Why This Guide Exists
POLI-TAPE absorbed Specialty Materials and moved U.S. distribution to FDC Graphic Films. If you've been buying ThermoFlex Plus, ThermoFlex Turbo, ThermoFlex Stretch, or any SM specialty vinyl through a regional distributor, your pricing likely just increased because there's now an extra distribution layer between the manufacturer and your shop.
You don't need to pay more for the same category of product. Below is a direct mapping from what you were buying to what you can order from KimsDirect today — at wholesale pricing, with same-day shipping.
Standard HTV (Your Everyday Production Vinyl)
What you were using: ThermoFlex Plus — the workhorse of SM's product line. Matte PU vinyl, ~100 microns, 50+ wash durability, applies at 320°F / 15 sec.
KimsDirect equivalent: Our Standard HTV line matches the same performance profile — polyurethane construction, soft matte hand feel, easy weeding, and the same wash durability your customers expect.
| Spec | ThermoFlex Plus | KimsDirect Standard HTV |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Polyurethane (PU) | Polyurethane (PU) |
| Finish | Matte | Matte |
| Thickness | ~100μm | ~100μm |
| Application temp | 320°F | 305-320°F |
| Press time | 15 sec | 10-15 sec |
| Peel | Warm (most colors) | Warm/hot |
| Wash durability | 50+ washes | 50+ washes |
| Layerable | Yes | Yes |
| Available widths | 15", 20" | 15", 20" |
Your settings don't change. If you've been pressing ThermoFlex Plus at 320°F for 15 seconds with medium-firm pressure, use the same settings. You may find you can reduce temperature slightly to 305-310°F with the same results — do a test press to dial it in for your specific press.
Glitter and Specialty Finishes
What you were using: ThermoFlex Metal Flake, DecoSparkle, Fashion Patterns
KimsDirect equivalent: Our Specialty HTV line covers glitter, holographic, metallic, flock, glow-in-the-dark, reflective, and patterned finishes.
These specialty products are where the distribution markup hurts the most. Specialty vinyl already carries higher cost per yard than standard — add an extra distribution layer and your margin on glitter shirts and fashion items takes a serious hit.
Stretch and Performance Fabrics
What you were using: ThermoFlex Stretch (for spandex, athletic wear), ThermoFlex Xtra (for nylon, heat-sensitive fabrics)
KimsDirect equivalent: We carry stretch and low-temperature HTV formulations designed for the same applications — athletic jerseys, yoga wear, nylon jackets, and performance gear.
Key application note for the switch: If you were using ThermoFlex Xtra at 275-290°F for nylon, maintain those low-temp settings with any new product. Always test on a scrap of the actual fabric before a production run when switching products on heat-sensitive materials.
Printable HTV
What you were using: ThermoFlex Turbo Print, Electric Print
KimsDirect equivalent: Our printable HTV works with solvent, eco-solvent, and inkjet printers. Same print-cut-press workflow you're used to.
If you were doing full-color work with SM's printable line, this is also worth comparing against DTF film — depending on your volume, DTF may give you better results at lower cost for multi-color photographic work.
How to Test Before You Commit
We don't expect you to swap your entire inventory on faith. Here's the smart way to transition:
Week 1: Order test rolls of your top 5 colors in standard HTV. Press them on your usual blanks with your usual settings. Check weeding ease, adhesion, and hand feel.
Week 2: Wash-test alongside your existing ThermoFlex inventory. Compare after 5 and 10 washes.
Week 3: If everything checks out — and it will — place your full restock order at wholesale pricing. Compare the total cost to what your last ThermoFlex order cost you through your old distributor.
That cost difference is pure margin recaptured. Every month.
Open a Wholesale Account
If you're a production shop, sign company, embroidery business, or custom apparel operation pressing HTV regularly, you should be buying at wholesale.
Setting up an account takes minutes. Once you're approved, you see wholesale pricing on every product, and you can order immediately.
What you get with a KimsDirect wholesale account:
- Wholesale pricing on all HTV (standard and specialty)
- Same-day shipping on in-stock orders
- No per-color minimum order requirements
- Direct phone and email support from people who know vinyl
- Fast restock on your most-used colors and products
Switching suppliers doesn't have to be complicated. Order a test roll today, press it tomorrow, and know by the end of the week whether KimsDirect is your new go-to. We're betting it will be.
