1.25" Mylar

Mylar is the thin, transparent film that transforms a printed paper design into a finished, durable button. During the pressing process, the mylar disc locks into place between the metal shell and your artwork. Creating a crystal-clear protective layer that resists scratches, moisture, fingerprints, and fading.

For the 1-1/4" size specifically, mylar is what separates a homemade-looking button from a professional one. This is the button size most buyers associate with retail pins and band merch — which means the quality of the mylar covering matters more here than at any other size. A clean, flat mylar disc gives you the glassy, professional finish customers expect from a button they'd pay for.

The 1-1/4" size is the most versatile and commercially popular button dimension — which makes it the workhorse of high-volume button operations:

• Campaign and political buttons — 1.25" is the classic campaign button size. Political candidates, advocacy groups, union organizers, and ballot initiatives rely on this size because it fits a slogan and graphic cleanly while staying affordable in the thousands. Stock up before election season. Campaigns burn through mylar fast.
• Craft fairs and Etsy sellers — If you sell handmade buttons, pins, or flair on Etsy, craft markets, or convention floors, 1.25" is your bread and butter. Buyers recognize this size as the standard "button" size. 1,000 mylar discs covers roughly a full season of weekend markets.
• Schools, libraries, and PTAs — Bulk 1.25" mylar is ideal for school spirit buttons, reading-program rewards, library summer challenges, homecoming merchandise, and PTA fundraisers. The larger surface gives teachers room for a logo plus student art without squeezing the design.
• Promotional and corporate swag — Marketing teams, trade show booths, event planners, and branded merch shops use 1.25" buttons as a low-cost giveaway that doesn't feel cheap. A printed logo looks sharp at this size, and a glossy mylar finish makes the button feel premium in hand.
• Replacement stock — Mylar is the part of the button-making process most prone to getting scratched, stuck together, or lost. Every serious button operation keeps a backup pack of 1,000 on the shelf.

Mylar loads as the final layer in your button press. Here's the sequence:

1. Print and cut your artwork to a 1-5/8" circle. A circle cutter or punch makes this fast and consistent.
2. Load the metal shell face-down into the top die of your 1-1/4" button maker.
3. Drop your artwork on top, design-side up so it faces out when finished.
4. Add a single mylar disc on top of the artwork. One disc only — two mylars pressed together is the number-one cause of misfires.
5. Rotate the die, insert the back piece, and pull the press handle. The mylar seals around the shell edge to lock in your design.

First time using a 1-1/4" button maker? Our how to make a button tutorial walks through the full process, and the video library shows the press in action.

• Watch for static cling. 1.25" mylar discs are notorious for sticking together because of static electricity. Flex the stack and fan the discs apart before loading. This single habit prevents most jams.
• Keep the dies clean between runs. Paper dust and tiny ink particles build up on the press dies during long production runs and can get trapped under the mylar, creating visible specks. A quick wipe with a dry microfiber cloth every 100 buttons keeps finishes crystal clear.
• Buy in bulk for production jobs. The 1,000-count pack is priced for serious users. If you're running campaign jobs, wholesale orders, or large craft inventory, two or three packs on hand is cheap insurance against a mid-run shortage.

This 1.25" mylar fits all standard 1-1/4" button-making supplies and presses. Build out your full kit with:

• 1.25" Pinback Button Sets — complete parts kit (shell, back, pin, and mylar)
• 1.25" Button Maker Machines — presses sized for this exact button
• 1.25" Magnet Button Sets — great for promotional swag
  
• 1.25" Flatback Button Sets — for custom jewelry and fillable button projects

If you're new to button making, consider a complete 1.25" button making kit that bundles the machine, supplies, and circle cutter together. This mylar-only pack is designed for experienced users who already own their press and need ongoing supply.