Metallic heat transfer vinyl can be used to create a variety of effects. By flipping the artwork, flipping the layout makes the reverse side up. Place the white side down on the mat with the original color side up, and trim and weed the vinyl. Then, put the artwork on your heat-press vinyl into the area you wish the artwork printed on.
This is the same process as using regular vinyl but this time using the heat transfer vinyl. Using regular vinyl without heat transfer vinyl will produce an overprint or areas that are uneven in texture. You will still see the quality you expect from soft metallic heat transfer vinyl, but the mat may not be ideal even across the full mat. Again, you can avoid an overprint if you make sure you flip the picture correctly before pressing it into the ht photo paper.
This may seem like a strange way of working with the mat, but using the metallic heat transfer vinyl htv can really help you make the perfect design. If you have several pictures that you would like turned into one beautiful collage, you will have to get them all ready at the same time. When you are placing the it onto the ht paper, start with the very top most picture and work your way down to the bottom. The more pictures you use, the less time it will take to get them all ready to go.
After you have finished flipping, trimming, and coloring the it to your liking, it is time to start working with it. Use the metal clip to seal around the edges so there are no wrinkles when the it is placed in your home. You may need to play around with the metallic heat transfer vinyl on your graphics software a bit to get the best cut settings and look. When you are happy with how your htv looks, you can apply the decals or custom designs by cutting out the shapes with the help of your heat gun. There is a decal guide that comes with your heater that should be used when cutting your decals from your htv.
If you are going to be using your metallic heat transfer vinyl to create something really fancy, you will want to turn off your heat press, spray paint the vinyl and give the vinyl a couple coats of clear coat. This will help give the pieces of vinyl some durability. Before the paint is completely dry, you will want to make sure to press in all the sides with your heat gun. This will help create an even surface when you are spraying the next layer of paint. If you are using this technique, be sure to make sure the edges of your hv vinyl are smooth before you apply any finishing touches to your piece.
To cut your vinyl, you will need two metal file folders to scrape off the excess decal from your sheet and prepare it for cutting. You will also need an ice pick to scrape off the extra residue that may stick to your metal file folders. Once your pieces are ready, you will want to spray both pieces with a coat of gloss enamel spray paint. This will cover up any flaws in your metallic vinyl pieces so they will be more durable. Make sure to allow ample drying time between coats of coating. Some may need to sit out over night while others can be brushed with a soft cloth and the extra water removed with a low pressure hose.
With your heat press at a medium to high setting, you will apply your first layer of your metallic vinyl decal. You will use your heat press to press down on your vinyl sheets until they are pressed firmly into place. When you press down on your sheets, the sheet will adhere to the heat gun and your blade of the tool. Do not forget to allow adequate drying time before you cut your decal.
Your next layer will be applied with your heat transfer vinyl blade. Be sure to allow plenty of drying time between each piece. If you have a decal with a multi-layered design, you may have to repeat the step in creating the next layer until you get the entire design right. And that is just the tip of how easy it is to create a great looking decal with a heat gun and a bit of patience.