using a png image as a texture

[daft as a brush]

I am very very new to 3d design so excuse me if this simple question has been asked before, but I did search this forum first.

My whole concept of an object depends on pngs being used as textures. The end result being that there would be a layer effect using pngs stacked on top of one another.
Failing that, can png images be imported as objects ?

my fingers are crossed,thank you