The exclusively designed high quality hotfix crystals are adhered to a clear silicon transfer tape (that can withstand the heat of the iron).
There is a white backing plastic that should be peeled off slowly and gently to avoid any unwanted shifting of the crystals. If the crystals have shifted, reshift them back using tweezers. The backing plastic is not heat resistant so keep it away from the iron.
With the sticky side down, place and position the transfer tape to your garment. The transfer tape can be repositioned with care.
Heat an iron to Cotton setting. Use a lower setting for delicate fabrics.
Prepare your garment for heating. For extra care and caution, place a tea towel on the underside of the garment you will be applying the crystals on. For example, if you will be crystalizing a t-shirt, put a tea towel inside of the t-shirt to protect the other side of the shirt, or if you are crystalizing pant legs, fold a tea towel inside the leg before ironing.
Place a clean crystal transfer Teflon sheet on top of the transfer (if you have one, if not, use a tea towel).
When the iron is fully heated, gently apply medium to firm pressure on the crystal transfer. You will find that the time will vary based on the temperature of the iron, the applied pressure, and the size of the crystals. With the smallest of crystals, start with around 15 seconds. 30 to 45 seconds should be sufficient for most projects. Note that most people have a steam iron so it is important to note that the iron should be repositioned occasionally (not by gliding the iron but lifting and lowering) so that all crystals will receive heat (some may fall in the steam hole location where they won’t receive the required heat or pressure). Do not use the steam function for this procedure.
After the crystals have cooled, gently start peeling the transparent transfer sheet away from the garment. If you find any of the crystals remain adhered to the transfer sheet, stop and lay the sheet back down and re-press.
Just as a guide, after pressing, if the crystals are very hot to the touch, they have most likely adhered. If the crystals feel warm, then you may want to give it more time. Checking as you go is ok – just be careful that you don’t remove the entire transfer and just a small area in the corner. Wait until the crystals have completely cooled before the complete removal of the transfer sheet.
Acorn Sport sells loose hotfix crystals and transfer tape so that you can make your own designs. You can also add colored crystals to any of our pre-designed transfers, or follow the design and make it your own by adding crystals. Get creative!
Here is a general
youtube video for guidance.
