Maya Ellison
Coating fabric with plastic, also known as laminating fabric, has many applications, from fashion to electronics. The process involves applying a plastic layer to the fabric, either through iron-on vinyl products like Heat 'n' Bond or by creating a plastic coat solution using polystyrene, styrofoam, and a solvent. When using iron-on vinyl, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take precautions to avoid melting the vinyl onto the iron. Alternatively, one can create a plastic coat solution by dissolving polystyrene or styrofoam in a solvent, which can then be applied to the fabric or used in conjunction with paint for added protection.
Characteristics and Values Table for Coating Fabric with Plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Fabric, Vinyl, Clear PVC Sheeting, Teflon Sheets, Polystyrene, Styrofoam, Plasticizer, DIDP, Iron, Paint Thinner, Solvent, Naphtha Gas, Clear Primer Cleaner, Tetrahydrofuran, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Toluene, Acetone |
| Process | Cut vinyl to fit fabric, iron fabric, peel paper backing off vinyl, place vinyl sticky-side-down on fabric, place paper backing over vinyl, iron with medium heat, remove backing paper, iron from back of fabric |
| Precautions | Do not melt vinyl, do not let vinyl touch iron, use plastic or Teflon presser foot when sewing, avoid pins, use longer stitch length and larger needle |
| Applications | Baby bibs, makeup bags, diaper bags, aprons, jackets, electronics waterproofing, paint protection |
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What You'll Learn
Using iron-on vinyl
Iron-on vinyl is a great way to coat fabric with plastic and can be used on all kinds of fabrics. It is available in thin sheets with peel-away backing paper and comes in two finishes: gloss and matte.
To coat your fabric with plastic using iron-on vinyl, start by cutting your vinyl sheet to fit the fabric you are working with. If your pattern is simple, cut the vinyl to match the already cut-out fabric. If your pattern is more intricate, cut a larger square of both fabric and vinyl, so you can cut out your pattern after ironing. Prepare your fabric by ironing it well to ensure it is flat on your ironing surface.
Next, peel the backing paper off the vinyl. Place the vinyl on your fabric, sticky side down, making sure the vinyl does not hang off the edge. Place the backing paper you just removed, shiny side down, over the vinyl. Now, iron the vinyl to the fabric with medium heat and pressure. Be careful not to melt the vinyl onto your iron. Keep the iron moving and use a pressing cloth or parchment paper between the vinyl and the iron to avoid this.
Once the vinyl is adhered, remove the pressing paper and iron from the back of the fabric. You now have your own laminated fabric, which you can cut and sew as needed.
It is important to note that iron-on vinyl should not be used on items meant to be chewed or sucked on by children, as it contains a plasticizer called DIDP. Additionally, it is not suitable for very thin fabrics or fabrics that do not iron flat, melt when ironed, or have a deep texture. Basic cotton prints, quilting weight, home décor weight, canvas, and denim work well with iron-on vinyl.
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Preparing the fabric
Firstly, select the fabric you want to work with. It is important to note that certain fabrics pose more challenges than others. For instance, very thin fabric, fabric that does not iron out flat, fabric that melts when ironed, or fabric with a deep texture can be more difficult to work with. Basic cotton prints, such as quilting weight or home décor weight, are ideal as they can be ironed very flat at high heat and have enough bulk to support the laminate.
Once you have selected the fabric, it is recommended to pre-wash it to prevent shrinkage, unless it is an outdoor fabric with sizing or a project that will not be washed. Iron the fabric well to ensure it is flat on your ironing surface. If you are using a pattern piece that is a simple rectangle, cut the fabric accordingly. For more intricate patterns, consider cutting a larger square of fabric, which you can then cut to shape after ironing.
Next, cut a piece of vinyl to fit the fabric. If you are using a simple rectangle pattern, cut the vinyl to match the already cut-out fabric. For more intricate patterns, cut a larger square of vinyl. Ensure that the vinyl does not hang off the edge of the fabric.
Now, peel the paper backing off the vinyl. Place the vinyl on your fabric, sticky side down, making sure it aligns correctly. Place the paper backing you removed over the vinyl, shiny side down.
Finally, carefully iron the vinyl to the fabric with medium heat and pressure. Keep the iron moving to avoid melting the vinyl. Take off the pressing paper, and your fabric is now ready for the next steps of the coating process.
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Applying the vinyl
When applying vinyl to fabric, there are several methods you can use, depending on the type of fabric and vinyl.
If you are using an iron-on vinyl product like Heat 'n' Bond, you should start with a piece of fabric that is larger than your desired pattern piece. The fabric should be pre-washed to avoid shrinking later. Iron your fabric well and ensure it is flat on your ironing surface. Cut a piece of vinyl to fit the fabric you are working with. If your pattern is simple, cut the vinyl to match. If your pattern is more intricate, cut a larger square of both fabric and vinyl, so you can cut out your pattern piece after ironing. Peel the paper backing off the vinyl and place the vinyl on your fabric, sticky-side down, ensuring the vinyl does not hang off the edge. Place the paper backing, shiny-side down, over the vinyl. Iron the vinyl to the fabric with a medium heat, dry iron. Be careful not to melt any vinyl onto your iron.
If you are using a product like Bonda Web, you will melt the vinyl onto a thin, stiff paper backing, then pull off the backing and stick your fabric on top.
When sewing with vinyl, you should avoid using pins, as they will leave holes in the fabric. Instead, use sewing clips or pin parallel to the seam line within the seam allowance. You can also use a plastic or Teflon presser foot to avoid the vinyl sticking to your machine.
If you are using a sewing machine, you may find that the vinyl sticks to the metal surface, preventing it from gliding through. To prevent this, use tape, such as matte Scotch tape or blue painter's tape, on any metal areas. You can also use tape on the metal areas of your throat plate, ensuring you keep the feed dogs uncovered.
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Ironing techniques
When coating fabric with plastic, you will be working with plastic bags or iron-on vinyl. Here are some ironing techniques for both methods:
To fuse plastic bags into fabric, you will need at least four plastic bags, tracing paper or parchment paper, scissors, a roller cutting blade, a cutting board, an iron, and an ironing pad or ironing board. You will also need some form of ventilation, such as an open window or a fan.
First, cut the seams, handles, and labels off the plastic bags using the roller cutting blade. You will need 2-6 layers of plastic, depending on whether you want a more transparent and flexible fabric (use less) or a stronger and more durable fabric (use more).
Next, create a "sandwich" of the materials by layering the tracing paper, plastic sheets, and another sheet of tracing paper on top of the ironing pad or board. Choose a low setting on your iron and keep it moving over the top piece of tracing paper to prevent melting holes in the plastic. Check the progress by peeking under the tracing paper.
Before applying iron-on vinyl to your fabric, pre-wash the fabric so it doesn't shrink. Iron the fabric well and ensure it is flat on your ironing surface. Cut a piece of vinyl to fit the fabric you are working with. Peel the paper backing off the vinyl and place it sticky-side down on the fabric, making sure it doesn't hang off the edge.
Place the paper backing, shiny side down, over the vinyl and iron with medium pressure. Be careful not to melt the vinyl onto your iron. Take off the pressing paper and iron from the back of the fabric. You can also use the backing paper instead of ironing from the back.
When sewing with vinyl, use a plastic or Teflon presser foot, or tape over any metal surfaces to prevent the vinyl from sticking. Avoid using pins to hold the vinyl together as they will create holes in the fabric. Instead, use sewing clips or pin parallel to the seam line within the seam allowance.
It is important to note that some fabrics may not be suitable for iron-on vinyl. These include very thin fabrics, fabrics that don't iron flat, fabrics that melt when ironed, or fabrics with a deep texture. Basic cotton prints, such as quilting weight or home décor weight, are ideal as they can be ironed very flat at a high heat.
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Drying and curing
"Touch Dry" is the initial stage where the surface of the coating has dried sufficiently. At this point, small glass spheres called Ballotini can be brushed off without damaging the surface, and the coating can resist light contact. The standard test for this stage is outlined in ISO 1517-1973.
The next phase, "Hard Dry," indicates that the coating has dried through its entire thickness. This stage is not just about the surface dryness, but also about the underlying film's ability to withstand pressure and handling without sustaining damage. The condition is measured according to ISO 9117-1990.
"Full Cure" represents the culmination of the drying and curing process, resulting in a scratch-proof and durable surface. This final stage is achieved through activation by UV light and deburring with infrared heat, ensuring optimal preparation for coating.
The drying and curing processes for plastic coatings may involve heat solutions, UV solutions, or a combination of both technologies. Infrared radiation, for instance, dries the paint film from the inside out, preventing skin or bubble formation and accelerating the drying process. On the other hand, UV-curing paints are commonly used on plastic products, followed by curing through UV radiation.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any clear solvent or naphtha gas to make plastic coat. For a clear plastic coat, use white polystyrene or styrofoam.
You can use Heat 'n' Bond, an iron-on vinyl product that is designed for use on all fabrics. You can also use Pellon, Thermoweb, or Teflon sheets.
Iron your fabric well and make sure it is flat on your ironing surface. You will then peel the paper backing off of the vinyl and place the vinyl on your fabric, sticky-side down.
Place the backing paper you just removed over the vinyl. Iron the entire piece with medium pressure, making sure to keep the iron moving so you don't melt the vinyl. Take away the backing paper and flip your fabric over. Iron from the wrong side.
When ironing and pressing, either iron from the back of the fabric or use the backing paper. Make sure the vinyl doesn't get too hot and melt, and never let it touch your iron. When sewing on a machine, the vinyl will stick to any metal surface, so use a plastic or Teflon presser foot.
