What is ‘Tack’?
Tack can mean a few different things in the garment decoration business, especially when dealing with heat transfer vinyl. Here are 2 areas this term is used:
‘Tacking’ HTV to the garment
When applying vinyl to a garment or fabric, ‘tacking’ it down means to just press it for a very short time. This allows the vinyl adhesive to activate and stick to the garment, but doesn’t adhere to it permanently. ‘Tacking’ is commonly used when applying more than 1 layer or color of vinyl to a garment. By tacking each layer down for just a short time before the final press application, you avoid over cooking the HTV.
Example: You have 3 colors of HTV to apply. Normally you would press the vinyl for 15 seconds. But after pressing all 3 layers, the first layer will have a total pressing time of 45 seconds and the second layer – 30 seconds. That’s way too much time and will likely cause the vinyl to peel off.
Since not all heat transfer vinyls are made the same, they require different tack times. Some can be tacked down for just 1 second. Others require 2-3 seconds and sometimes more. Be sure to check the application instructions from the manufacturer or distributor for recommendations on tack time.
Heat Transfer Vinyl carrier ‘Tack’
- All heat transfer vinyls come attached to a carrier sheet, usually a clear or frosted plastic. Though there are different methods used to keep these 2 layers stuck to each other, the most common is a pressure sensitive adhesive (sticky adhesive like tape). The strength or amount of stickiness of this adhesive is referred to as its ‘tack’.
- Generally, the more tack a vinyl’s carrier has, the more detailed designs you can cut. And it allows you to push back down pieces of your design that lift while weeding.
- Some examples of HTV with tacky carriers are:
- EasyWeed (Extra and Stretch too)
- Thermo Film (and Grip)
- Fashion Film
- 3M Reflective
- Easy Reflective
To find out which heat transfer vinyls have a tacky carrier and which don’t, or to find out more about ‘tacking’, contact our team of specialists by email or phone:
