Strategy

Create Cool Looks With Layered Vinyl

Layering creates dimensional, eye-catching results with mixed media or different colors.

Create multiple colors like neon and special effects with glitter, and custom-cut graphics with crisp edges and better registration by layering heat-transfer vinyl decoration. “A lot of gift and custom shops are using this process,” says Courtney Kubitza, educational content manager for Stahls’ TV in St. Clair Shores, MI.

Remember: Each layer, color and treatment requires materials cost, time and labor to create the finished product. Price product sales appropriately by the amount of layers and time involved to create them.

Application Tips
Computer software, such as Stahls’ CadworxLIVE, CorelDRAW or Adobe Illustrator, takes the guesswork out of creating art and ensures any special effects such as drop shadows or contours turn out right. Tack your base layers briefly with the heat press to avoid shrinking them and creating problems with additional layers. Use clear carrier overlays rather than frosted ones to avoid any issues with placement and color, or effect registration. Once you’ve tacked down all layers, complete the transfer with the final top layer placement. Lock in the design, and complete the process as you’re applying the top layer. At that time, make sure to use the total recommended heating time and pressure to finish the piece.

Watch This!

Join Stahls’ TV Educator Josh Ellsworth for a complete tutorial of how to effectively create multi-layered heat transfer vinyl applications.