How to Apply Vinyl to a Soccer Jersey
Applying vinyl to your soccer jersey can make your replica shirt stand out from the crowd -- quite literally in some cases. Whether you choose a name and squad number to apply on the back of the jersey or a competition logo on the sleeve, and whether you choose your favorite player's name or your own, applying vinyl is cheap and is something you can do at home with only a few basic supplies. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Soccer jersey
- Iron-on vinyl
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Grease-proof paper, large enough to cover your vinyl
- Ruler
Instructions
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Make sure your jersey is clean and ironed. Any dirt or creases may get trapped under the vinyl that you're applying.
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Lay your jersey on the ironing board so that the area you are applying the vinyl to is flat, smooth and will not need to be moved while you are applying the vinyl.
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Turn your iron on the hottest heat setting, but make sure the steam is set to "Off." Let the iron heat up.
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Position your vinyl -- face up -- where you want it. If needed, measure the appropriate gaps between letters and numbers with your ruler to ensure the vinyl is positioned properly. If you are applying numerous decals, such as letters and numbers, it may be easier to apply them one by one.
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Place the paper over the top of your vinyl, being careful not to move the vinyl out of position in the process. The paper helps keep the hot iron from melting the vinyl, which would not only ruin your jersey but would also leave a hot, sticky mess on your iron.
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Iron the paper over the vinyl. Gently dab the paper with the iron without applying too much pressure. This ensures that you don't shift the vinyl before it has a chance to set. Iron for only a few seconds at a time.
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Set the iron to one side and slowly lift the piece of paper. Make sure the vinyl has been applied properly, and that no edges are still lifting. Because of the varying materials used to make soccer jerseys, as well as the differing quality of vinyls, the time needed to apply them will change each time. If needed, replace the paper and reapply heat for a few more seconds. It's better to be more cautious at this step, as overheating it could melt the vinyl. Make sure you regularly remove the iron and check whether the vinyl has attached to the jersey.
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Leave your jersey to cool and the vinyl to set for ten minutes.
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Tips & Warnings
Turn your jersey inside out when you wash it. This may prolong the life of the vinyl. If the vinyl does start to peel off eventually, you can always repeat the ironing process to attempt to repair it.
When buying your vinyl, make sure you buy the right size for the jersey. For example, an XL men's shirt will likely have larger lettering than will a shirt for a small child.
Shop around for different vinyls. You may be able to get official decals -- but you'll pay a premium. Or you could buy simple, nonbranded vinyls at a cheaper price.
Be careful when using the iron. If you are not old enough to use it, ask an adult to help.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
