Instructions for Applying Heat Transfer (Iron-on) Reflective Tape

Iron on reflective tape can be applied to almost any type of fabric, leather or other material provided it can handle the heat of an iron or heat press during the application process. It is best run a test on an inconspicuous part of the garment before applying the main strips. The tape should be applied using an iron set to a medium to temperature (250 F to 300 F).

The reflective tape is made up of two parts. A heat activated reflective film and a clear plastic protective liner. The clear liner will face up towards the iron and the reflective layer will lay against the material. After the tape is ironed onto the material this layer is peeled off. To determine which side goes up peel back a small portion of the liner from the tape. You will see that one part is a clear liner and the other is the reflective tape. The clear liner faces up and the reflective layer lays against the fabric. You may want to make a mark on the liner as a reminder.

1. The first step will be to iron your material or garment. This will remove any wrinkles and provide a nice flat surface for the tape to lay on.

2. After ironing out the wrinkles you will cut your tape to the length you want and lay it liner side up where you would like it on the garment.

3. Starting at one end, press the iron down firmly on the strip and heat the tape for 5 - 8 seconds working your way along the tape toward its other end. To avoid scorching the material do not over heat or remain in one place for too long with the iron. (Be especially careful when applying reflective tape to nylon.)

4. Once the tape has completely cooled, you may peel off the clear protective layer. If you find that the tape has not adhered properly simply run your iron over the tape again, let it cool, and peel the liner off.

If you are having difficulties removing the liner from the tape after it is applied you can correct this with the following steps.
1. Peel the liner off of the tape.
2. Lay the tape onto the garment with the reflective side up.
3. Iron or heat press the material onto the garment as you normally would.

We have used this method and have had no issue with the tape sticking to the iron or heat press.

For best results, hand wash or use a machine on gentle cycle and low temperature and then line dry. For a long service life, it is important that the tape be properly applied with sufficient heat and pressure.