Our process: How we do what we do

CandyCoated started seven years ago with a tiny group of crafters figuring out how to turn vinyl pool toys into wearable suits. We were so lucky, and it was a hit. People started ordering more and asking for complicated and custom designs. So we eventually reached out to factories, vetted them, and found three with experience making quality vinyl toys. Over time, we worked to help teach them how to design and create wearable PVC creations. So, now, we offer both factory-made and in-house crafted creations. 

Here’s what our process today looks like:

Factory items:

If it’s an order for a custom design, our team works with the customer to confirm what the customer wants. We work with a modeler and pattern maker to design it, and then we again confirm with the customer, making any changes the customer might want or that we see as necessary to make the suit as safe as possible. We make sure what will be built is what the customer wants.

After that, we give the factory the go-ahead to produce the customer-approved design, and the factory builds the suit using a specialized machine welding technique. Once it’s built, they send us photo or video documentation to make sure it meets with our expectations. After we approve it, the factory ships it to our U.S. headquarters.

Crafted items:

If the customer ordered a handcrafted item, our small admin team acquires the inflatable toys, PVC clothing items, crafting material, and any other items necessary to craft the order. An experienced crafter from our small team chooses the task. Most of our crafters have specialties - for example, some love creating SPHs, while others have a knack for crafting inflatable clothing. Regardless of the item ordered, the crafter uses a special vinyl glue to join items and sometimes reinforce seams. Once completed, the crafted item is handed to the admin team.

Hands-on testing and approval:

Whether it’s a factory-made or handcrafted order, each item goes through a series of tests to ensure durability and safety.

The admin team inflates the item over 12 hours or more to ensure it holds air and there are no leaks. If it loses any air, team members locate and repair any small holes that may have occurred, typically along seams. While inflated, customer measurements are double-checked to ensure they will fit.

After another inflation test, a team member wearing stretch clothing (which makes it easier to get into the suit) tests the wearable inflatable. Another team member inflates the suit to the point we would expect it to be worn, and the wearer moves around to test safety and durability. The non-wearing team member often puts stress/pressure on the outside of the suit to ensure it can hold up. Additionally, the wearer tests the internal emergency valves to ensure the owner will be able to locate and release them. The mouthpieces, mouth emergency valve, and face area are sanitized. After that, the team again tests the suit for leaks over a 12+ hour period to ensure it holds up after safety/durability testing. Any new leaks are repaired, and the admin team ships the item with care instructions. 

Over several years, we’ve honed this process to a working system. It ensures we can provide what our amazing customers want and keep them as safe as possible.

Thanks so much for allowing us to provide a peek behind the scenes of how we get you your vinyl creation! Check back for future entries sharing safety best practices and tips to ordering the right pvc for you.