EZ Tips for Patterns

With years in the design & print industry, our EZ Tips might help you avoid some pitfalls when working with printed patterns.

EZ Tip 1: Do not apply Transfer Tape to Patterned Vinyl until the day that  you intend to use it, as it can cause the vinyl to lift off the backing if installed too far in advance. In humid areas this is a real problem. After the tape is installed, roll the vinyl with pattern facing out to hold it onto the backing. If you can't install it right away put the roll into a plastic bag & stand it away from a heat source.

EZ Tip 2: Printed Vinyl is very sensitive so handle the Pattern with care. Do not use oil or hand cream before handling. During weeding, fingerprints & smudges are most noticeable on darker areas of the design. Unless it's laminated, rough handling & cleaners & nicks in a squeegee can cause scratches in the ink. For long term outdoor use we always recommend lamination as it also slows UV fade.

EZ Tip 3: It's best to use a Patterned Vinyl Background with contrasting text on top or patterned vinyl text on a contrasting solid color. If the pattern is medium to dark colors, white vinyl stands out best for a top layer or as an outline so it doesn't get lost in the colors of the pattern. 

EZ Tip 4: Use a Wide or "Fat Font" or design for best results with patterned vinyl since thin lines can disappear on most patterns. Try out different ideas in the design stage, before you cut it to see what is easiest to read or see. To use a thin font, make a thicker background shape from the pattern with the font as the top layer. Using an Outline to separate it from the pattern can also make it easier to read. We print our designs on paper first to make sure we like it before we cut the vinyl or HTV.

EZ Tip 5: To choose multiple Patterns that match for a project, they don't have to come from the same collection. We use patterns with complimentary colors even if the collections aren't related, only because they look great together so there's no limit to the combos you can come up with when you mix & match.

EZ Tip 6: Remember to make a test cut before cutting & to write down the settings that worked best to use next time. If you have to drastically change settings for the same material, you might just have a blade problem so always keep a spare on hand.