Applying HTV to Curved Objects with a Heat Gun

Did you know you can apply heat transfer vinyl with a heat gun?! It's perfect for rounded objects, like mugs - especially if you don't have a mug heat press!

Kati from Houseful of Handmade  is here today to share her secret for using a heat gun to apply HTV! 

Why Use Heat Transfer Vinyl vs Vinyl on Mugs?

When I was making these farmhouse kitchen canisters, I wanted to use HTV because it is easier to weed delicate lettering. But applying the HTV to a curved surface without a fancy machine was hard. I used the iron, and struggled.

So when I wanted to apply HTV to some mugs, I figured there must be a better way than struggling with an iron or buying an expensive heat press machine. And there is! You can easily apply heat transfer vinyl to curved objects with a heat gun.

Designing and Cutting Heat Transfer Vinyl with Silhouette CAMEO

This method of applying heat transfer vinyl is great for glass, ceramic, and metal. It's the perfect way to personalize those ever popular stainless steel, keep-things-colod-forever mugs. So far I've tried it with regular HTV, metallic HTV and glitter HTV and they all worked perfectly!

First, cut out your Silhouette design on your HTV. Make sure you mirror the design before cutting.

The new version of Silhouette Design Studio will mirror for you during the Send to Silhouette process, but I prefer to do it myself so if I am using small scraps of HTV I can position things properly to get the best cut.

Weed out your design and place it on your curved surface where you want it to be. Use the slightly sticky HTV backing to hold it on.

How to Apply HTV to Mugs Without a Mug Press

Before pulling out your heat gun, it's worth mentioning that this thing will get HOT! And the object you are placing the HTV on will also get very hot (and stay that way for a while). I like to protect myself from accidentally burning myself by wearing my leather work gloves (or you could use an oven mitt).

Also, I set the mug, jar, etc. in a cradle of a dishtowel to protect my work surface from the heat too. You will also need a piece of cotton fabric, or extra dish towel, to apply pressure to the hot HTV. 

Turn on your heat gun (this is the inexpensive model I have). Check your heat gun for temperature settings. Most HTV will need to be heated to 275-320 degrees F. For my gun, I put it on low. While protecting your hands, get the gun close to the HTV to heat it.

Work in small sections and heat it, then grab your cotton fabric or dish towel and rub the top of the HTV backing to apply pressure. Pressure is needed to make the glue stick once hot.

Move around the entire design, heating and applying pressure in small sections. Be careful not to melt or burn through the plastic backing of the HTV.

Let it cool a bit then test the design to make sure it is properly adhered and then peel off the clear carrier sheet.

If not, reheat and press areas that need it. Make sure to let things cool completely before touching the mug or jar with bare hands. Remember, things get HOT!

Once things are completely cool, you are ready to use your new mug, water bottle, jar, etc! It's so easy, I have been putting HTV on everything.

And for more fun projects, make sure to visit me at Houseful of Handmade. I love sharing DIY & Crafts tutorials with you.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!

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