How to Apply HTV on Cork
Perhaps cork is not a common application for heat transfer vinyl but it does have its uses and there are some fun things that you can do. Cork may not be one of the first things that come to mind when doing HTV projects. Applying HTV on cork is quite easy. I haven’t tried putting adhesive vinyl on cork since HTV works so well. The HTV melts into the cork.
The two main cork items that I have put HTV on are coasters and trivets. These can easily be found at dollar stores and Ikea. A set of coasters and a trivet make a nice housewarming or hostess gift. There are lots of cute little graphics that can be applied. It can be as simple as a monogram or initial or a quote. Applying it is quite easy. All of the same procedures apply for applying HTV.
Tips for Applying HTV on Cork
Applying the HTV is easy but it’s not quite the same as applying HTV on a shirt. Here are a couple of tips to help with the difference.
- Since coasters and trivets are thicker, you won’t be able to close your heat press all the way. I rotated the items after 7 seconds to make sure heat and pressure went all the way around.
- Since the coasters and trivets are small, you can actually press a few items at a time.
- One way to get around from rotating them every few seconds is to apply the HTV on cork with an iron or the Cricut Easy Press. This way you can just apply heat and pressure from above in one fell swoop.
- Since cork is not fabric, yet it clearly can withstand some heat, I err on the side of caution and tend to press for less than the manufacturer’s recommendations. I prefer to press for a shorter time, but do it a couple times to make sure I don’t burn the vinyl or cork but ensure a good application.
See – that’s really all there is to it. It’s really quite simple to whip up a few gifts in no time.
Want to remember how to apply HTV on cork? Be sure to save this to your favourite Pinterest board.
How does the HTV on the trivets hold up when being used with hot pots/pans?
I use mine daily and they’ve held up perfectly fine! Even right out of the oven pots/dishes. So far so good and it’s been a while.
Love these ideas on cork!
Thank you!
I must not see it but what is the temp and press time
Hello! The temp and press time would depend on the brand of the HTV that you use. Each manufacturer would have specific details as to what is best for their product.
Hi. Just wondering how the htv held up on a coaster since there would be moisture.
Hi! We tend to put mugs on ours and they don’t seem to have a lot of condensation and so there has been no issue with moisture.
I purchased a cork koozie. It is a thicker cork material and hard. I plan on putting it in my mug press. I’m not so much worried about the time and temperature as I am with “CAN I layer HTV on cork?
I’ve never tried layering but I expect it to be similar to that of doing a shirt. Start with the bottommost layer. You need only to press for as long as to set before adding the next layer. Hope this helps. Let me know how it goes.