Everything You Need to Know Before Using Siser® EasyReflective®
Looking for a subtle way to stand out? It might sound like an impossible task, but we have the solution for you! EasyReflective® heat transfer vinyl appears understated until the light shines on it- then you’re met with bounced back vibrancy! Want to know the secret to this stellar reflective material? I’ll tell you that and more if you stick around!
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Jiamei Labels.
But first, let’s take a look at your options. Silver has always been a standard for Siser®, but now we have 3 more colors to consider: Aqua, Rainbow Black, and Dark Gray!
While cutting and application settings are the same for all 4 colors, it’s been a while since we walked through an EasyReflective project together, so let’s start from the top! First things first- round up the following supplies…
Supplies
- Sheets or Rolls of EasyReflective
- Cutter of Choice: We prefer the Romeo® or Juliet® of course
- Computer with Design Software of Choice: Leonardo™ Design Studio for us!
- EasyWeeder® or EasyTweezers®
- Heat Press or Home Iron
- Heat Transfer Cover Sheet or Parchment Paper
- Garments and Accessories that are: 100% Cotton, 100% Polyester, Cotton/Polyester Blends, Nylon, or Spandex
How to Cut EasyReflective
Tip #1: Cut with the Carrier Side Down
Now don’t be fooled by EasyReflective’s frosted carrier! Cutting on the shinier side of this material may seem wrong, but it’s right. If you’re unsure which side to cut on, simply separate a small section at the corner of the material and you will quickly see which side is the frosted carrier that appears cloudy and which side is the soft, reflective material itself.
Tip #2: Skip the Cutting Mat
Now that you know which side should face up, load the material into your cutter. Did you notice I didn’t list a cutting mat in the supply list? That’s because with Romeo and Juliet, a cutting mat is not always necessary! When working with sheets and rolls, you can simply place the material under the pinch rollers and you’re ready to rock! Need a little more clarification on that part? Check out this Romeo blog or this Juliet blog for the scoop on matless cutting.
Tip #3: Use a New Blade
You can use a 45° or a 60° Blade with EasyReflective, but if you have the choice I would suggest using a new blade because the secret to its reflectivity is also a culprit for causing a dull blade. What’s the secret? I promise I’m almost ready to share it with you!
Tip #4: Test Cut
Before I spill the beans, be sure to select your cut settings (easily find our suggested starting point on our website or app!) and perform a test cut. A good cut makes all the difference with EasyReflective, so take advantage of that handy dandy t-shirt shaped test cut option to see if your blade is slicing and dicing as desired.
Tip #5: Mirror Design Before Cutting
When you’re satisfied with the test cut, you can send your cut file. Make sure it is mirrored (flipped horizontally) before sending though! Otherwise when you go to weed the material and press it on, the design will appear backwards.
How to Weed EasyReflective
After cutting, remove the reflective material from the cutter and trim off any excess to save for later projects. A little goes a long way with EasyReflective, so you’ll want to save any scraps you can. Now you can use your EasyWeeder or EasyTweezers to get rid of the last of the excess material.
As you weed, you’ll probably notice a few things:
- Weeding is smooth and hassle free- unlike other brands out there!
- The carrier is sticky (just like EasyWeed®) so if you accidentally weed out part of your design, you can easily stick it back in place.
- The face of the material winks and wows with something shiny. That something shiny is the secret to EasyReflective: teeny, tiny, but oh so powerful glass beads!
Now just because there’s glass doesn’t mean this product is sharp! In fact it’s quite the opposite. Soft, smooth, and surprisingly stretchy- the glass beads embedded beneath the surface create a super shine when the light catches them without compromising the other great qualities. This reflective HTV is also safe! Safe to cut with your laser and CPSIA certified safe for children’s items, so you can use it in so many ways! I have 5 that ways that I will share in just a moment, but first let’s cover the final step in any EasyReflective project- heat application.
How to Apply EasyReflective
Set your Heat Press to 305°F/150°C and the timer anywhere between 10-15 seconds. If you’re using a home iron, select the Cotton/Linen setting and be sure you have a flat heat-resistant surface to work on. Place the garment on this surface or on the lower platen of the heat press. Pre-press/iron the garment to remove any wrinkles or moisture. With a heat press, this also gives you the chance to check your pressure. EasyReflective requires medium/firm pressure to apply properly so you may need just a little bit extra oomph than usual.
Once you’re prepped, position the EasyReflective on the garment and make sure you’re looking at the cloudy carrier side before covering everything with a heat transfer cover sheet or piece of parchment paper.
Applying 1 Color Designs
- Press for the full 10-15 seconds and peel the carrier warm (ie. wait a few seconds after heat application before peeling).
Applying Multicolor Designs
- Position and press the first color for 3-5 seconds and peel the carrier warm.
- Repeat this process with each color in the design until all have been applied.
- Once all the colors are applied, re-cover with the cover sheet or parchment paper and press for a final 5 seconds to ensure all the colors have had a full 10-15 seconds of heat and pressure applied.
It’s important to note that while EasyReflective is layerable, it should only be used as a top layer. Additionally, it should not be layered directly on top of itself. While the embedded glass beads make this material shine bright, they also make it slick so HTV does not like to grip on top of EasyReflective.
If you want to make a multicolor look with all the new EasyReflective colors, you can do that with a little design trick we call the knockout method. Check out this blog post for an in depth explanation of the knockout method.
How to Wash EasyReflective
After heat application is complete, you can really enjoy the light-reflecting qualities of this material. Even better, you can enjoy them wash after wash! Our standard wash settings are recommended for this product:
- Wait 24 hours before first wash
- Machine Wash Warm or Cold with Mild Detergent
- Dry on Normal Dryer Setting
- Do not dry clean. Liquid Fabric Softener not recommended
5 Ideas for Reflective Heat Transfer Vinyl
Idea #1: Tone on Tone Designs
Mixing matte and glossy finishes of the same color is a modern way to make your garments look great! EasyReflective Dark Gray is the perfect match for charcoal colored clothing, but you can try this same idea with any of the available reflective colors!
Idea #2: Activewear Applications
A lot of activewear already features small reflective logos, but you can add your own style and enhance visibility by applying EasyReflective. This is especially helpful for those who exercise outdoors and in high traffic areas. EasyReflective is flexible enough for spandex blends and so lightweight you won’t feel like it’s holding you back from your next PB.
Want more information on pvc rubber patch? Feel free to contact us.
Idea #3: Pet Accessories
Safe for kids and pets, EasyReflective has your furry friends covered as well. So even when they want to go for a walk when it’s still dark out, you can feel better knowing that Fido can be seen from afar with their very own reflective bandana, collar, or jacket.
Idea #4: Personalized Safety Gear
While your 3M vest is still going to be your best bet for certified reflective safety, everyone can use some matching customization. Whether you want the group to look cohesive with a business logo, or you just want name labels so you can stop arguing over who’s is who’s- EasyReflective can get the job done!
Idea #5: Event and Concert Customs
Stand out from the crowd at concerts and events with the help of EasyReflective. When the stage lights or flash photography hit this material, it will make you shine like never before. Perfect for DIY security gear and for those looking to make a statement, EasyReflective’s new colors just give you so much more to play with!
Did you think I was done? SURPRISE- I have 1 more idea for you! Similar to tone on tone, you can hide secret messages in your designs when you use similar colored EasyWeed along with EasyReflective. See how Authorized Distributors, Expressions Vinyl, used this technique in their video below:
Bonus Idea #6: Hidden Message Creations
Will you try any of these ideas with EasyReflective? You can find all the designs from this blog post when you search “reflective” in Leonardo Design Studio. Or maybe you have some ideas of your own to try out! Either way, you’ll want to get your hands on this ultracool product. Purchasing is available through most Authorized Distributors and Resellers. Not sure who that is? Reach out to us at to be connected with one if needed.
Neon colours are the most vibrant and loud, visible from a far distance. They are the best choice if you want to capture attention in a crowded place. Meanwhile, reflective labels on sportswear have similar features. They illuminate when light hits the reflective logo, label, or material. These styles are specially introduced to promote the safety and well-being of fitness enthusiasts who engage in outdoor activities in the early morning or late evening.
When should you wear Reflective Clothing?
Wearing reflective clothing in the early mornings or at night prevents unexpected accidents and casualties. If you go for a walk, jog, or cycle before sunrise and after sunset, you can wear sportswear with reflective labels that alert drivers. It's the best way to ensure road safety during odd hours.
Benefits of Reflective Labels on Sportswear
Visible in the Dark
The major reason for its immense popularity is its ability to shine even in dim light. They are made from material that absorbs light and reflects it. Reflectively labelled sportswear is a must-have for people who work out in the early morning or evening. Joggers, cyclists, or motorists should wear this for their safety.
Fashionable and Safe
Most safety clothing looks stereotypical and lame. However, sportswear broke the rule and proved fashion can blend with safety. Since their introduction to the world, reflective labels have been innovatively infused into a variety of clothing. In sportswear, the reflective labels appear stylish while ensuring safety. Moreover, they come in different shapes, styles, and colours.
Stylish
Gone are the days when reflective labels were designed with simple stripes and large squares. Nowadays, you can see fashion designers working on alluring contemporary designs without compromising safety. Reflective labels on sportswear are new but a smart attempt to stay safe and stylish.
Functionality
Besides tank tops and shirts, reflective labels are used in various clothing and sports accessories like jackets, socks, vests, and backpacks. They are versatile pieces that enhance the style of every wardrobe.
Durability
The printed version of the reflective labels, especially the quality ones, is made with insoluble materials to withstand sweat, heat, washes, and weather conditions.
Boosts Confidence
Wearing reflectively labelled sportswear will keep you focused during activities. Hence, you can feel confident and safe even in dim light.
How to Buy Reflective Clothing?
Check the visibility of reflective labels on sportswear. A highly visible label increases visibility and alerts passing vehicles.
Quality. It is the main factor to consider when it comes to clothing. The fabric must be strong enough to withstand heat and sweat.
Right Size and Measurement. Wearing the right size of clothes is more important. So know your size and measurements before buying one.
Activity. Buy reflective sportswear based on the type of physical activity. Some may include heavy movements, so pick a suitable one.
Reflective labels on sportswear have become one of the must-have features to look for. It is a wardrobe staple for those who prefer safety as well as style. I hope you find this blog informative and useful.
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