[adub47]

In your opinion what is the best way to layer vinyl? I currently use thermoflex and when I do a two color job the bottom layer seems to shrink (sometimes significantly) and then the top layer is then to big and over laps. Is there any tips or tricks that you guys can share with me?

Thanks

 

[allhamps]

I don't think you can avoid the shrinkage completely. You can reduce it some by heating the first layer just enough to get it to adhere, but you will still have shrinkage. The best thing to do is that when you cut your design, include an "overlap/underlap" in the bottom layer. That actually adds some extra sizing to the bottom layer, so that when you press it, it basically shrinks down to the size you need it to be. Maybe someone can explain it in better technical terms

 

[adub47]

No I completely understand what you're saying. I think the toughest thing would be to figure out how much over lap I would need to compensate for the shrinking. I know I cannot avoid it completely. My designs range from .25" to .5" of the under layer being larger so I have room but sometimes its not as even all the way around as I would like. But hey what can you do...things like that happen sometimes. I may just try to get it to adhere for a 2-3 seconds and then press both together.

On another note....any experiences with the adhesive from the backer slightly showing up on a black under layer when you press another color on top?

 

[OldeLady]

OMG... the same thing happened to us!

After several one and two colors vinyl layering, we had to do three colors layering job. There were significant shrinkage on the first layer after heat pressing the second one on top top of it.

Here is how we did it:

After peeling off the second layer (second color) vinyl, stack it on the the first layer (bottom layer) and heat press. Don't forget to use the correct side of the vinyl when you pressing it to the first layer.

We chose to cut out the vinyl as whole pieces instead of stenciling them out as thin lines/ designs as how we perceive them on the image. It worked out fine, but the shrinkage issue still somewhat there. It is not that noticeable as when we tried to do it one layer at a time.

I hope this helps.

-- Olde Lady

 

[adub47]

Did you press the first layer down for the full amount of time? Or did you just go a couple seconds to get it to adhere but not fully and then put the second layer on top and do a full press?

 

[OldeLady]

Did you press the first layer down for the full amount of time? Or did you just go a couple seconds to get it to adhere but not fully and then put the second layer on top and do a full press?

Please imagine that there are two colors here- Black (Bottom layer that will touch the garment first), and White (Top layer that will lay on top of Black).


I did/pressed the first and second layer at the same time.

1. Weed the Second layer/ Black color vinyl

2. Weed the First layer/ White color vinyl
- Place this layer sticky side up to have that ready for the Black color layer

3. Peel off the Black vinyl color from its backing- carefully by not stretching it.

4. Place the peeled Black vinyl layer and place that on top of White vinyl layer (already laid down with its backing sticky side up)-

5. Flip them over- they should look like as one piece of heat press vinyl with to colors (one on top of each other) Black shold be on the bottom touching the shirt.

6. Place the sticky side down on the shirt and press.

Everything should come out fine as the two layers were heated and pressed at the same time.

* Some adjustments on the Black color vinyl maybe needed when placing it on top of the White layer color vinyl. Flip it over and check if everything look even and then press it. If not, then keep moving the bottom layer, flip to check until the design is correct/even.

You may need to practice on getting the third layer on, but shouldn't be that bad after the first two are done.

Only good for less detail designs only!!

I usually charge more for these jobs and give customers disclaimers.

Easyweed stretched when trying to peel it, so, try to use the thermoFlex ones instead.

Time: 7-10 seconds because it's two layers. I normally do 7 second for one layer.

Temp: 324 works just fine

Good Luck!!

-- Olde Lady

 

[allhamps]

Ok, I get it. You are actually taking the 2nd layer completely off the backing and putting it on the backing heet on top (I think I have the order right) of the other layer. I hadn't thought of that.

 

[OldeLady]

Ok, I get it. You are actually taking the 2nd layer completely off the backing and putting it on the backing heet on top (I think I have the order right) of the other layer. I hadn't thought of that.

Not both layers offthe backing!

Only the bottom layer off the backing only. This layer should be the layer that is touches the garment first (whichever color that is.)

You'll unneccesarily peel off one extra layer. You need one as a guide for the other to stick on to.

Imagine looking at two circles with on top of each other. The outer circle (Black) is bigger than the inside circle (White).

You need to cut the black (larger) circle as a whole and not just in the shape of an outline of the White circle (smaller)

Weed both, but peel off the black from its vinyl.

Put the White circle sticky side up- it should still be sticking to its backing (do not peel this one)

Then you can take the Black circle, but make sure you put the correct side facing down to the white circle- face down to the sticky side.

Take it off the table (should be in one piece now), the place it on the garment... then press.

Did I say use the thicker kind of vinyl? The EasyWeed stretch when trying to peel it off the backing.

--Olde Lady

-- Olde lady

 

[OldeLady]

Ok, I get it. You are actually taking the 2nd layer completely off the backing and putting it on the backing heet on top (I think I have the order right) of the other layer. I hadn't thought of that.

Allhamps,

I apologize for reading your post too fast and you were correct by understanding that only 2nd layer is totally off the backing.

Please disregard my post in responding to your thread.

Again, I apologize for this misunderstanding

-- Olde Lady

 

[VBGrafx]

Another way to avoid any strinking is to peel all all the layers and put ALL the layers together and press at one time..... Starting with the top layer and building backwards to the bottom layer.....

 

[Mabuzi]

We press the first layer for 3 seconds at a much lower heat then apply the next layer.
Everytime the heat is applied it shrinks the bottom layer and eventually you can see the adhesive agent. I try an avoid this as much as possible as it is time consuming.
Watch out applying big pieces overlapping as you can get bubbling under the vinyl too.