Material
Adhesive Backing
A heat-activated bonding layer on the back of a patch that attaches the patch to a garment under a heat press.
Definition
Adhesive backing is a heat-activated thermoplastic bonding layer applied to the back of a patch. The adhesive is dormant at room temperature and activates under the heat and pressure of a heat press at 280 to 300 F for 15 seconds. On cooling, the adhesive resolidifies and forms a permanent bond between the patch and the garment. Adhesive backing eliminates the need for sewing and accepts standard apparel decoration workflows. It is the default backing for raised UV patches, leatherette patches, and luxury branding patches at Long Island DTF Printing. Wash durability matches standard DTF performance when applied correctly.
Related Terms
Patch Backing
The bonding layer on the back of a patch that attaches it to the garment, available in heat-activated or sew-on formats.
Sewn-On Patch
A patch with no adhesive that is attached to a garment with perimeter stitching.
Hot Melt Adhesive
Any thermoplastic adhesive that softens and bonds under heat, then re-solidifies on cooling.
Heat Press
A machine that applies controlled heat, pressure, and time to bond a transfer to a substrate.