There are a variety of attachment options to choose when you are in the process of designing your custom PVC patches. The most popular kind of backing that most of our customers choose when placing an order or asking for a price quote is the velcro backing.
Customers often ask us “Can I iron on PVC patches?“
The answer is: No, do not iron on PVC patches, as the patches can melt and damage the article your want to attach your patches to.
As you know that manufacturing every type of patch has its own possibilities and limitations. Similarly, PVC patches also have their own limitations and one such limitation is the iron on backing. Here’s why:
Adhesion Issues
PVC patches are made of rubber like material, hence, it’s not possible to attach a thin layer of iron on glue to them as we do with fabric based patches like embroidered patches, chenille patches and woven patches.
Temperature Issues
Even if it was possible to attach the thin layer of glue, ironing on PVC patches is not safe as the heat from the iron cannot pass through through the 2mm – 4mm thick PVC material.
The heat can melt the patch especially the borders of the patch resulting in damage not just to the patch itself but also the article or garment on which you are trying to iron the PVC patches. The PVC material can melt on to the article or garment.
What’s the Alternate
There are two alternates, if you don’t want to use Velcro.
- Use a PVC glue like Loctite® Epoxy Plastic Bonder or a glue that is used to fix rubber boats or inflatables. This kind of glue works very well in attaching PVC patches to fabric based articles like caps and shirts and is also wash resistant. In our personal experience Loctite® Epoxy Plastic Bond does the job very well, a little messy but works well.
- Another alternate is the adhesive backing. Although temporary, the adhesive backing is like a peel and stick sticker and does not need any iron or heat to attach the patches to the article or garment. It is not as strong and permanent as the glue method above and it’s not resistant to washing.
Call us now at 541-248-8831 or reach out to us on email at info@ultrapatches.com with your artwork and get an instant price quote with a quick turnaround time on PVC patches.
