Vinyl Types

What are all these types of vinyl? What do I need? 

There are 2 main types of vinyl.  Adhesive vinyl and heat transfer vinyl.  First, we will talk about adhesive vinyl.

Adhesive vinyl comes in several brands, thicknesses, tons of colors and even a few different sizes.  Adhesive vinyl is run through your die cutter with the vinyl facing up and the paper carrier sheet down.  You cut your design out and pull away the extra vinyl which is a process called "weeding".  After you are left with just your design you apply transfer tape to the design. Then when you are ready to apply the decal, you remove the paper backing, apply the decal and then lastly pull off the transfer tape.

There are two brands of adhesive vinyl, both offer different products as shown below. 

Adhesive Vinyl Types: 

Oracal 631 - This is a matte finish indoor wall-safe (removable for up to 2 years) vinyl.  It is for use on walls and other indoor items that will not be washed such as shadow boxes, picture frames, ornaments, etc... We currently carry it in 96 colors (counting white, black and clear).

Oracal 641 –  We carry the Matte colors of 641. 641 is made with a water-based permanent adhesive. It can be used outdoors, and has a 3-5 year rating. This product can be used on hand washed items such as mugs, car windows, cups, etc. We currently carry 18 colors plus clear.

Oracal 651 - This is the main type of adhesive vinyl that most people end up starting with. It is a 5-8 year rated outdoor safe permanent solvent-based-adhesive vinyl.  It can also be used on items inside that you would like to be able to hand wash such as mugs, cups, cutting boards, etc.  It comes in 61 different gloss colors plus there is a matte finish available in white and black and a clear as well (for use as a top laminate over some intricate designs or printed vinyl) for a total of 64 colors.

Oracal 751 - This is a higher-grade cast series of vinyl. Cast means that it is poured in layers and cooled instead of stretched through rollers. This allows them to make a product that is easier to apply to multi-dimensionally curved surfaces and is thinner and also will hold up a couple years longer in the harsh sunlight (around an 8 year lifespan) It is important to note that this product is more expensive and sometimes trickier to get the hang of cutting, weeding and applying without stretching/breaking it. We carry this product in 28 colors specifically to offer the 28 colors that do not exist in the 651 lineups.

Oracal 951 - This is an even higher-grade cast vinyl.  It is designed to last about 2 years longer in the sunlight than even 751 (around 8-10 years).  It is also more expensive.  We carry 105 colors of this product in limited that are not made in the 651 or 751 lines, including a large assortment of metallic finish colors.

Oracal 5600 – This is a reflective permanent outdoor vinyl rated up to 7 years. It is available in 10 colors and has a clear, solvent-based, permanent adhesive (removable with heat). This product was specifically made for vehicle graphics that produce reflective lettering such as trailers, police cars, ambulance, construction etc.

Oracal 6510 - This series is the fluorescent (neon) colors of Oracal 651. There are 6 colors in this series. They can be used the exact same as 651 with one exception... they are not solid colored throughout, meaning that the backside of the vinyl is not the same color as the front.  For this reason, you would not want to use 6510 where you will be looking at the bottom side of the vinyl. This will have an outdoor lifespan of 1-2 years.

Oracal 8300 - This UV-stabilized, transparently dyed, gloss special-purpose film boasts a performance of up to 5 years. It is perfect for high-quality illuminated signs and to decorate back-lit glass surfaces or even a stained-glass effect. The material is available in 30 vivid transparent colors, which can be superimposed to obtain fine nuances of color, making the creative possibilities virtually unlimited.

Oracal 8510 – This Etched vinyl comes in Silver and Gold in color as well as both a fine (smooth) and coarse (more textured). This product is a permanent adhesive and gives the look of etching or sandblasting glass. This is great to use on windows, mugs, cups, and other items that can be gently hand washed.

Oracal 8710 – This dusted vinyl comes in Translucent Grey. Developed for decorative glass or mirror design elements, to achieve a translucent etched glass appearance. Great for shop windows, room dividers and glass doors. Wet application is recommended.

Oracal 8810 – Frosted vinyl is great for Long-term indoor and outdoor decorative design; developed for long-term decorative sparkling effects on glass and glass like shop windows and doors. It gives a similar look like the etched vinyl but with glitter specs. Rated up to 7 years. This is available in 5 colors.

Oralux 9300 – Glow in the dark permanent adhesive vinyl. White when not glowing and green glow in the dark. Permanent grade adhesive only available in the one color combination (white/green). 

Oramask Oramask is available in 811 and 813 are used with latex paints.  811 is a solid white color (most preferred for etching) while 813 is a translucent blue most preferred for doing painted signs. Make sure surfaces are very smooth before applying the stencil. Stencils are NOT reusable.

OraGuard Oraguard is a clear laminate protective film that has a solvent-based permanent adhesive, and is intended for use over printed graphics. It comes in 2 finishes, Matte and Gloss. If you use matte OraGuard over gloss vinyl, the finish will become matte finish, and vice versa, gloss OraGuard over Matte becomes glossy. Using this product over top of another adhesive vinyl can help add up to 2 additional years of UV protection. 

StyleTech Ultra (Glitter) - This is adhesive glitter vinyl.  It is almost identical in usage and durability to 651 and comes in 26 amazing metallic glitter colors.  It can be layered and is applied with the same regular transfer tape.  One thing to keep in mind with this product is that it is not solid colored throughout, so like the 6510 you would not want to use it in situations where you will be looking at the back side of the vinyl.

StyleTech FX Glitter - StyleTech FX is a permanent adhesive vinyl available in 12 colors. Rated for 5-8 years outdoor durability. The FX colors are cast vinyl film series with excellent surface gloss, color depth, and complete opacity. It provides dynamic graphic accents and can be used for RV and marine applications, automotive aftermarket graphics and striping, computerized sign making, tradeshow exhibits, and point-of-purchase displays. They have a high concentration of metallic flakes, making them sparkle like glitter. It is a smooth finish and non-textured vinyl.

StyleTech Luster - Permanent adhesive vinyl available in 13 satin (between gloss and matte) colors. This product has an outdoor durability of up to 3 years when properly applied. Great to use for decals on items such as car windows, mugs, cups, tumblers.

StyleTech Metalized - 24 Metalized vinyls available in a variety of colors and patterns including Mosaics, Chromes, Mists (Holographic), and more. StyleTech Metalized is a permanent adhesive vinyl with an outdoor durability when properly applied is as follows: Silver Chromes, Diamond Deck and Galvanized- Up to 2 years. Gold Chromes recommended for indoor use only. All Holographics (Mist, Mosaic, Confetti and Bubbles) rated for up to 2 years, not recommended for automotive use.

StyleTech Opal StyleTech Opal vinyls are cast vinyls known for their unique display of flashing rainbow colors. Opal is available in 9 colors, White, Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green, Amber, Orange, Bright Green and Gold; each very unique. It is a permanent glossy outdoor adhesive vinyl, with a life expectancy of 1-2 years.

StyleTech Polished Metal - Permanent glossy shimmer finish adhesive vinyl available in 13 gloss colors with an outdoor durability of up to 2 years when properly applied, though intended use is indoor.

StyleTech Transparent Glitter - Transparent glitter is a permanent adhesive vinyl in 23 gloss glitter colors. These colors allow light to shine through them as they are non-opaque, and are vibrantly colored glitter on the face side and silvery from the adhesive side. This vinyl has an outdoor durability of up to 5 years when properly applied. 

StyleTech 4000 StyleTech 4000 is StyleTech's permanent adhesive vinyl available in gloss finish, with the addition of Black and White available in matte finish. This product is comparable to Oracal 651 and Siser PSV. StyleTech 4000 is rated for 5 years outdoors when properly applied. 

Siser Permanent EasyPSV Siser® EasyPSV™ Permanent is a gloss calendered vinyl used for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor applications such as decals, decorations, and signs. It is comparable to Oracal 651 and StyleTech 4000. Materials that can be decorated with EasyPSV Permanent include: Glass/mirrors, wood, plastic, metal, ceramic Some common projects include: Car decals, mug/cup/bottle decorations, school/office supplies *Permanent adhesive may harm drywall or other painted surfaces. *Not recommended for use near flame/ heat source, or with microwave, and dishwasher.

Siser Removable EasyPSV Siser® EasyPSV™ Removable is a matte calendered vinyl used for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor applications such as decals, signs, and decorations. It is comparable to Oracal 631. Materials that can be decorated with EasyPSV Removable include: Painted drywall, glass/mirrors, wood, plastic, metal, ceramic Some common projects include: Wall decals, laptop/craft cutter stickers, seasonal decor. *Not recommended for use near flame/ heat source, or with microwave, and dishwasher.

Removable Glitter Vinyl for wall use - There is not a glitter vinyl that is safe for direct use on drywall. However, It is very easy to layer any of the glitters you prefer over Oracal 631 or Siser Removable PSV to make them wall safe! 

Heat Transfer Vinyl:

Heat transfer vinyl (commonly called HTV) is not sticky and instead is fused with heat to fabrics, such as shirts, tote bags, coats, scarves, blankets, stuffed animals, etc.  It is designed to be applied with a heat press but can also be done with an iron.  HTV is cut with the clear shiny side facing DOWN and the duller back of the vinyl facing up.  Your design is then mirrored (flipped horizontally) so that you cut through the vinyl only and weed away the extra.  Then you flip your design over and apply it to your garment and then remove the carrier sheet.  No additional transfer tape is required.

We currently carry 1 brand of HTV - Siser. Siser products are CPSIA Certified so it’s perfect for decorating children’s clothing and accessories. Recommended cut and application settings can be found at http://www.siserna.com or by downloading their mobile app.

Siser EasyWeed - This is the main type of HTV, it is an iron friendly easy to use product that we currently have in 112 colors (36 of which are hard to find colors including some that are exclusive to just our company). It is a semi-gloss/ satin finish. We have this product in a wide range of colors that includes 28 Electric colors, 9 fluorescent (neon), and glow in the dark as well. This product can be layered and Adheres to 100% cotton, 100% Polyester, and Poly/Cotton blends. Hot or Cold peel.

Siser EasyWeed Matte -  This HTV is a matte finish, iron friendly product. We stock 11 colors, including White Matte, and 3 other colors which are exclusive to us. This product can be layered and Adheres to 100% cotton, 100% Polyester, and Poly/Cotton blends. Hot or Cold peel.

Siser EasyWeed Stretch - This type of HTV is designed to be thinner and stretchy to be able to be applied to tight fitting adult clothing and performance wear.  It is slightly more difficult to work with and not recommended prior to becoming comfortable with regular EasyWeed HTV.  It comes in 40 colors, including 2 colors exclusive to our company.  This product can be layered and Adheres to Spandex, 100% cotton, 100% Polyester, and Poly/Cotton blends. Hot or Cold peel.

Siser EasyWeed Electric – The colors are vibrant with a pearlescent metallic sheen. EasyWeed Electric comes on a pressure-sensitive carrier which makes cutting detailed designs and logos a breeze. EasyWeed Electric can be layered. This product applies to 100% Cotton, 100% Polyester, and Poly/Cotton blends. It is also available in 28 colors. Hot/Cold peel.

Siser EasyWeed Extra – EasyWeed Extra shares almost all the great benefits of EasyWeed with the bonus of adhering to nylon! EasyWeed Extra is on a pressure-sensitive carrier so you can cut detailed logos and weed them effortlessly. The ability to peel your designs HOT or COLD offers you the option to peel each item as it comes off the press, or to stack all applied garments and peel after the job is complete. EasyWeed Extra – with its semi-gloss finish, can be layered and is available in 11 colors. Adheres to Nylon, 100% cotton, 100% Polyester, and Poly/Cotton blends. Hot or Cold peel.

Siser EasyWeed Glow – EasyWeed Glow is a white polyurethane heat transfer vinyl that looks great in the daylight and glows in the dark! Glow is available in white and it cuts and weeds like our popular EasyWeed heat transfer vinyl. You “charge” the material by exposing it to sunlight. The more light you give it, the more it glows in the dark! Great for crafters looking to create kids’ pillow cases with messages they can see when they go to bed and great for simple Halloween costumes! Applies to 100% Cotton, 100% Polyester, and Poly/Cotton blends. Peel hot or cold.

Siser Glitter - This type of HTV is a thicker real glitter feel vinyl for fabric that can still be applied with a press or an iron.  We currently carry it in 56 colors. It does not stretch like EasyWeed, and is not recommended in situations where it will be under stress often as that could cause cracking and peeling. This product Adheres to 100% cotton, 100% Polyester, and Poly/Cotton blends. Hot or Cold peel.

Siser Holographic – Holographic contains color changing chips that create the effect of depth and dimension. Available in 18 special effect colors and finishes, Holographic will take your designs to a new level. Love the look of rhinestones but don’t want to go through all the hassle? Holographic can be cut to look exactly like rhinestones, without having to go through all the extra work associated with applying rhinestone designs. Product applies to 100% Cotton, 100% Polyester, and Poly/Cotton blends. Cold Peel.

Siser StripFlock Pro - A great alternative to embroidery, StripFlock Pro heat transfer vinyl gives logos a raised, textured, suede-like feel. The deep, opaque colors make StripFlock Pro excellent for retro designs or anytime you want a rich look. StripFlock Pro looks excellent on caps, bags, and garments that need textured visual interest. 24 colors available. Product can be layered and applies to 100% Cotton, 100% Polyester, Poly/Cotton blends and Leather. 

Siser Brick 600 – This product is designed for smaller logos and designs to add extra dimension to your garments. Brick 600’s matte finish looks great on caps, bags, and is ideal for left chest logos. Brick can be layered with itself or other layerable products for a unique look. Product applies to 100% cotton, 100% Polyester, and Poly/Cotton Blends. Brick 600 is a cold peel product.

Siser EasyWeed Sub Block – 2 Colors available for decorating sublimated jerseys limits the material types you can apply. Standard heat transfer vinyl can change color as the color in the garment migrates through the design. EasyWeed Sub Block is specially formulated to block all dye migration and leave you with an awesome looking jersey! Even through wash after wash the color stays vibrant and undisturbed. EasyWeed Sub Block is ideal for the popular digital camo and motocross jerseys. Product applies to 100% Cotton, 100% Polyester, and Poly/Cotton blends. Hot/Cold Peel.

Siser Easy Reflective – Easy Reflective comes in one color, Silver. This highly reflective heat transfer vinyl is constructed with glass bead technology to illuminate the darkest of conditions. EasyReflective is a truly exceptional polyurethane product due to its pressure sensitive carrier that allows you to re-stick lifting material or replace a piece that’s accidentally removed. With a low application temperature and simple warm peel, EasyReflective can be applied to all kinds of garments and accessories that need increased visibility on sports garments, pet clothes, or construction crew uniforms. Product applies to 100% Cotton, 100% Polyester, and Poly/Cotton blends.

Siser Metal – Available in 7 colors, Metal features show stopping shine with a smooth finish and soft touch that can be washed and worn without becoming lackluster. This fashion forward material is ideal for bridal parties, spirit wear, and any occasion that needs a touch of gleaming chrome. Product applies to 100% cotton, 100% Polyester, and Poly/Cotton Blends. Item is a cold peel product.

Siser VideoFlex Glitter – VideoFlex Glitter Heat Transfer Vinyl is a fashionable alternative to Glitter by Siser. VideoFlex Glitter is specially constructed to be soft to the touch. Glitter flakes are embedded in the material so that you get a smooth finish to your designs. VideoFlex Glitter is available in 7 colors. Looking to layer? VideoFlexGlitter can be layered for ultimate sparkle! Product applies to 100% Polyester, and Poly/Cotton Blends. Item is a cold peel product.

Siser Sparkle Glitter - Siser Sparkle is comparable to VideoFlex, with the exception of the sticky carrier sheet unlike VideoFlex's static carrier. Soft to the touch, each color contains large silver glitter flakes and can still be layered. This product is gorgeous on T shirts, tote bags, shoes, and more! Product applies to 100% Polyester, Poly/Cotton Blends and Leather.

Siser Twinkle - Twinkle has a unique, silicone like finish that also captures light for a reflective effect in the dark, and a brilliant shine during the day. Twinkle can be applied to 100% Polyester, and Poly/Cotton Blends. 


Transfer Tape:

Adhesive vinyl requires transfer tape. Heat Transfer vinyl does not. Selecting the right transfer tape is largely based on personal preference, and we always recommend trying a few 30ft rolls before purchasing the 300ft rolls. Transfer tape can also vary based on temperature and humidity. These factors may cause it to stick or lift differently, so we always suggest having several different types on hand. There is no way we can recommend an absolute best transfer tape, as everyone's preferences are different. 

R.Tape AT60 is a LOW-TACK transfer tape. It is designed for applications where you find AT65 to be too sticky, like when sticking vinyl to paper, etc. It is clear so you can see your vinyl through it for help lining it up. 

R.Tape AT65 is a medium tack transfer tape. It is the most popular transfer tape, and designed for glossy vinyl types. It is perfect for application on vehicles, etc. It is also clear, so you can see your vinyl design.

R.Tape AT75 is a textured, HIGH-TACK transfer tape. The air-release channels in the tape give it it's texture. It is designed for matte finish vinyl, and is also clear, so you can see your design through it. AT75 is commonly used for applying Oracal 631 to drywall. 

TransferRite Blue Grid is a MEDIUM-TACK transfer tape. It is a clear tape, with approximately 1 inch blue grid lines throughout. This assists in aligning your design. The Blue Grid is approximately the same tack level as the R.Tape AT65. 

Again, we recommend trying a few different transfer tapes to find the best one to suit your needs. 

Printed Vinyl:

HTV- The printed heat transfer vinyl we carry is printed by us in house. The HTV should be cut print side UP and all printed HTV will require some kind of transfer mask (like TTD Easy Mask) to transfer your weeded design to your garment for pressing.  We do not include it automatically but it is available for purchase. Instructions for the product are on each of the product pages.

You do not want to layer anything on top of Printed HTV as the ink will not allow the next layer to bond.  To use printed HTV with another HTV you need to use the subtraction (knockout) method so both are cut like puzzle pieces that fit together and both bond only to the shirt.

Adhesive Matte and Adhesive Gloss- The printed adhesive vinyl is available in both matte and gloss finish. You cut it print side up as well, just like ordinary adhesive vinyl, and use transfer tape to transfer your design. The printed vinyl we sell has the same adhesive as Oracal 651 and is a permanent vinyl. Oraguard laminate can be applied to extend the longevity of the ink print itself when exposed the elements. 


NEW PRINTS are always released on Wednesdays if there are any coming out. 


This document is still under construction and more types and descriptions will be added soon.