about this material; it can be layered! This expands your product possibilities exponentially, and allows you to make custom garments combined with other materials that can be layered like glitter, matte & patterned.
Colors & Patterns
Liquid metallic iron on is available in sheets and rolls, and we have a wide variety of colors - and even different patterns - to choose from. Stick to some classic colors like black, red and rose gold, or try one of our patterns like cheetah, roses, camo or rainbow!
Unique Final Look
Once you have applied your liquid HTV (which we will go over below) you will notice how much different it looks than other materials you’ve worked with. I like to compare the look to more of a screen print, it really looks like the material has been painted on. Check out some more of our liquid projects below. And just a warning, these pictures still don’t do this amazing product justice.
Get Ready to Love Liquid
Are you ready to give liquid metallic a try? With characteristics like the ones mentioned above, how could you not?! So now let’s move on to the most exciting part; using your liquid metallic HTV!
Before you cut your liquid, be sure you mirror your design and place the material on your mat with the shiny (or pretty, colored side down). That includes the liquid patterns we have, too. Since this material comes with the carrier sheet, you want to be sure you only cut through the HTV and not the plastic-like transfer sheet that is attached.
Another point I want to be sure I emphasize about our liquid metallic HTV is that it is a cold peel material. This means that no matter the application method you choose, you need to wait for the design to cool down COMPLETELY before you remove the carrier sheet. If you have ever had an issue with liquid metallic HTV not adhering, it is likely due to you peeling too soon. So as hard as it is to be patient, it will be worth it.
Now let’s talk about the application process! And we have some videos below so you can see a full tutorial of this material being applied.
How to Apply Liquid with Heat Press
- Turn on your heat press and set it between 305-310º
- Center your design on your garment and cover it with a Teflon sheet or a piece of parchment paper.
- Press your design for 10 seconds.
- Allow design to cool completely before removing the carrier sheet.
- Reveal your design!
- Note- If you are working with multiple pieces or layers, press your first layers for just a few seconds. Do a full press for 10 seconds on the last layer.
How to Apply Liquid with Home Iron
- Turn your iron to the hottest setting - usually that is the cotton setting. DO NOT USE STEAM!
- Center your design on your garment and cover it with a Teflon sheet or a piece of parchment paper.
- Use firm pressure and iron your design for 20 seconds. If the design is bigger than the iron, use the iron in sections for 15-20 seconds to adhere the entire design. Do not slide the iron back and forth, use it more like a press.
- Allow design to cool completely before removing the carrier sheet.
- Reveal your design!
That’s it! It is really the same process as all of our other HTV materials. If you haven’t used this material before, I KNOW you’re going to love it. And if you have any questions - or are looking for a little inspiration - join our iCraft Vinyl Facebook group. It is a wonderful community of helpful crafters, and you’ll get access to our sales and any news from iCraft.
Join here: https://bit.ly/3y7Mwas
Happy Crafting!
Kelli McDaniel
