Designer Jamie Birch has brought a new way of displaying graphics to the table — literally. About 25 years ago, Birch, who owns of Jamie Birch FX Designs in New Mexico, discovered how to transfer graphics onto flat surfaces such as tables, counter tops and bar tops. It all started when his friend who owned a large sports bar in Colorado wanted to have tables with team logos on them. Birch owned a sign company and was helping his uncle build prototype designs at the time, so he used his past experience as a designer to come up with a way to fit his friend’s needs.
“I have always been inspired by making things a little different to be better. I saw a poster in a store of a 3D football helmet and thought, glue that on a table!” Birch says.
He initially brought his ideas to life using a product called Ultra Photo Satin 7 Mil. “My first LexJet representative was Sukesh Pathak, and he was amazing at finding products to use,” he says. “I used a lot of Ultra Photo Satin 7mil, which is no longer made, so we started using different materials.”
Now, Birch constructs his custom designs with LexJet Print-N-Stick Fabric and LexJet Crystal Low Tack. The details of his process is, of course, a trade secret, however, he gave an overview of the steps.
“I start by printing the graphic in reverse, wetting the wood and laying the transfer down so it’s not the sticky side. I rub it with a sponge, and all of the ink liquefies from the water, and it transfers onto the surface so it looks like the print,” he explained. He finishes each item with a protective coating.
With his original creations, Birch is in high demand. Although he is based in New Mexico, he ships his creations all over the world, and he has been hired by multiple Major League Baseball Teams to spruce up their locker rooms, and the VIP areas of the stadiums.
“I had the privilege of working for the Colorado Rockies baseball team, and being my favorite team made it more special,” he says. “I also did the owner of the Rockies man cave and outdoor living area, and I did a lot of work for the players’ homes.”
Birch’s success has allowed him to expand his business. He creates banners, signs, custom floors, wall treatments, and he has even started his own baseball bat company, JL bats. To create these items, Birch uses products such as LexJet TOUGHcoat Thrifty Banner, LexJet TOUGHcoat Aqua Vinyl PSA, and Sunset Reserve Matte Canvas. He mainly prints on wood, but he has also experimented with other surfaces such as brick, concrete and acrylic.
Next up, Birch is working on designing the interiors of a chain of 10 doughnut shops this year, called Spudnut Donuts.
