Mixing It Up: Unique Transfer Combinations in Single-Step and Two-Step Applications

When we talk about utilizing custom heat transfers in the decorated apparel segment, we often focus on ease and efficiency. While these are top reasons to incorporate heat transfers into your business model, there’s another added benefit not often discussed: unique customizations.

There are a range of different custom transfer product types, including adhesive-backed transfers, hot split transfers, glitter transfers, puff transfers, vintage transfers, and more. When two of these products have the same application requirements, they can be combined on a single carrier. This creates a mixed-media single-step application. When you want to combine two product types that have dissimilar application requirements, you can achieve this in a two-step application.

Puff Mixed-Media

In recent years, Puff prints have rightfully experienced a resurgence in the world of decorated apparel and specifically, custom heat transfers. With the evolution of Puff in the industry, we decided to experiment taking this product to the next level by combining other transfer products using one-step and two-step applications.

Puff and Howard Multi-Purpose can be combined onto the same carrier sheet to create a single-step mixed-media application.

Puff + Howard Multi-Purpose (MP)

The only transfer product that can be combined with Puff in a single-step mixed-media application is our adhesive-backed Howard Multi-Purpose (MP) option. This activation of two very different products offers a unique multi-dimensional look and feel with Puff raised off the garment and MP flat against the garment. This combination has been a huge hit!

Left garment: Glitter and Howard Multi-Purpose combined in a single-step application. Right garment: Puff and Howard Multi-Purpose combined in a single-step application.

Other available single-step application transfer product combinations include:

Howard Multi-Purpose + Vintage Wash
Howard Hot Peel + Vintage Wash
Howard Multi-Purpose + Glitter
Howard Multi-Purpose + Clear
Howard Multi-Purpose + Glow in the Dark

Puff + colorVIBE DTF

Two-step heat transfer applications aren’t widely used in the industry as it can be a timely process and there’s more room for error, but there’s almost more room for profit! Mixed-media applications are a great way to add perceived value and differentiate your shop against your competition. Don’t forget to charge accordingly – your time and expertise is valuable.

For this article, we’re focusing on combining Puff and colorVIBE DTF in a two-step application. The Puff provides the wow-factor of the dimension and texture, while the colorVIBE DTF offers a full-color customization. DTF and Puff transfers are two of the hottest trends in the industry currently, so why not get the best of both worlds with plastisol and digital transfers? 

Puff and colorVIBE DTF can be combined using a two-step application process to create unique mixed-media designs.

Step 1

First, we’re going to apply the colorVIBE DTF transfer. This is because CVDTF can be re-pressed without compromising the integrity of the application. Conversely, if we re-press Puff, we will lose the raised texture of the design. For the first step of this process, there’s no need to cut the transfer. colorVIBE DTF applies at 300°F for 10 seconds with a hot peel.

Step 2

After we apply the colorVIBE DTF transfer, we’re going to apply the Puff transfer. Since the wording is angled and there’s little room between transfer products, we’re cutting this image apart as close to the design as possible, while still leaving room to peel it off the garment after application.   

Avoid the first application while pressing the second transfer by cutting the image.

Once those are cut to fit the desired spacing, we’re going to place the Puff transfers in their respective places. Finally, place a piece of parchment paper over the top of the already applied colorVIBE DTF portion of the application, and press. Puff applies at 320°F for just 8-10 seconds with a hot peel.

Voila! Once you peel, you get a fun mix of textures, finishes and dimensions that your customers will love.

Other recommended two-step application transfer product combinations:

Glitter + Puff
Glitter + colorVIBE DTF
Glow in the Dark + colorVIBE DTF

Pro Tip

 When ordering two-step application transfers from Howard Custom Transfers, place two separate orders, submitting the same exact artwork for both. Specify in the comments section of each order which aspect(s) of your design should be printed for each product. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!