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Names, numbers and specialty finishes

Heat press and vinyl

Vinyl is cut by machine from sheets of colored film, the extra is picked away by hand (weeding), and each piece is heat-pressed onto the garment. It is how names and numbers go on jerseys, and it comes in finishes no ink can match: glitter, holographic, velvet, reflective and more.

Design with heat press and vinylSee prices
A royal blue v-neck tee printed Champion Bowling 2017 with pins and a ball, beside a gold cup trophy
Made in our shop. Real photo.

Is it right for your order?

Best for

  • Names and numbers
  • Simple 1 to 3 color designs on a few pieces
  • Glitter, holographic, velvet or reflective looks
  • Athletic fabric (with stretch vinyl)

Not for

Photos and color blends (DTF prints those), or big runs where screen printing costs less.

Not sure? The studio recommends the way we'd make your order and prices the others beside it, or compare them all.

Vinyl materials

Pick a finish for any spot in the studio; the ones only vinyl can make send your spot to vinyl.

  • Standard

    Looks
    Smooth, solid color in a satin finish. Dozens of colors.
    Best for
    Names, numbers and simple logos.

    Included

  • Stretch

    Looks
    Like standard, but it stretches with athletic fabric.
    Best for
    Jerseys, leggings and performance shirts.

    10% more than standard

  • Metallic

    Looks
    Brushed gold, silver or colors.
    Best for
    Spirit wear and awards shirts.

    25% more than standard

  • Mirror foil

    Looks
    Mirror shine.
    Best for
    Bold names and short words.

    35% more than standard

  • Holographic

    Looks
    A rainbow that shifts as it moves.
    Best for
    Dance, cheer and birthdays.

    40% more than standard

  • Glitter

    Looks
    Chunky sparkle.
    Best for
    Cheer, dance and spirit shirts.

    40% more than standard

  • Pattern (camo, plaid)

    Looks
    Camo, plaid, animal print and more.
    Best for
    Fun one-offs.

    50% more than standard

  • Velvet (flock)

    Looks
    Soft, fuzzy, velvety letters.
    Best for
    Varsity and retro lettering.

    50% more than standard

  • Puff (raised)

    Looks
    Soft raised letters.
    Best for
    Bold names.

    50% more than standard

  • Thick 3D block

    Looks
    Thick, sharp 3D block letters.
    Best for
    Big, bold numbers.

    60% more than standard

  • Glow in the dark

    Looks
    Glows after it charges in light.
    Best for
    Night runs and kids.

    70% more than standard

  • Reflective (not safety-certified)

    Looks
    Shines back in headlights.
    Best for
    Run clubs (not safety gear).

    100% more than standard

  • Full-color print and cut

    Looks
    Full-color printed, then cut to shape.
    Best for
    Small full-color logos on a few shirts.

    80% more than standard

How it's made

  1. We cut itEach color of your design is cut from vinyl on a plotter.
  2. We weed itThe vinyl that isn't part of the design is picked away by hand. Detailed designs take longer.
  3. We layer itFor two or three colors, each layer is pressed in turn.
  4. We press itHeat and pressure bond the vinyl to the fabric.

How the price works

  • The price depends on the design's size (its longest side) and how many layers (colors) it has: up to 4 in is $3.50, up to 12 in $7, before quantity.
  • Each extra layer adds $1.50 to $4, by size. Detailed and intricate designs take longer to weed: +20% and +50%.
  • Special vinyls cost more than standard, from +10% (stretch) to +100% (reflective).
  • One piece pays 15% more; the price falls slowly with quantity, because every piece is cut, weeded and pressed by hand.
  • Names are $5 each (up to 12 letters, then $0.25 a letter), back numbers $4.
One performance tee order at every quantity, garment included: the price per piece falls as the setup is shared.
PiecesEachBarOrder
1$26.55$26.55
6$15.50$93.00
12$14.30$171.60
24$13.10$314.40
48$12.35$592.80
144$11.55$1,663.20
288$11.35$3,268.80

Sending your art

  • Solid shapes and letters only: vinyl is cut, not printed (except print-and-cut).
  • Keep letters at least 1/4 inch tall and lines at least 1 mm.
  • Up to 3 colors, layered.
  • Send your roster as a list: name, number, size.

Design help: clean up your file $25.00, redraw a logo $45.00, or design it from your idea from $75.00. Pick it in the studio.

Questions

Vinyl or screen printing for my team?

For names and numbers, vinyl: every shirt is different. For the team logo on 24 or more shirts, screen printing usually costs less. The studio can do both on one order.

Will it crack?

Quality vinyl stays flexible for years. Wash inside out, cold, and don't iron over it.

Can vinyl go on polyester and athletic shirts?

Yes: stretch vinyl is made for it and moves with the fabric.

Ready when you are

Design it in the studio: the price and the date update as you go, and a real person checks every order and sends you a free proof.

Design with heat press and vinyl

Related: Names and numbers · Compare the ways · Prices

Other ways we make it: Screen printing · Embroidery · DTF printing · Names and numbers