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Iron-on Application guide

Iron-On Application Guide

What is iron-on application?

Iron-on application (also known as heat transfer) is a simple way to customize clothing and accessories using heat and pressure. With a regular home iron and a sheet of baking (cooking) paper, you can permanently apply logos, designs and patches to your garments.

We always include free samples with our orders, so you can test the ironing process before applying your final design. This helps you adjust heat and pressure depending on your fabric.

When applied correctly, an iron-on design can last for years and withstand many washes.

Before you start: important notes

Even though iron-on application is easy, you are still heating fabric.

Always keep in mind:

  • Heat is applied through cooking paper, never directly

  • Too much heat can damage the textile

  • Different fabrics react differently

  • The same iron-on design may behave differently depending on the fabric

Based on customer feedback, most problems come from overheating or skipping the final press.

Heat Transfer Vinyl (Flex Vinyl)

Flex heat transfer vinyl is one of the most popular iron-on materials. It creates bright, solid logos, similar to those seen on professional sports jerseys.

Special effect heat transfer vinyl

There are many types of special effect heat transfer vinyl, such as:

  • Flocked (velvet / fluffy heat transfer vinyl)

  • 3D or puff heat transfer vinyl

  • Metallic heat transfer vinyl

  • Reflective heat transfer vinyl

We offer the most commonly used colors and effects.
For special colors or custom requests, feel free to contact us:
contact@iron-on.com

How our flex designs are made

Our flex designs are hand-finished:

  • Designs are cut on a machine

  • Excess heat transfer vinyl is removed manually with tweezers

  • This detailed process ensures clean edges and sharp logos

Most flex designs are single-color, but:

  • Two or three colors are possible

  • Each color is applied separately

  • Layers can be applied one after another without issues

Flex heat transfer vinyl does not create gradients or shadows, but it produces very bold, vibrant logos.

Flex vinyl application instructions (step by step)

  1. Preheat your iron to cotton setting, no steam

  2. Place the flex heat transfer vinyl on the fabric (glue side down)

  3. Cover with baking paper

  4. Press firmly for 10–15 seconds without moving the iron

  5. Let it cool down (cool or warm peel depending on fabric)

  6. Remove the liner carefully

  7. Press again through baking paper for another 5–10 seconds

That second press is crucial — it significantly improves durability and wash resistance.

Full-Color Heat Transfers

Full-color heat transfers allow complete creative freedom:

  • Unlimited colors

  • Gradients and shadows

  • Fine details

They work on both light and dark fabrics.

Application is very similar to flex:

  • Position the transfer

  • Cover with baking paper

  • Press

  • Remove liner

  • Press again for long-lasting results

Embroidered patches

Embroidered patches are very easy to apply:

  • Position the patch

  • Cover with baking paper

  • Press with a regular iron

For maximum durability, patches can also be sewn after ironing.

Leather patches – our signature product

Leather patches are one of our unique products:

  • Made from real leather

  • Heat-applied like other iron-on products

  • Very strong adhesive

  • Suitable for many surfaces

Leather tolerates heat well, but controlled heat is always recommended.

How long does an iron-on design last?

When applied correctly:

  • Designs last several years

  • They resist frequent washing

  • Proper heat and final pressing are essential

What our customers choose most often

Based on our internal order statistics, the most popular designs are:

  • Nike-style designs – around 32% of orders

  • Adidas-style designs – around 27%

  • Luxury brand-style designs – around 15%

  • Music and band designs – around 11%

  • Sports teams and others – around 15%

Nike, Adidas, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Under Armour, Balenciaga, Gucci, North Face

Final advice

Take your time, test with the free sample we provide, and always finish with a final press. A properly applied iron-on design will look great and last for years.

If you have any questions or custom requests, feel free to contact us — we’re happy to help.