The Transfer Print Column
Turn heads with high build vinyl: Easy hat decorating tips
Andy Rogers, Stahls’ UK’s marketing director, provides some top tips so you can decorate caps with high build vinyl. A close-up of the dimensional design before it is heat pressed
Graphtec cutter settings • Blade Angle: 45°. • Gram force: 9-10. • Tool: CB09U+0. • Speed: 30 cm/s.
Step-by-step to hat perfection Step 1: Cut your design
Go bold or go home! For dimensional HTV like High Build 3D, a professional cutter (like Graphtec) ensures clean cuts and sharp corners. Aim for a max height of 6cm for hat designs. Step 2: Weed like a pro
Chunky vinyl loves bold designs, and so will you when weeding is a breeze. Plus, bold graphics = big impact! Step 3: Pick the perfect hat
With the 360 IQ, you can decorate any hat – it’s all possible. I used a Beechfield BC664 Original 6-panel Trucker. Step 4: Set up your heat press
The finished product
High Build vinyl is 10x thicker than standard HTV. Use upper and lower heat for a flawless bond: • Top platen: 120 to 140°C. • Bottom platen: 160°C. • Time: 45 seconds. • Use the thinnest foam pad for best results. Step 5: Peel with patience
Hats hold heat longer, so for cold-peel HTV like High Build, let it cool down completely – think ice cold. While you wait, prep your next hat.
Why choose vinyl on hats? 1) Higher perceived value: Dimensional designs can boost your hat’s retail value by £5 or more – with just an extra 20p material cost.
2) No scorching, no pinching: Low-heat solutions keep your hats flawless, even on tricky six-panel designs.
H
ere’s what you need to get started on creating hats that turn heads and spark conversations.
Gear Up!
In the example pictured I used the following equipment. • Vinyl cutter: Graphtec CE7000-60. • Heat press: Hotronix 360 IQ Hat Press. • HTV (heat transfer vinyl): Using Stahls’ High Build 3D created a dimensional wow factor.
• Hat: I used a Beechfield BC664 Oiginal 6-panel Trucker here. Pro tips: • Set the heat press to 140°C (top platen) and 160°C (bottom platen) for 30 seconds with medium pressure (4-6).
• Be patient! High Build HTV needs to be ice cold for peeling – it’s totally worth the wait.
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
3) Endless design opportunities: Decorate every panel, seam, or curve with confidence.
4) Speedy process: Heat printing takes only 20 to 60 seconds per hat – quick and premium.
5) Hot market demand: Bold, dimensional finishes are trending big time in the UK, following the US lead.
Tips for success • Stick with It: The first few hats might challenge you, but with a little practice, you’ll master decorating over seams and perfecting the cold peel.
• Plan practice time: Spend a couple of hours getting familiar with your tools and techniques. It’s worth it – hats are one of the most profitable items for heat printers.
Now go out there and create show-stopping hats that’ll make your customers come back for more!
February 2025 | 81 |
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