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Learn how to apply heat transfer vinyl on wood with this video tutorial! HTV (or Iron On Vinyl) makes it so easy to make beautiful DIY wood signs with your Silhouette or Cricut. This post may contain affiliate links, which allow me to earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Psst – If you are new to working with vinyl, check out my Vinyl 101: Beginner’s Guide to Cutting Vinyl.
I have an exciting little announcement to share today! My friend Colleen of Lemon Thistleand I have teamed up for a new video series that we are calling Silhouette vs. Cricut! The idea is that we will take on a challenge of a new type of material or themed project or cutting technique, and then we will both make something using our respective cutting machines!
I’m Team Silhouette, of course, and Colleen is a Cricut Girl, so together we can demonstrate the different steps or tricks you need to use for each machine. Plus, you get to see our individual takes on the material, project, or theme. Sounds fun, right?
Well, I’m excited about it! And to kick things off, this week we are talking about Heat Transfer Vinyl on… wait for it… WOOD. That’s right. Wood.
Here’s the thing. If you have ever tried making a DIY wood sign by applying an adhesive vinyl decal to a piece of wood, you may have experienced some frustration. Sometimes the wood’s texture can make it really difficult to get the vinyl to actually stick to the wood.
So, can you use HTV on wood?
YES! You can absolutely used heat transfer vinyl on wood. Not only can you use HTV on wood, but I actually prefer it to adhesive vinyl in many cases. Here’s why:
- Heat Transfer Vinyl is not as glossy as most permanent adhesive vinyl, and the more matte finish looks closer to paint and less like a sticker.
- It sticks! As I already mentioned, sometimes adhesive vinyl on wood can be a struggle.
- More color and style options! If you have a favorite glitter HTV, you can use that for your sign instead of trying to find a similar color in adhesive vinyl.
- HTV (especially smooth HTV like Siser Easyweed) is really thin and flexible, so it looks almost like paint on the wood. You can see how the iron on vinyl almost melts into the wood in the photo below.
Have I convinced you yet thatheat transfer vinyl on wood is something worth trying? Let’s make some super simple, super cute DIY wood signs!
How to Apply Heat Transfer Vinyl on Wood
The process of applying heat transfer vinyl on wood is very similar to the process used to apply heat transfer vinyl to a t-shirt or other fabric project, so if you have ever worked with HTV, then you are going to rock this project.
My Silhouette vs. Cricut video below will walk you through the steps of applying iron on vinyl to wood and will show you my experiments with applying HTV to painted and stained surfaces (spoiler alert – it works!) and working with specialty iron on vinyls like shiny holographic. (Psst – If you want to see all of the videos in our new Silhouette vs. Cricut video series, then be sure to subscribe to my youtube channel.)
Supplies Used in this Project:
- Unfinished Wood Signs or Canvases – I used some similar to these
- Unfinished Wood Box (I got mine at target)
- Hand Lettered SVG Cut Files – I’m using designs from my new So Fontsy Shop!
- Silhouette Cameo
- Silhouette Studio Designer Edition (You need Designer Edition or higher to open SVG files)
- Smooth Heat Transfer Vinyl (I used Siser Easyweed)
- Metallic Heat Transfer Vinyl
- Holographic Heat Transfer Vinyl
- Weeding Tool
- Ironor Cricut Easy Press
- Ironing Pad
So what do you think? Are you ready to try heat transfer vinyl on wood? Or have you already given it a try? Tell me all about it!
Until next time, Happy Making!
Check out more vinyl projects here:
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Reader Interactions
Tammy says
Yes! Thank you for trying different finishes!
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Alexis says
You are welcome! Thanks for stopping by and leaving me a comment, Tammy. 🙂
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Becca says
I’m struggling to make rose stall signs. I want a wood plaque with the horses actual picture and their name. I don’t know which products to use! I’m new please help
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Alexis says
Hi Becca! You can create a horse stall sign using heat transfer vinyl and wood. Do you have an electronic cutting machine like a Silhouette or Cricut? If you use a Silhouette, I have a post here all about how do use different kinds of images with your machine – https://persialou.com/how-to-use-any-image-with-your-silhouette-silhouette-file-types-and-how-to-use-them/ And then you might also want to check out my beginner’s guide to working with vinyl here – https://persialou.com/craft-vinyl-beginners-guide/ I hope that helps! Good luck!
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Mary says
How long do you apply the easypress and what temperature?
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Grace Wiesen says
I was thinking about doing this on wood cutting boards but my concern is that the vinyl will tear when using knives to cut. Is it possible to use some type of sealant over the vinyl so it doesnt tear?
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Romona Pillay says
I have the same question. Were you able to get an answer on this?
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Viviana says
Did you ever find out about this?
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Katie says
Do NOT use vinyl where you are cutting or placing food. It’s not food safe at all.
Cruise Monkey says
I do not believe you will be able to put vinyl on the cutting part of a cutting board. I designed around the edges or on the back would work but HTV will not stand up to the sharp edge for night for sure.
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Anita says
I’m going to try cutting htv for the growth rulers I make. Im using a wood burner now and its getting more difficult to do. Would you recommend sealing it afterwards? I’m using pine.
Thank you, love your videoReply
Melissa says
Hi! Have you used HTV on a wood cutting board? I am wanting to cut “chartuerie” and place it on a wood cutting board as a gift. Should I use HTV or permanent vinyl and how will it wash up (gently, no dishwasher, for sure). I have not seen anybody do this, they usually wood burn it. Any direction would be so helpful! Thanks and Happy New Year! Melissa @auntmelmadewithlove
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Catherine says
Has there been an answer to this!? I was wondering the same thing ??
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Tasha says
I haven’t tried this but plan to and think i will try using the mod Podge for dishwasher to give it bit more longevity hopefully. Because it is wood i would still hand wash but i think the sealer would help keep it perfect longer
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Carolyn White says
You can use htv if you coat it with a food safe sealer, like Cabot’s Benchcoat.
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Alexis says
I have not tried washing heat transfer vinyl on wood, but I think it would probably work well with hand washing. If you give it a try, let us know!
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Katie says
Don’t place vinyl where there will be food. It’s not food safe. Put it on the back side or the handle and let them know not to put food on it.
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Donna Howard says
Nice. i’m going to try this. Thank you
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Lm says
This wouldn’t be food safe. You shouldn’t put food on htv or vinyl
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munawar says
Hi Alexis. Just joined your club and all and starting on vinyl stuff. I have a wood shop with CNC and a laser engraver.
Question, where can I buy the font you used for “Be Here Now”? My younger daughter loved that fond.
Thanks
MunawarReply
Alexis says
Hi! I’m sorry but I hand lettered that design. I do not currently have a font available.
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Robin. says
Do you have a similar font?
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Heather says
Have you tried using Mod Podge I’ve HTV? I want to use glitter Mod Podge on a sign I used HTV on but am not sure how it will affect the HTV.
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Andrea says
Can you apply heated vinyl to wood that has been painted with spray paint?
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Janice Guillory says
I loved the video learned a lot, didn’t know this
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Rachel says
Hi there! I’m making a tag board sign out of wood, but I used a propane torch to “color/burn” the wood. I’m thinking about maybe putting varnish or mod podge before applying my HTV, do you think this would affect the HTV sticking to the wood?
I usually apply varnish to my wood projects, but have never used HTV on them before, and since this will be hung on a door outside I want it to last with the elements! Thanks!
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Doug says
I am wondering if you can use the heat press instead of the iron for wood projects? Have you experimented with this option?
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Kim Brown says
Can you use the heat transfer vinyl on a painted wood service?
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Gisella Pinachio says
Does your wood NEED to be unfinished or can you put HTV to stained wood?
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Carolyn says
I do not have either machines. Can I print from my computer to the heat vinyl transfer to transfer words to painted wood?
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Laurel says
Love your tutorial! Would this work if the wood is painted?
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Andrea Cella says
This post has made my DAY! I can not wait to try this!!!!!
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Janelle Bauerle says
Can you apply Modge Pidge to the Wood after you use the HTV? Thanks
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Linda Smith says
Hi Alexis,
I do not have a silhouette or cricut and I want to make/personalize my own family established sign using a wood cabinet door that I will be refinishing. I know I can order custom vinyl artwork online but I’m not sure how to go about it or who to order from. Can you give this beginner any direction?
Many thanks!
LindaReply
Melissa says
Not sure how long ago you asked this question, but you can probably find someone on Etsy to do this or someone you know who has a Cricut or Silhouette to do that for you. In your area you may have a local recommendations page on Facebook where you could seek out someone. Where I live we have a similar page where people will post what they are looking for.
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Maggie says
Planning on making a picture Brag Board for grandma for Mother’s Day on a piece of stained wood😁
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Laura says
Love your video on HTV on wood. I was doubting that you could do that on finished wood and now I am so excited to get started!
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BRANDI says
thank you so much for the helpful video and info! I’m cricut newborn and feeling a bit intimidated. Your course cut advise and directions are amazing. I’ve watched a ton of channels and none made me feel confident like yours!
I’m off to design my first HTV sign, wish me luck 😉
Thank you,
Your new fan
BrandiReply
Patty says
Absolutely love the idea to use HTV for signs. Can’t wait to try it!
The links for “Unfinished Wood Signs or Canvases – I used some similar to these“ isnt working. Can you provide the websites for these sources? Thank you!
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Marilyn Powell says
Hi, I tried HTV on painted wood, and parts of it are lifting off. Should I have sealed it with Mod Podge or something?
(I’m not seeing answers to previous questions, so I don’t know if I’ll get an answer to this.)
thanksReply
Natasha says
Hi I am wanting to make a sign to hang outside will I need to paint modge podge over it to prevent it from peeling or should it with stand the elements?
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Cruise Monkey says
I have applied HTV to numerous pieces of wood using my T-shirt press. It’s done a great job on both finished an unfinished wood. Great video, opens up a whole new world for making wood projects.
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Verona Sanders says
Wonderful and so easy! Thank you for sharing. Tried it as you were teaching it and it turned out beautifully! Thanks again!
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johnna says
Hello,
Do you need to seal them after? if so what is the good seal? trying to do one for a cutting board with our initial.
Thanks.
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Samantha says
Will any type of HTV work on wood projects?
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Alexis Middleton says
I have been able to use all kinds of HTV on wood. That said, there may be some brands or types that would not work on wood that I’m not aware of. In general though, heat transfer vinyl should work well for you on wood.
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Kas says
Really glad I found your page. My friend has asked for a sign for her son’s workshop(outside). I am wondering do you apply varnish to the completed project or before applying the htv? Really hope you can give some advice thanks Kas
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Joan Wilson says
I was given a silhouette from a friend who upgraded hers. I have looked online and tried to understand the basics but it was all to confusing. Today I came across you. I was actually amazed how easy it was for me to actually understand everything you explained. I am now looking to order some lovely HTV next payday. Going to work wonders on my handmade tote bags/handbags. Thank you for helping me get into the silhouette cutting with instructions that were clear and understandable.
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Kewena says
Can you use a heat gun cause I want to apply transfer to a helmet?
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