The Transfer Print Column Premium by design
Standing out from the crowd is important when sealing business, and some may seek alternative production methods to do so. Andy Rogers, marketing director at Stahls’ UK, explains why mixed media decoration is worth the extra press.
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n a market where customers are increasingly demanding garments that feel bespoke and high-end, standing out has never been more important. The challenge for decorators isn’t simply producing great-looking apparel; it’s finding ways to add value, differentiate their offering and protect margins in an increasingly competitive environment.
One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through mixed media decoration.
There’s often confusion around the terminology. Many decorators use the terms ‘layering’ and ‘mixed media’ interchangeably, but there is an important difference. Layering refers to applying one type of heat transfer vinyl (HTV) directly on top of another. Mixed media decoration, however, combines different materials and finishes within the same design, positioning one decoration method inside, around or alongside another to create a more dynamic result. It may sound like a subtle distinction, but understanding the difference opens the door to a host of creative possibilities.
A particularly effective combination is pairing screen transfers with puff transfers. By combining the vibrant colour and fine detail of a full-colour transfer with the raised, tactile finish of puff, decorators can produce garments that look and feel significantly more premium than a standard print.
Take a simple design featuring a colourful splash graphic and a central logo. The splash element can be produced using a full-colour hybrid transfer, while the logo itself is puff. The end result is a garment that immediately catches the eye and encourages interaction thanks to its added texture and dimension.
The key to successful mixed media decoration starts at the artwork stage. Consider which elements of the design would benefit from a particular finish. Intricate graphics, gradients and photographic elements are ideally suited to transfers, while logos, typography and key branding features often work brilliantly in puff.
Production itself is relatively straightforward, but there are two important considerations.
Fabric compatibility
Because mixed media applications generally require multiple presses, it’s essential to think about how the garment will react to repeated heat exposure. Certain fabrics can scorch, become shiny or even distort if they’re subjected to too much heat. Using a protective cover sheet can help prevent damage and maintain the quality of the finished garment. Tip: When using heat-sensitive fabrics, try using a lower heated platen for best results.
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Example of mixed media decoration Avoid carrier marks
During the second application, ensure that the carrier sheet being used is larger than the first applied layer. If it isn’t, the edge of the original transfer can become visible under pressure, leaving unwanted marks around the design and reducing the overall quality of the finished product.
The actual application process is simple when each material’s instructions are followed correctly. In this example, the full colour transfer is applied first at 125°C for 15 seconds. The press is then increased to 150°C to apply the puff HTV for a further 15 seconds.
Yes, it takes slightly longer than a single decoration method. But that’s also the point.
Tip: Fuse all the transfer layers, then all the puff layers in batches.
Make sure you stand out
Premium products often require a little more time and attention, and customers are increasingly willing to pay for garments that look and feel different from the norm. The additional production time can be more than offset by the increased value of the finished product and the opportunity to command higher margins.
As decorators continue to look for ways to differentiate themselves, mixed media decoration offers a simple but effective route to creating standout apparel. It doesn’t necessarily require new equipment or major investment – just a willingness to experiment with the materials already available. Sometimes, the most valuable innovations come not from adding more, but from combining familiar technologies in creative ways. And when hybrid transfers and puff HTV are brought together successfully, the result is a product that truly lives up to the word premium.
August 2026 | 27 |
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