The Biothane® base on your collar is essentially indestructible. Waterproof, odor-resistant, and built to last years — it will outlast just about anything you put it through.
The artwork can be a different conversation so let’s get into it.
Our designer artwork collars are made using one of two methods: heat transfer vinyl (HTV) — the same material used for custom apparel and professional signage — or UV printing, which applies the design directly onto the Biothane® surface. Both hold up well to everyday life when properly cared for, but each has its own surface, and its own limits, worth understanding before you buy.
This page tells you exactly what those limits are, how to work with them, and how to keep your collar looking its best for as long as possible.
Caring for UV-Printed Collars
Some of our Artwork Collars utilize professional UV printing. UV printing applies the design directly onto the Biothane® surface rather than adding a separate vinyl layer, so it holds up well to regular handling and looks great on an active dog.
That said, the print still lives on the surface of the material, so the same basic care applies as with our HTV collars:
- Nail scratches, teeth marks, or repeated rubbing against hard surfaces (crates, pavement, furniture) can wear into the printed design over time.
- No harsh chemicals, ever. Skip bleach, alcohol-based cleaners, and anything abrasive — these can dull or damage the print.
- Clean it the same way you’d clean any Biothane® collar: rinse under lukewarm water or use a damp cloth with mild soap if needed, then dry the hardware thoroughly.
UV printing holds its color and detail well under normal daily wear, but like any printed surface, it isn’t indestructible — treat it the way you’d treat any decorative collar, and it’ll stay looking great for a long time.
What HTV Is (and Isn’t)
Heat transfer vinyl is pressed onto the Biothane® surface using heat and pressure, creating a strong bond. The designs you see — the artwork, the lettering, are that vinyl layer.
This means the Biothane® base handles everything: water, mud, odor, chlorine, daily wear. The HTV handles the visual. If you treat the collar accordingly, it holds up beautifully. If you treat it like a working dog collar that tears through brush and scrapes against pavement every day, the artwork will eventually show it.
No maker who’s being honest with you will promise HTV never peels. The bond is strong. It is not permanent under all conditions. Knowing that upfront is more useful to you than a promise that doesn’t hold.
I have noticed over time that standard vinyl tends to lift easier than glitter vinyl. This is likely because it’s a thinner material, and dogs live rambunctious lives. For this reason, I am no longer offering standard vinyl as a customization option.
What Your Collar Is Made For
Artwork collars are designed for:
- Daily walks and regular outdoor use
- Swimming and water activities (the Biothane® base handles this — see water care below)
- Events, photos, and showing off your dog’s personality
- Dogs who live their regular dog lives
Artwork collars are not designed for:
- Off-leash running through brush, brambles, or rough terrain where the collar is repeatedly scraped
- Tie-outs, where the collar is under constant lateral friction
- Dogs who scratch their collar frequently against hard surfaces
- Crating, where the collar can catch and drag
- Playtime with other dogs where teeth and nails can scratch against the collar.
Think of it the way you’d think about a printed t-shirt versus a work jacket. Both are real clothing. One is designed for a different kind of use.
Cleaning Your Artwork Collar
For everyday dirt and grime:
Rinse with lukewarm water. Wipe the Biothane® surface gently with a damp cloth. That’s usually all it takes.
For heavier cleaning:
Use a small amount of mild soap or dog shampoo and a soft cloth. Wipe gently — don’t scrub the vinyl areas aggressively. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry.
What to avoid:
- Abrasive scrubbing pads or brushes directly on the vinyl
- Harsh chemical cleaners, bleach, or alcohol — these degrade the vinyl bond over time
- Hot water (lukewarm only)
- Soaking the collar for extended periods
- Flea collar chemicals — these can stain or degrade the Biothane® and the vinyl
A note on dog coat oils:
Natural oils from your dog’s coat accumulate on the collar over time. In dogs with oilier coats, this buildup can affect the vinyl bond if left uncleaned. Regular, gentle cleaning is the single most effective thing you can do to extend the life of your artwork. A weekly rinse goes a long way.
Water and Swimming
The Biothane® base is completely waterproof. Your dog can swim in it.
That said, repeated extended soaking — like daily dock diving sessions without rinsing — will put more stress on the vinyl over time than occasional swims. After any water activity, rinse the collar under clean water, dry off the hardware, and let the collar air dry. This removes chlorine, salt, and debris that can work their way under the vinyl edges over time.
For dogs who are in and out of water constantly and every single day, a plain Biothane® collar or a rhinestone collar may be a better long-term choice for that specific use.
What to Do If the Vinyl Starts to Lift
It doesn’t happen often — but it can, especially at the edges of a design that gets repeated friction in a specific spot.
If you catch a corner beginning to lift early, you can often press it back down at home. Place a piece of parchment paper over the lifted area and apply a warm iron on the lowest setting for 5-10 seconds. Apply gentle pressure. Let it cool completely before moving. Don’t use steam. Be careful here – it’s very easy to melt the Biothane. There’s a very fine line between vinyl adhesion and melted Biothane.
If the lifting is more extensive, reach out. We’ll talk through options.
Storage
When your collar isn’t being worn, store it flat or loosely coiled — not crumpled under other items or in a tight knot. Repeated creasing in the same spot puts stress on the vinyl over time.
Quick Reference
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Rinse regularly with lukewarm water | Scrub the vinyl with abrasive materials |
| Use mild soap and a soft cloth | Use bleach, alcohol, or harsh cleaners |
| Air dry after swimming | Use alongside flea collar chemicals |
| Store flat or loosely coiled | Leave crumpled or tightly bent |
| Remove for crating and rough play | Use for tie-outs |
Have questions about whether an artwork collar is right for your dog’s lifestyle? Contact us before you order — we’d rather help you choose the right collar than have you receive the wrong one.
Looking for a collar that handles anything? Our rhinestone collars are built on the same Biothane® base with hand-set stones that stand up to an active life. Or design your own custom collar in our interactive builder.
Artwork Collar Warranty
Artwork collars are covered for one year against peeling that occurs under normal wear conditions — everyday walks, regular outdoor use, and occasional swimming with proper rinsing after water exposure.
To submit a warranty claim, the collar must be returned to us for inspection at the customer’s expense. Once we receive and inspect the collar, we’ll determine whether the peeling is consistent with a material or application defect or with wear patterns from use outside the guidelines on this page. We’ll communicate our findings and next steps promptly.
This warranty does not cover peeling or damage caused by:
- Abrasion from rough terrain, brush, or hard surfaces
- Scratching from nails, teeth, or other animals
- Use as a tie-out
- Exposure to harsh chemicals, bleach, or flea collar chemicals
- Buildup from infrequent cleaning
- Repeated extended soaking without rinsing
- Washing machine or dishwasher exposure
- Storage in a hot vehicle or prolonged exposure to high heat
- Tight folding, kinking, or improper storage over time
- Prolonged UV or sun exposure
- Normal color change or minor fading that occurs with general wear over time
This warranty assumes the collar has been cared for in accordance with our Artwork Collar Care Guide. Failure to follow care instructions may void coverage.
To start a claim, contact us at jenni@corascaninecollective.com with your order number and a photo of the issue before shipping anything back.