Layering heat transfer vinyl (HTV) opens up a world of creative possibilities, especially when working with MultiCut Premium and MultiCut Glitter, two of the most popular materials used for high-impact, long-lasting custom apparel. Whether you're producing a logo with eye-catching textures or creating a multi-colored design with dimension and shine, understanding how to properly cut, press, and layer these materials is key to a flawless result.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to cut and press MultiCut Premium and Glitter HTV, step by step. You’ll learn the correct orientation for loading materials, the recommended cutter settings, pressing temperatures, peel timing, and how to successfully layer glitter without causing lifting, bubbling, or cracking.

We’ll also cover what tools you need.

Whether you're a seasoned print shop owner or just starting out with vinyl, this tutorial will give you everything you need to confidently press and layer like a pro, while avoiding common mistakes that could ruin your garment.

What Is MultiCut Premium and Glitter HTV?

MultiCut Premium and MultiCut Glitter are both high-quality heat transfer vinyls (HTV) designed for long-lasting, vibrant applications—but they serve different purposes and have unique characteristics that affect how they are used and layered.

MultiCut Premium HTV

This is a smooth, polyurethane-based vinyl with a matte finish. It’s known for its soft feel, excellent durability, and ease of cutting and weeding. MultiCut Premium is ideal for detailed graphics, logos, and multi-layer applications. It can be layered under other materials, making it a perfect base layer for more complex designs.

MultiCut Glitter HTV

This HTV features a glittery, textured surface that adds bold sparkle and visual appeal. However, due to its thickness and textured surface, it should only be used as the top layer when layering. Attempting to place another vinyl on top of glitter can result in poor adhesion and peeling.

Key differences

 

*Force varies depending on your cutter—always test first.

Understanding these differences is essential before layering, to ensure proper bonding and a long-lasting result.

When and why to layer premium and glitter together

Layering MultiCut Premium and Glitter HTV is a popular technique for creating multi-dimensional, high-impact designs. This method is especially useful when you want to combine vibrant matte color (Premium) with eye-catching sparkle (Glitter) in a single project, perfect for custom t-shirts, spirit wear, dance uniforms, promotional garments, and more.

When to layer

• When your design has multiple colors and you want to add a glitter accent (like text or borders).
• When creating a background or shape in Premium and a focal point in Glitter.
• When producing layered logos or artwork with texture and depth.

Important layering rules

• Glitter should always be the top layer: Its textured surface doesn’t allow for proper adhesion of additional layers on top.
• Premium can be layered beneath or even with other Premium layers—but never on top of Glitter.
• Avoid complex layering beyond 2-3 layers to prevent stiffness or reduced wash durability.

Why it works

MultiCut Premium bonds well and provides a stable base, while Glitter adds brilliance and texture. When done correctly, this combination elevates your design with contrast and dimension, while maintaining the professional durability HTV is known for.

Tools & materials you’ll need

Before you start layering MultiCut Premium and Glitter HTV, it’s important to gather the right tools and materials to ensure a smooth and successful workflow.

Essential Tools

1. Vinyl Cutter

• Compatible models:
  • Roland VersaStudio BN2-20A (print & cut)
  • Graphtec CE8000
  • Roland GS-24

2. Heat Press

• Recommended:
  • Joto Clamshell Press
  • Joto Swing Away Press
  • Joto Auto-Open Press

Use medium pressure settings for best results.

3. Materials

• MultiCut Premium HTV (matte base layer)
• MultiCut Glitter HTV (sparkle top layer)
• Weeding tools (tweezers or hook)
• Garment or fabric of choice (cotton, polyester, blends)
• Lint roller (to remove debris before pressing)

4. What NOT to Use

• Teflon sheets or covers: ¡hese can reduce the effectiveness of heat and pressure, especially with glitter vinyl. Use the HTV carrier sheet instead.

Having the proper setup helps you avoid beginner mistakes and ensures a clean, professional finish.

5. How to cut MultiCut Premium and Glitter HTV properly

Proper cutting is the foundation of a successful HTV application. While MultiCut Premium and MultiCut Glitter are both cuttable with standard vinyl cutters, each material has its own optimal settings and handling tips.

Load orientation

Always load the matte side face up into your cutter for both Premium and Glitter. The glossy side is the carrier sheet—this stays in place until after pressing.

Mirror your design

Since you’re cutting from the back side of the vinyl, remember to mirror (flip horizontally) your design before sending it to the cutter.

Recommended cutting force

HTV Type	Recommended Force*
MultiCut Premium	100 gf
MultiCut Glitter	180 gf

 

*Your ideal force may vary depending on the cutter model, blade condition, and design complexity. Always perform a test cut before running a full sheet.

Weeding

After cutting, remove excess vinyl using tweezers or a weeding hook. Be careful around fine details. Glitter can be tougher to weed due to its thickness.

Step-by-Step: how to press and layer MultiCut Premium & Glitter

Layering MultiCut Premium and Glitter requires precision—but once you understand the flow, it’s easy to repeat consistently. Follow these steps to get clean, durable, and professional results every time.

Step 1: cut & weed both designs

• Load MultiCut Premium and MultiCut Glitter into your cutter matte side up.
• Mirror both designs in your software before cutting.
• Use a cutting force of ~100 gf for Premium and ~180 gf for Glitter (adjust as needed).
• Weed excess vinyl from both designs using tweezers or a weeding tool.

Step 2: pre-press the garment

• Place your shirt or fabric onto the heat press.
• Close the press for 2–3 seconds without any vinyl to remove moisture and wrinkles.
• This step ensures better adhesion and longevity.

Step 3: position the premium layer

• Place the MultiCut Premium design glossy side up (carrier side facing you).
• Align the design carefully using a ruler or alignment guide.
• Avoid using Teflon sheets—pressing directly onto the carrier ensures proper heat contact.

Step 4: press the premium layer

• Press at 310–330°F (155–165°C) for 10 seconds using medium pressure.
• Remove from the press and peel the Mylar backing while warm (warm peel).
• Check adhesion. If any edges lift, press again for 2–3 seconds.

Step 5: position the glitter layer

• Once the Premium base is applied, align the Glitter layer on top, using the first layer as a guide.
• Make sure no vinyl overlaps onto the carrier sheet of the previous layer.

Step 6: press the glitter layer

• Press at the same temperature (310–330°F) for 10 seconds, medium pressure.
• Again, do not use a Teflon sheet.
• Peel warm and check for secure adhesion.

Final touch

Let the garment cool for a few minutes before handling. Allow 24 hours before washing for the strongest bond.

With this layering process, you’ll achieve a flawless combination of vibrant matte and sparkling glitter,. Perfect for premium-looking designs that stand out.

Best practices for layering HTV

Layering HTV, especially when combining MultiCut Premium with Glitter, requires more than just stacking one vinyl over another. To ensure long-lasting, clean results, follow these best practices:

1. Glitter Goes on Top Only

Never layer vinyl over MultiCut Glitter. Its rough, textured surface prevents proper adhesion and can cause peeling or lifting. Always apply Glitter as the final top layer.

2. Use Accurate Alignment Tools

Use T-shirt alignment rulers, heat-resistant tape, or laser guides to keep your layers perfectly positioned. Even a small misalignment can ruin a polished look.

3. Avoid Overpressing

Pressing too long or at too high a temperature can lead to discoloration, adhesive bleed, or shrinkage. Especially when layering. Stick to the recommended time and temperature for each layer.

4. Don’t Use Teflon Sheets

Teflon can block the heat needed to activate the adhesive fully, especially with Glitter. Use the vinyl’s built-in carrier sheet instead.

These small habits make a big difference in quality, longevity, and customer satisfaction.

Caring for your finished garment

Proper care is essential for maintaining the look and durability of your HTV design—especially when layering MultiCut Premium and Glitter.

Follow these simple guidelines to protect your garment and extend the life of your custom print:

Washing Instructions

• Wait 24 hours before the first wash.
• Wash inside out with mild detergent.
• Do not use bleach or fabric softeners.
• Use cold or warm water—maximum wash temperature: 140°F (60°C).

Drying & Ironing

• Tumble dry on a normal setting in standard household machines.
• Do not iron directly over the HTV design. If needed, turn the garment inside out or use a protective cover like parchment paper.

By following these care instructions, your layered HTV designs will remain vibrant, flexible, and securely bonded. Wash after wash.

9. Common mistakes to avoid

Even with quality materials like MultiCut Premium and Glitter, small mistakes can lead to poor results or wasted garments. Here are the most frequent errors and how to avoid them:

⚠️ 1. Not Mirroring the Design: Cutting without mirroring leads to backwards graphics, especially for text. Always mirror before sending to your cutter.

⚠️ 2. Using Incorrect Press Settings: Too much heat or pressure can distort layers or damage the fabric. Too little heat leads to poor adhesion. Stick to 310–330°F for 10 seconds with medium pressure.

⚠️ 3. Pressing Glitter First: Glitter should never be a base layer. Its surface isn’t suitable for bonding another layer on top.

⚠️ 4. Peeling Too Early (or Too Late): Peel warm. Not hot, not cold. Rushing the peel can cause lifting, and waiting too long can leave adhesive residue.

⚠️ 5. Using Teflon Sheets: Teflon blocks necessary heat and pressure. Use the carrier sheet only when layering these materials.

Avoiding these mistakes will ensure clean, professional results and longer-lasting HTV designs.

Conclusion

Layering MultiCut Premium and Glitter HTV gives your designs a bold, professional edge, but only when done with precision. By following the right steps, tools, and care techniques, you can deliver stunning results that last.

Ready to get started? Explore Joto’s full selection of HTV materials and heat presses now.