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

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

Please note: These are generalized tips. Dialing in your settings for consistent results may take some trial and error. For the easiest transfers, we recommend our foam can coolers for HTV and our neoprene can coolers for sublimation.

HTV & DTF Transfer

  1. Pre-heat your press to the temperature listed below.
  2. Use a lint roller to remove lint from the can sleeve.
  3. Place butcher paper or a Teflon sheet inside the sleeve to prevent it from sticking to itself.
  4. Add butcher paper on the top and bottom of the can cooler as a barrier while pressing.
  5. Pre-heat the sleeve in the press for 10 seconds at the recommended temperature.
  6. Center your vinyl graphic on the can cooler, then press again using the butcher paper and settings below.

Recommended Settings (may vary by vinyl and DTF brand)

  • Cricut EasyPress: 15–20 seconds at 330°F, light pressure
  • Commercial press: 15–20 seconds at 280-330°F, light pressure (adjust press gap for sleeve thickness)
  • Household iron: 15–20 seconds on medium heat, light pressure 

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Confirm your vinyl is designed to adhere to polyester.
  • Use your vinyl brand’s time, temperature, and pressure guidance.
  • Try a cold peel (let the vinyl cool before peeling).
  • Pre-heat both the iron and can cooler. (Important with neoprene)
  • Press evenly and straight down (especially if not using a commercial press).
  • Peel the carrier sheet in one smooth motion.
  • “Set” the vinyl with a short second press (~5 seconds).

Sublimation & Infusible Ink

Note 1: While sublimation can be used on our foam can coolers, many prefer neoprene for better durability at higher temps.

Note 2: Sublimation works best on light-colored coolers—designs won’t show well on dark backgrounds. For dark sleeves, we recommend HTV or DTF.

Follow HTV steps 1–6 above, plus these adjustments:

  • Secure the sublimation paper with thermal tape.
  • Extend artwork slightly beyond the can cooler’s width and height for full edge coverage.
  • Let the can cooler cool before pressing the second side.

Recommended Settings

  • Commercial press: 40–60 seconds at 350°F, light pressure (adjust press gap for sleeve thickness)

Demo Videos Using TahoeBay Can Coolers

Visit our Customer Demos Playlist on YouTube for step-by-step videos.