#Vinyl101 - Tips and Tricks when working with Adhesive Vinyl Part 1!

Hello there! Crafting with Adhesive vinyl is very exciting and fun. It can help increase happiness, reduce anxiety, and improve your mood. Some say that it’s better and a lot cheaper than therapy! But sometimes, it can be pretty stressful and intimidating even for those who aren’t beginners in this craft!

In this article, we will help you make your crafting experience a whole lot better! We will give you a list of #Vinyl101 tips and tricks that will help you whenever you work with adhesive vinyl!

Let us show you the #Vinyl101 we compiled for you without further ado!

1. Water Inside the Glass Trick!

This trick will help you achieve a perfectly leveled, even design on your glasses when applying an adhesive vinyl! Pour water inside the glass, and as soon as the water inside becomes stable, you can use it as your guide or ruler when leveling the design!

2. Use CLEAR Transfer Tape when Layering Projects!

Clear transfer tape makes it so much easier to see whether you are applying each vinyl layer in its correct position!

3. Use Rubbing Alcohol to Clean your Substrate!

If possible, use rubbing alcohol when cleaning your final substrate! After thoroughly cleaning your surface, rub a little rubbing alcohol to make it clear that the vinyl will perfectly adhere to the final substrate!

The alcohol will help remove leftover oils and dust and completely dehydrate the surface!

4. Use Coffee Filters to Dry the Substrate!

This #Vinyl101 works perfectly with the previous trick or the alcohol trick! After being cleaned with the alcohol, use coffee filters to wipe off the excess alcohol and completely dry your final substrate! 

Using coffee filters will help you avoid any lines and tiny fibers you may usually get from paper towels, tissues, etc.

5. Use your Cutting Mat When Weeding!

After being cut, do not remove the vinyl from the cutting mat and proceed with weeding! The cutting mat will serve as an extra hand, help you keep the vinyl in one place, and prevent it from moving while you weed your project!

You can also use Masking Tape, Painter’s Tape, or Scotch Tape! Take a piece of any of these tapes. Then, please put it on the back of your vinyl and stick it on the surface where you are weeding!

6. Cut Slits on your Transfer Tape!

After applying the transfer tape to your adhesive vinly, cut slits around the design! Cut the slits as close as possible on the design; this will help you control the decals when applying them on the curved surface! This trick works with curved surfaces, like glasses, cups, and tumblers!

Here’s another #Vinyl101 for when you are working with curved surfaces.

7. Start on the Center!

When you are ready to stick the adhesive vinyl on the curved surface, start on the center, press the design with your fingers into the curved surface and work your way out! Doing this will help you avoid any wrinkles and bubbles in your vinyl! 

8. Get Rid of Air Pockets or Bubbles!

Air pockets or bubbles can appear when the vinyl isn’t applied correctly. Also, when the vinyl was applied on a surface that wasn’t cleaned or wholly cleaned. It’s one of the most common mistakes/mishaps when working with adhesive vinyl! But lucky for us, there are many ways to remove these air pockets or bubbles!

Using a pin or a needle, gently poke the air pockets or bubbles and push the air out! Make sure to prick it gently to avoid making a large hole that will affect the looks of your vinyl roject! You can also use the tip of a blade or any other tool to produce a small hole where the air inside the project can be released.

You can also use heat! Use a hair dryer and heat the decal for 45 - 60 seconds, and then use your fingers or a squeegee to press the air pockets or bubbles towards the edges of the decals! Just be careful when using your fingers. The vinyl might be hot to the touch and might burn your fingers!

Or you can let your project rest in direct sunlight for a couple of hours. The air pockets or bubbles will eventually release on their own.

9. Weed the Smaller Pieces First!

Start weeding the smaller pieces like the inside spaces of the letters in your vinyl project, and then stick them on the larger pieces that you will eventually weed off later! This way, you won’t have to worry about where to put those sticky little pieces! This will help you save a lot of time and will help you stay neat/organized when weeding out your projects!

10. Use a Strong Grip Mat When Transferring Decals into your Transfer Tape!

Sometimes your decals won’t quickly go and be picked up by your transfer tape. When this happens, get a firm grip mat to help you!

1. Apply the transfer tape like you usually do, and then burnish with firm pressure.
2. Stick the decal with the transfer on the Strong Grip cutting mat, transfer tape-side facing down the mat.
3. Again, burnish the decal with firm pressure into the mat.
4. And then, remove the paper backing of your decal!

Those are the first 10 #Vinyl101! We still have more tips and tricks for you guys! Just stay tuned for part 2!

We hope that you find this article helpful and informative! Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family to help them make their crafting experience less hassle and more fun with this # Vinyl101! Tips. If you want more tips and tricks and can’t wait for part 2, feel free to visit our social media accounts! And while you’re at it, follow us there for helpful tips and tricks, project inspirations, store discounts, and more! 

Social Media Accounts:

FB: CraftVinyl.ca

IG: craftvinylca

Tiktok: @craftvinylca

Website: CraftVinyl.ca

Thank you, stay safe, and stay crafty, Crafters!

#Vinyl101 - Tips and Tricks when working with Adhesive Vinyl Part 2!

HEAT TRANSFER VINYL TIPS AND TRICKS PART 1

HEAT TRANSFER VINYL TIPS AND TRICKS PART 2