We asked 100 of our customers what their favorite accessories are when working with vinyl and “survey says” the top six answers are in this blog!
1. Weeding Pick
A weeding pick is a great tool to have in your arsenal when working with vinyl. This tool comes to a straight point that is handy for being able to peel up those corners and poke and remove those pesky pieces that just won’t budge. It is available in both a retractable and regular option. For those who just can’t decide, the pick is also available in our HTW Weeding Kit which includes a pick, hook, and blade attachment.
2. Heat Press Sheet
Of course we wouldn’t be here without some sort of weeding tool but without a doubt the next most important “must have” accessory has to be the heat press sheet. This is a vital accessory for anyone working with layering vinyl or working with any material that may require a double press, we’re looking at you DecoFilm Soft Metallics. A heat press sheet is used to protect vinyl that has had the carrier sheet removed from sticking to the press. We carry two sheet sizes, 12”x12” and 15”x20” as well as a 20” wide roll available in 5 yard, 10 yard, and 36 yard lengths. Another great way to incorporate heat press sheets into every press so you don’t forget to use it for that one press, is using a platen cover. We carry both top and bottom heat press platen covers. In addition to press/vinyl protection, the bottom platen cover also makes it easier to thread your garment onto the press. You can learn more about upper platen covers here and about lower platen covers here.
3. Weeding Hook
The weeding hook is another fabulous tool used for weeding away the excess vinyl from your design. This is very similar to the weeding pick but instead of a straight end, it hooks! (Spoiler alert, I know.) This tool is really great for weeding out very small areas. For those who just can’t decide, the hook is also available in our HTW Weeding Kit which includes a pick, hook, and blade attachment.
4. Hobby Knife
The hobby knife has many applications in the world of vinyl. Some people prefer this for weeding, especially when weeding sign vinyl. This tool is especially useful for things like glitter, holographic and sign vinyl that may need a little extra help with corners and other difficult cuts. This also comes in handy when you’re trying to save every scrap of vinyl you have by cutting your design away from the rest of your unused sheet or roll. For those who just can’t decide, the blade is also available in our HTW Weeding Kit which includes a pick, hook, and blade attachment.
5. Color Chart
Maybe you wouldn’t count this as an accessory but this is a very valuable tool that will help you with color matching as well as give you and your customers a more accurate idea of what a vinyl will look like before ordering. For more information on the importance of a color chart, check out our blog, “Why You Need a Color Chart” or to order you can find vinyl color charts here and our rhinestone color chart here.
6. Vinyl Remover
If you haven’t discovered the wonders of vinyl remover, this little bottle will become your secret weapon! Never waste money on mistakes again! A little bit of this and you can have your mistakes corrected in no time! You can press new vinyl directly over the spot where you just removed the vinyl without washing the garment. The only material this will not work on unfortunately is textured glitter, reflective, and flock materials. We recommend wearing gloves when using this product. For more information on how to use vinyl remover, check out this video. For pricing and shipping details, you can shop here.
For more information on how to use vinyl remover, check out this video.