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So I think I may have pioneered a new decorating technique. All you need to do this one is a heat press, vinyl cutter, design software and some basic supplies.

The process is called Reverse Embossing.

First you need a design on the garment that has a raised appearance. I have used puff heat transfer maetrial, but I'd venture to say flock or direct embroidery would accomplish the same purpose.

So - create this piece and heat press it to your hat, t-shirt, hoodie or whatever.

Now cut an overlay shape or design out of your favorite brand of heat press vinyl. I like the way metallic colors look with this, so I used Eco-Film Electric Orange. Register this cut shape over your already done puffed up design and heat press it for the recommended time and temperature for the film. Apply slightly more pressure than what is called for to account for the material pressing down over the edges.

You've just reverse embossed!

Try it out

It's durable too!

Here are some photos of my fun experiment - please post any comments or questions:

Girlzndollz · January 9th, 2009

Hey Josh,

Thank you for posting this, that looks really Great! Do you think you will be washing this shirt to see how it holds up over a little time?

Thanks again... if there was a "thanks" button, I'd click it for you. =)

torodesigns · January 9th, 2009

WOW . . this is cool. I appreciate the share.

cookiesa · January 10th, 2009

I have a few companies I do this for for their company logo, it works a treat!

Looks great and washability is as good as any other vinyl design, that said I prefer to use a slightly heavy (thicker) vinyl such as the stahls just to prevent cracking around the edge of the "embossed" logo

ashamutt · January 10th, 2009

Thanks Josh!!!

Looks awesome!

....if I use a "silicone-flex-pad", will this help mold it flatter around the edges???

scuba_steve2699 · January 10th, 2009

Josh, we tried this yesterday at the class with a skull design. It looked awesome. I will try to post a picture today for everyone to see.

Daniel Slatkin · January 10th, 2009

Thanks for the tip that is way cool.

maneverfix · January 12th, 2009

cool idea JOSH

JoshEllsworth · January 14th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashamutt


	Thanks Josh!!! Looks awesome! ....if I use a "silicone-flex-pad", will this help mold it flatter around the edges???

I haven't really had any issues with it conforming around the edges with a firm pressure on the press. I'm sure a flex pad couldn't hurt though and sounds like a good idea.

scuba_steve2699 · January 14th, 2009

Here are a couple of pictures from a some trials we did with this technique last Friday during our VersaCamm class. There are two pictures of a skull puff material with print reflect material on top of it and one of a puff skull with opaque solutions covering it. Very cool stuff! Thanks Josh for the idea!

Girlzndollz · January 14th, 2009

Hi ScubaSteve,

Those looks awesome!! Looks like you are having some fun. How did the lines appear on the skull like that? It looks great. Why does it look different from Josh's? I think I just thought of an answer. Is it because you are printing on the vinyl with the versacamm and then putting it over the embossing layer? If that guess is right, how did you line it up like that? If I'm all washed up, please enlighten this curious mind!!

Thanks for sharing, everyone. This is great. I am now glad that I bought the 45* and 60*. Would I use the 60* blade to cut what would go underneath? (I am hoping so.

)

Thank you again!

ino · January 14th, 2009

grrrrr I'm beginning to hate this forum. the moment I learn something Mr.Josh comes out with another rabbit from his hat.
Thanks Josh, I'm sure some members will do some great designs with your idea.

scuba_steve2699 · January 15th, 2009

Kelly,
The design on top was printed. It was a bit of work to line things up and I think that on the next test I will cut out the interior of the eyes to make it work better. Basically I applied the puff (it was cut with a 45 blade) and then after the first press to make it puff up some, aligned the top print with the ends of the bones by feel. I am trying to figure out a better, easier way to do the alignment but nothing has popped into my head yet. I am sure it will come to me in a rush while I am driving or something like that. I spend way to much time on the road and that seems to be where my best ideas come up!

Girlzndollz · January 15th, 2009

Aww, haha, well thank you so much, Steve. I really appreciate the info. I hope you have the answer come to you, in the meantime, if I hear or see something out there that deals with it, then I'll pass the info your way. Have a great day, safe driving!

Heidisp · January 16th, 2009

Puff heat transfer?? Have I been in a dark closet? lol I haven't heard of this yet. Does it puff up after heating? Is it a printable paper for inkjets or??? Can anyone enlighten me? Josh, if you carry this I may have to email you for a sample to try out.

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NEW Vinyl Decorating Technique - Reverse Embossing