TahoeBay Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV), Sublimation, and Infusible Ink Instructions

Instructions for customizing TahoeBay Can Coolers with Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV), Direct to Film Transfer (DTF), sublimation, and infusible ink. See demonstration videos below.

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) & Direct to Film (DTF) Transfer Instructions

1. Pre-heat your press at the temperature below.
2. Lint roll the can sleeve to remove any lint.
3. Place a cut piece of butcher paper or Teflon inside the can cooler to prevent the sleeve from sticking to itself.
4. Place butcher paper on the top and bottom of the can cooler as a barrier between the sleeve and the press.
5. Pre-heat the can cooler with the press for 10 seconds using the temperature settings below.
6. Place your vinyl graphic in the center of the can cooler and place it back in the press with the butcher paper as before. Follow the temperature and pressure settings below.

*Although vinyl varies slightly by brand, our customers tell us that these settings typically work best:

Using Cricut EasyPress:
30-40 seconds at 310 degrees
Light pressure

Using a commercial press:
15-20 seconds 300 degrees
Light pressure (Ensure the press gap setting is adjusted to allow for the thickness of the sleeve without too much compression.)

Using an iron:
15-20 seconds on Cotton
Light pressure

Troubleshooting tips for vinyl:

Double check that your vinyl is made to adhere to polyester
Use the vinyl manufacturer's temp, time, and pressure recommendations
Try cold peeling (let the vinyl cool before peeling)
Ensure you're pre-heating the iron and can cooler
Press evenly and straight down (if not using a commercial press)
Peel the carrier sheet in one smooth motion
"Set" the vinyl with a second press of ~5 seconds

Sublimation / Infusible Ink Instructions

Note 1: Although many successfully sublimate on our foam can coolers, some prefer our neoprene due to its increased durability under higher temps.

Note 2: Sublimation transfers will not show up well on dark backgrounds. We recommend HTV for our dark can coolers.

Follow steps 1-6 above, with these additions:

Use thermal tape to tape down the sublimation paper to the can cooler.
Ensure your artwork extends beyond the width and height of the can cooler to ensure proper coverage around the edges.
Allow the can cooler to cool prior to pressing the second side.

Using a commercial press:
40-60 seconds at 350 degrees
Light pressure (Ensure the press gap setting is adjusted to allow for the thickness of the can cooler without too much compression.)