Applying Heat Transfer Mask or Hot Mask takes a certain knack but with a bit of practice it will be easier to accomplish. Take your time and remember that if you don't like where its placed it can be repositioned.
You'll need Heat Transfer Mask that is matched to the brand of HTV you are using, a hard squeegee, scissors and your cut & weeded Heat Transfer Vinyl design.
1. Lay the weeded Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) design, face up on a clean, lint free, hard surface. Cut the Transfer Mask to be a bit larger then the design area.
2. Remove the paper backing from the Transfer Mask & hoover it over the design area, adhesive side down, to roughly align it before applying.
3. Bend the mask into a U shape so that one side of the mask touches the HTV design. Slowly drop the other hand until the mask covers each half of the design completely.
4. Use the squeegee to smooth out air bubbles out towards the nearest edge, while applying a smooth, downward pressure.
5. Next flip it over & peel off the backing, watching that the design is completely sticking to the adhesive mask. Lay the design on the project blank & then measure for proper placement. Use Heat Resistant Tape to keep it in place if needed.
6. Cover the whole project with a Silicone sheet or Kraft paper & then press it for the recommended time. Start removing the mask at the suggested temperature, peeling slowly but if some parts don't stick, lay the transfer mask down & press it again for a few seconds. Repeat if necessary but let it cool slightly between pressings.
7. Remove the mask & keep it for other projects by sticking it to a clean smooth surface to keep it clean & flat.
EZ-TIP: Do not install Heat Mask on heat transfer HTV more than a day before pressing it, as some color may leech out of the print into the Mask, which can make the colors a little less vibrant or slightly blotchy.