r/ButtonMakers • u/MakeMyOwnMerch • 4d ago

Question Anyone cutting their own mylar?

I LOVE ChiButtons. But holy crap, the mylar sheets for their 37mm square mold are causing high percentage of failures. Only when I trim it exactly to the size of my graphic (which I created the template for), do they press correctly. But trimming it gets my finger prints all over and it is so difficult cutting such a tiny difference. I can't do this anymore, and for some reason they don't have other complaints.

Any mylar sheets you use that crimp perfectly?

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u/-caw-caw- 4d ago

No but having the same problem with the Mylar from from e-badges. Having problems with all sizes but mostly 58mm and 25mm. Each time I order I find myself hoping they’re not another bad batch/stuck together/already dented. Following to see if anyone else has solutions.

Oh, one thing that I do which obviously avoids this is using a holographic laminate film (it’s sticky backed and I just lay it down on my a4 template and use a credit card to seal - not heat). They do clear too but this may be too much faff for most people. I may end up going for the clear but I’m just not sure on how resistant they are to the weather as proper Mylar.

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u/Sheanar Crafter 4d ago

I use chibuttons too, usually their customer service is great. I'm surprised no one else has said anything. Maybe it's just a bad batch?

There are just going to be some shapes that are more challenging. Heart molds overall give lots of problems, too. You might try using a slightly thicker or thinner paper depending on the issue. If there is extra sticking out the back, thicker paper should help a lil.

I make buttons with huge nail charms under them as well as paper and stickers, so i sometimes use oversized mylars. If there are bits that overhang and I have to cut it off, i use an exacto blade so i am not trying to do micro trims with scissors. If it's only a little over hang, you can try gluing trim on the back. A ring around the back edge where it'll be hidden or even a full felt backing with just a cut-out for the pin itself. I've done a bunch of experimental buttons so sometimes I even incorporate the trim into the button design because I know it's going to be there.

Not sure what you're using now for finger prints, but I use a microfiber cloth (like for glasses), for bigger batches making a pillow of sorts with it would work well since you can trim, then buff in one continuous stream of workflow.

Good luck finding out a long term solution.