PLEASE READ THROUGH ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING YOUR PUFF PROJECT
PUFF 3D HTV is an intermediate-advanced product. As such, we highly recommend going through a set-up process & performing several test presses before jumping into your main project. Grab an old t-shirt, cut a few 1"x2" pieces of PUFF 3D HTV off the bottom of one of your vinyl sheets, and do some experimenting to find the best settings for your machine. Calibrating all of your tools will help to ensure your success with PUFF 3D HTV. When pressed correctly, PUFF 3D HTV is a fun, rewarding vinyl to use when crafting!
- This product MUST be pressed with a heat press or EasyPress - NO HOME IRON.
- DO NOT USE TEFLON COVER SHEETS OR PRESSING PILLOWS. Use parchment paper or blowout paper as a protective covering with EVERY press for best results. Cricut pressing pillows contain Teflon. Neoprene pressing pillows or a folded towel are great to use to elevate your design away from shirt seams.
- PUFF 3D HTV is ONLY meant for 100% cotton, regular t-shirt & sweatshirt material. Loose-knit cotton will not hold a puff. Application to other materials may result in wrinkling or deter the “puff” effect.
There are 3 main factors to consider when beginning to craft with PUFF 3D HTV. Our suggestions are starting points to guide you in the right direction. You will need to adjust the process to fit your own crafting tools.
- Temperature: Press at 300° F. Gold, Silver, and White Puff are more sensitive to heat, press at 295° F. We recommend checking the heating elements on your heat press with a thermometer gun before you begin. Temperature accuracy will vary from heat press to heat press, as well as from heating element to heating element in a single heat press. An over-heated press will result in scorched vinyl.
- Time: Press for 8-10 seconds. If your vinyl is brainy or not sticking, try re-pressing in 3-5 second increments, checking the "puff" effect in-between each press. Always use parchment paper for protection.
- Pressure: Press with medium/firm pressure. If your design does not have a smooth texture, try repressing with more pressure. Always use parchment paper for protection.
CUTTING PUFF 3D HTV:
- Peel back the corner of your vinyl to differentiate between the carrier sheet (the thin, plastic covering) and the PUFF 3D HTV layer (the thin, flexible layer). Lay vinyl with the carrier sheet side down on your mat.
- Mirror Cut.
- Cut settings will vary based on different cutter brands, so please test cut to avoid waste. I use the same cut setting as Siser EasyWeed. Some of the more vibrant colors are thicker and may require the force to be slightly increased.
APPLICATION OF PUFF 3D HTV:
- 300° F for 8-10 seconds, firm pressure. Use these same settings for EasyPress. Not recommended for at-home irons.
- Gold, Silver and White Puff are more sensitive to heat, press at 295° for 8-10 seconds.
- Use parchment paper on every press - NO TEFLON SHEETS.
- Use a neoprene pressing pillow or towel to elevate the design area for best results. Collar and side seams will prevent a successful press, so make sure your pressing pillow is not directly under one of the seams and is only under the design area.
PUFF 3D HTV FAQ
Q: My PUFF 3D HTV sheets arrived flat. Is this the right product?
A: PUFF 3D HTV will arrive to you as a flat sheet and the "puff" will activate when it is heat pressed.
Q: My PUFF 3D HTV sheets are a darker color than I expected.
A: PUFF 3D HTV will lighten as it is pressed. Please reference the color swatches to double check the color you have ordered.
Q: Which side is the PUFF 3D HTV and which side is the carrier sheet?
A: Peel back the corner of your vinyl to differentiate between the carrier sheet (the thin, plastic covering) and the PUFF 3D HTV layer (the thin, flexible layer). Lay vinyl with the carrier sheet side down on your mat. You will then mirror cut your design into the puff.
Q: My PUFF 3D HTV doesn't work with my at-home iron.
A: PUFF 3D HTV is intended for use with a heat press or an EasyPress. At-home irons do not provide enough pressure or heat for the PUFF 3D HTV to stick to or "puff" on your shirt.
Q: My PUFF 3D HTV isn't sticking to my material.
A: PUFF 3D HTV is ONLY meant for 100% cotton, regular t-shirt & sweatshirt material. Loose-knit cotton will not hold a puff. Application to other materials may result in wrinkling or deter the “puff” effect.
Q: Help! My PUFF 3D HTV design came out brainy and bumpy!
A: Don't panic, there is still a chance you can correct it! Here are a few things to check:
- Temperature: Press at 300° F. Gold, Silver, and White Puff are more sensitive to heat, press at 295°. We recommend checking the heating elements in your heat press with a thermometer gun before you begin. Temperature accuracy will vary from heat press to heat press, as well as from heating element to heating element in a single heat press. An over-heated press will result in scorched vinyl.
- Time: Press for 8-10 seconds. If your vinyl is brainy or not sticking, try re-pressing in 3-5 second increments.
- Pressure: Try pressing your design again with FIRM pressure.
- Pressing Paper: DO NOT USE TEFLON! Use parchment paper or blowout paper.
- Pressing Pillow: DO NOT USE TEFLON! Cricut's pressing pillows contain Teflon, as well. If you do not have a neoprene pressing pillow, use a folded towel to elevate the design.
Q: What are the care instructions for PUFF 3D HTV?
A: I recommend waiting 24 hours before the first wash. When you wash the garments, do so inside-out with the PUFF 3D HTV design on the inside. Machine wash in cold water with mild detergent. Dry at a normal setting or hang to dry. Hang drying will keep the design and garment looking better and have a longer life. Do not use fabric softener. Do not dry clean.
Q: Can I layer with PUFF 3D HTV?
A: Layering is possible yet tricky with PUFF 3D HTV. It’s best to start with simple, one layer projects and try advanced layering projects once you’ve acclimated to the differences of PUFF 3D HTV application.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP! If you need assistance, please email us at: customerservice@sparkleberryink.com
xo,
Mandy