Have Anyone Tried To Use A Vintage Iron On?

[Wee67]

I couldn't resist picking up an old Rat's Hole brand Iron On. It's one of those generic, cheesy "Karate" designs. I want to try and put it on a shirt, but I wasn't sure if it's age should be ironed on differently or with any particular precautions. Thanks in advance.

[EmergencyIan]

A few years ago, I picked up 4 vintage Iron-On's for a young cousin of mine. I got three Stars Wars (the "rubbery" glittery type...Han with Chewbacca, Luke with Yoda and Darth Vader) and a "Fonz" one that was 1970's, but not a photograph...this one here:



Anyhow, I went to a place that did custom t-shirts (don't know if it's still open). They had a press (or whatever it's called) and it was great! 4 iron-on's on 4 t-shirts. You would have never known that they were 30 plus year old iron-ons.

By the way, he happened to be into Star Wars and Happy Days, at the time. So, he loved the shirts.

- Ian

[HardyGirl]

I had a bunch of Shaun Cassidy shirts done and they looked great new, but will start cracking over time, especially after being washed, (never dried). My suggestion? Look up shops online that sell vintage iron-ons, copy/paste the pic, buy iron-on transfer paper for DARK shirts and print them. I've done this, and w/ proper care (don't put in the dryer or use pre-wash), they'll last for years! I have 2 POTA shirts I did 4 years ago, and they still look new.

[Wee67]

Thanks. I love your suggestion, Sharry. I'll keep it in mind for the future. Since I already have the iron-on, maybe I'll try find a place to put it on for me.

[Duncan]

I tried a few vintage iron-ons last year. Three of them worked OK with a cheap iron, but the 4th one isn't sticking to the shirt. My takeaway was that they all required more heat than the directions indicated; I may have scorched a shirt.

I've also had luck going the printer & transfer paper route, but I prefer the novelty of the old rubber transfers.