Color Changing Vinyl: How Does It Work and Where to Find the Best Brands

Color-changing vinyl – How Does it Work?

Let’s start with the basics, what are color-changing vinyl and UV activated iron-on vinyl, and how do they work? Since there are two different processes, let’s break those down first.

Hot and cold-activated vinyl

Cricut color-changing vinyl is a unique crafting material that undergoes a color transformation in response to temperature changes such as hot or cold liquid. Cricut color-changing vinyl is ideal for personalizing plastic tumblers (like these teacher appreciation cups!), wine glasses, mugs, glass cups, and more.

Some types of vinyl are designed to change according to cold temperatures, whereas others require a warmer temperature – the package of the vinyl will always state which kind it is. Right now, the Cricut brand only comes in a glossy finish, though I hope they add a matte finish option in the future!

Love to make mugs with your Cricut? Check out the Cricut MugPress tutorial here!

UV-activated iron on vinyl

Likewise, Cricut UV-activated vinyl is a special type of crafting material that reacts to ultraviolet (UV) light, typically from sunlight. When exposed to UV rays, the vinyl undergoes a color transformation, revealing vibrant and eye-catching hues.

UV-activated iron-on is ideal for t-shirts or any fabric base craft that is exposed to sunlight and allows the color to change in response to natural light. When the vinyl is removed from UV light, it will return to its original color.

Where to find color-changing vinyl?

There are several online brands that sell color-changing vinyl in a wide range of color options. Many brands sell this vinyl in 12 x 12 sheets, while some offer larger rolls like Cricut’s here. Here is a list of the best UV and temperature-activated vinyl brands.

• Cricut makes both hot and cold-activated options as well as UV iron-on vinyl that changes color in the sun!
• Teckwrap Craft – Teckwrap vinyl is of great quality but also has loads of color options to choose from!
• Expressions Vinyl – Find several unique color options here, as well as UV-activated vinyl sheets! (fast shipping!)
• Color Spark from The Rhinestone Word – Plenty of colors and shades to choose from!

Prepping Your Blank for UV-activated Iron-on vinyl

Use a lint roller on a fabric base for your UV color-changing vinyl. Then press the blank for 15-20 at 315 degrees to remove any wrinkles or moisture – this helps prep the surface for the iron-on vinyl.

You can find the exact setting you will need for your EasyPress and the UV iron-on in Cricut’s heat guide. In my tutorial, I set my EasyPress to 315 degrees for 30 seconds.

Supplies

• Cricut machine (or use any other cutting machines that work with vinyl)

Note: at this time, the Cricut brand only offers a white color option that changes to yellow, pink, or blue once ultra-violent light is applied. For this reason, I recommend choosing a colored shirt so that even when not in sunlight, the design still stands out.

• T-shirt or any blank
• UV HTV (also known as heat transfer vinyl or HTV vinyl)
• Everyday iron-on
• Weeding tool
• EasyPress and mat or another heat press can work too
• SVG file – Grab the cute daisy design shown in this tutorial in the AKC Craft Vault.

UV Color Changing Iron-On Vinyl Tutorial

Watch the step-by-step video tutorial below to see how I apply both UV HTV and everyday iron on vinyl onto a t-shirt. To layer these two types of vinyl together, you want to use the Slice and Set technique in Cricut Design Space. See how to use the Slice and Set method in Design Space here in the video tutorial.

Gather your supplies and click play to watch the step-by-step video on how to layer UV iron on vinyl with Everyday HTV.

Prepping your blank for Adhesive Permanent vinyl

Now let’s talk about the permanent vinyl that changes color when hot or cold liquids are added.

When applying permanent vinyl to any surface, you want to ensure that it is dust and lint-free and dry and that no fingerprints or oils from your hands have saturated the surface. I recommend washing the glass or plastic, pat dry with a paper towel, and then cleaning the surface with a rubbing alcohol swap and letting it air dry.

Supplies

• Cricut machine (or use any other cutting machines that work with vinyl)
• Mug, plastic tumbler, or glass cup (avoid using double-wall tumblers since the temperature does not usually affect the outside surface enough to change the color of the vinyl)
• Hot or cold-activated color-changing vinyl
• Weeding tool
• Transfer tape
• EasyPress and mat
• SVG file – Get the retro designs showcased in the live craft along as a premium AKC Craft Vault member here.

Hot and Cold Activated Vinyl Tutorial

Watch the replay of my live craft-along, where I show you step-by-step how to apply the hot and cold changing vinyl to both a coffee cup and a glass mason jar tumbler. I love watching as different colors emerge when exposed to varying temperatures, such as a cold pink color in lower temperatures or a cold blue hue at higher ones. And once the liquid cools, the colors return to their room temperature shade!

After you gather your supplies click play on the video below!

Frequently Asked Questions About Color Changing and UV Activated Vinyl

At what temperatures does the vinyl change color?

• Cold-Activated Vinyl – When it’s cold liquid (less than 50°F or 10°C) is added to a cup, the color of this vinyl will change from light to dark.
• Heat-Activated Vinyl – When it’s hot liquid (more than 88°F or 31°C) is added to a cup, the color of this vinyl will change from dark to light.

What colors are available?

Cricut color-changing vinyl comes in a handful of shades, but for more options, check out my brand list above. Cricut offers cold-activated options such as:

• Light pink to dark pink
• Turquoise to purple
• Light blue to dark blue

Heat-activated types of vinyl are available in the following:

• Dark blue to light blue
• Purple to turquoise
• Hot pink to light pink

UV-activated iron-on vinyl comes in the following options:

• White to blue
• White to pink
• White to yellow

Which Cricut machines can you use color-changing vinyl and UV HTV with?

All of the current models of Cricut machines will work. The Cricut Make, Explore, and Joy models can all cut vinyl!

Can you layer color-changing and UV-activated iron-on vinyl?

Yes! Use the slice and set technique explained above in the video to layer iron on vinyl so that every layer makes direct contact with the shirt – this ensures a longer-lasting design.

How Do You Care for Projects Made With UV or Temperature Changing Vinyl?

With projects like coffee mugs and cups, always wash by hand – this goes for any vinyl you put on cups.

With the UV iron-on, it is best to wash the shirt inside out on cold water on a gentle or delicate cycle. Then air dry for longer-lasting results.

Can you use a UV light to test the UV vinyl?

Yes and no. I did try this and saw the UV vinyl change a little in color, but nothing will make the color transform as much as the sun. Even being in the shade, there wasn’t much change – direct sunlight will yield the best results.

Are you eager to try color-changing and UV iron-on for your next project? This permanent adhesive vinyl can be applied to smooth surfaces, providing endless possibilities for personalized cups and mugs, which make wonderful gifts! While UV is best for shirts but I’d also love to try it on a backpack, gym bag, or luggage!

I think color-changing vinyl and HTV are game-changers for DIY enthusiasts, adding an extra layer of excitement and creativity to every project you undertake.

What do you think? Share your thoughts or questions below in the comments!