Behind the Design: How We Create Our Metal Toppers

Behind the Design: How We Create Our Metal Toppers

At Tasha’s Top Frames, every topper is a fusion of creativity, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge techniques. But what really goes into transforming a blank aluminum sheet into an eye-catching, frame-perfect metal topper? Let’s take you behind the scenes to show you exactly how we bring your favorite designs to life!

Step 1: From Concept to Creation

Every design starts with an idea. We pull inspiration from fashion trends, customer requests, seasonal themes, and pure artistic vision. But an idea alone isn’t enough—it needs to be carefully crafted into a design that looks stunning at scale and fits seamlessly on a tiny metal surface.

We sketch, refine, and test multiple iterations (queue our Oops metal topper blanks) to make sure every design translates beautifully onto a topper. Whether it's a one-of-a-kind piece, an intricate pattern, or a delicate minimalist design, each one is carefully thought out to achieve the best possible look on every Pair-compatible metal topper.

Step 2: Digital Design & Refinement

Once we have a solid concept, we move into digital design mode.

This is where we bring our expertise in hand-drawing, AI-assisted creation, and cutting-edge design software and hardware into play. Every element is fine-tuned to ensure that the final result looks flawless on a metal topper

This step also includes:
Scaling the design to match different frame shapes and sizes
Refining intricate details so they look crisp on the final product
Color adjustments to ensure vibrancy and depth
Securely storing the finalized designs on our internal server for easy access and future updates

We don’t just slap an image onto a topper—we make sure every curve, color, and detail enhances the overall aesthetic.

Step 3: Selecting the Perfect Base Finish

One of the most important aspects of our toppers is the finish—the base material we print on, which affects the final look of the design - think of this as your canvas! We offer three distinct options:

Gloss White – A vibrant, bright base that makes colors pop. Perfect for bold, full-color designs.
Pearl Silver – A soft metallic finish that, when catching light, adds a gentle shimmer and elevates elegant designs.
Mirror – A high-shine, reflective surface that gives depth and dimension to any design.

Every blank is vigorously inspected before use to ensure it's absolutely flawless and free of dust or imperfections. We use powerful overhead light-bars, microfiber cloths, and close inspection to eliminate any dust particles that could interfere with the next steps. This meticulous process ensures every topper starts with a perfect base for vibrant, high-quality results.

Step 4: Precision Printing & Sublimation

Now it’s time to bring the design to life! We use sublimation printing, a process that infuses the design directly onto the metal topper. This isn’t just a surface print—it’s a permanent, ultra-durable transformation that won’t peel, fade, or scratch like standard prints.

🎨 What makes our metal topper sublimation process special?
Ultra-high-resolution printing for crisp, detailed designs, with up to 1200 DPI capabilities.
Seamless color blending that maintains depth and vibrancy for a rich, eye-catching finish on your metal topper without compromising inaccuracies in the color.
A smooth, flawless surface that enhances every intricate detail of the design
Precision heat and pressure control to ensure consistent, high-quality results every time
Meticulous blank preparation—each piece is inspected and cleaned to remove dust or imperfections before printing. Otherwise, Oops metal topper blanks!
Durable, fade-resistant prints that retain their brilliance over time

Once printed and pressed, the topper is thoroughly inspected once more under Bright lighting to ensure the print has sublimated flawlessly before moving to the next step.

Step 5: Magnet Placement

After the design is fully printed and cured, it’s time to start the final steps to perfection.

🔹 Custom-Sourced Magnets for a Secure Fit: We use high-quality, custom-sourced magnets designed specifically for our toppers. Each magnet is precisely placed to ensure a strong yet easily swappable hold, keeping your topper perfectly aligned on your frames without shifting or slipping.

Our magnets feature:

  • Square N52 Sintered Neodymium Rare Earth Magnets
  • 6mm x 6mm x 1mm with 3M adhesive - 20% larger than the industry standard
  • Ni-Cu-Ni plating for durability.
  • Pull force of 0.79lbs each

🔹 Magnet Placement: Magnets are carefully hand-positioned to ensure a snug, secure fit on your frames. We source high-quality, custom-sized magnets for optimal hold and durability, so your topper stays perfectly in place.

Did you know, you can purchase our magnets?

Step 6: Hand Shaping & Final Quality Check

This is where the magic happens. Every single topper is shaped by hand—by Tasha or Nasri, for you. We take the time to ensure each one fits your frames perfectly, with smooth, natural curves and an effortless attachment.

Here’s what we do to make sure your topper is nothing short of perfect:

We shape each piece by hand – No machines, no shortcuts. Just careful, precise adjustments to match the natural contour of your frames.
We inspect it under bright lights – Overhead lighting helps us catch even the tiniest imperfections. If it’s not flawless, it doesn’t go in a package.
We check for a smooth, perfect finish – No dust, no scratches, no uneven coating—just a pristine, high-quality topper.
We test the magnets – Every topper gets a fit test to ensure the magnets align properly and hold securely to your frames.
We give it one last look – If we wouldn’t wear it ourselves, we won’t send it to you.

Only after passing this final check does your topper get carefully packed up and sent on its way. We take pride in making sure every single metal topper that leaves our home is as perfect as possible—because you deserve nothing less for supporting our business.

Back to blog