Vinyl for Beginners: A Guide to Choosing Craft Vinyl

In this post I hope to explain crafting vinyl for beginners, or someone who may have worked with vinyl but just doesn’t quite yet know which type is best for which project. I hope to provide you with general information to help you make beautiful long-lasting project. So, let’s get started…

What is Vinyl? A basic intro for beginners

Vinyl, in general, is a thin flexible material that you cut into any design and apply to various surfaces. It comes in various forms, and they are not all created equal. Vinyl usually comes on a roll or in sheets that are either 9″ or 12″ wide. Vinyl, for beginners, can seem overwhelming. Don’t let that stop you from experimenting with it. Rather, start with small projects until you get comfortable.

As a beginner, knowing which vinyl you should use on each project can prove to be half the battle. If you chose the wrong one your project could end up looking a hot mess. For example, I made some really cute canvases for my nephews nursery and they were awesome…for a couple weeks. Then, little by little they started to wrinkle and come off.

Don’t believe me….look at these babies!

Consequently, I had a beautiful idea and spent lots of time creating these for them to just fall apart. Rather than have someone else experience this, I have learned from my own mistakes and I want to share what I have learned. Therefore, I put together this post to help you learn which vinyl will be the best for your projects, and help you learn to love to craft with it.

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Main Types of Vinyl

First, you need to know that there are two basic types of vinyl – Adhesive Vinyl and Heat Transfer Vinyl. Vinyl for beginners can be confusing. One of the most important things to understand is when to choose which type. This decision is based either on adhesion or project surface. Whether you choose adhesive vinyl or heat transfer vinyl, know that each of these larger categories encompass several different options within them.

Next, let’s talk about the differences between the two.

Adhesive Vinyl

A vinyl applied by pressure. Hard, smooth surfaces are best for this type of vinyl. When you peel the backing off this vinyl it will be sticky to the touch. For example, a child’s sticker. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes (gloss, glitter, matte). Adhesive vinyl ALWAYS has a paper backing. This backing is the best indicator to determine if you have an adhesive vinyl or heat transfer vinyl. Adhesive vinyls will use a transfer tape to transfer from their backing onto the project. Please see below for more information.

Heat Transfer Vinyl (iron on vinyl, t-shirt vinyl, or HTV),

In contrast, heat transfer vinyl is a vinyl applied with heat, usually an iron or heat press. Works on fabric surfaces that are heat resistant. Not all fabric surfaces can handle HTV because of the heat required to set the adhesive. Heat Transfer Vinyl does not have a paper backing, instead it has a clear plastic carrier sheet that covers the top of the vinyl. When the carrier sheet is peeled back, the vinyl will not feel sticky to the touch. Heat Transfer Vinyl comes in many colors and finishes as well (flocked, glitter, metallic). A project with HTV has to have the mirrored effect applied so that it will cut correctly for the project. To see the types click here.

That’s the two basic categories of craft vinyl. Let’s dive into each option under them.

Which type of Adhesive Vinyl should I use?

So again, there are two main categories under adhesive vinyl-

• Permanent vinyl – Permanent vinyl is great for outdoors as it waterproof and has a long life (durability). It is also great for car decals, wood signs, dishes, cups, water bottles, metal, plastic, tile and more. I would caution against sticking this particular vinyl on walls as it can and probably will peel the paint or cause other damage if you ever need to remove it. A main indicator of permanent vinyl is a glossy finish. Glitter, metallic, and patterned vinyl are also options. When starting a project with permanent vinyl, for beginners, I would suggest doing a small mug, cup, or sign. This will give you a feel for the tackiness of it’s adhesive.
• Removable vinyl – Removable vinyl is great for indoor projects. It’s great for wall decals, indoor signs or decorations, and stencils. Also, removable vinyl comes is specialty vinyl like printable vinyl and window clings. Think of this vinyl when you just need a temporary decoration. Removable vinyl usually has a matte finish, but can be found in glossy, glitter, metallic and patterned, and more.

TIP: This vinyl is great for beginners due to the fact that it’s less tacky and repositionable.

Above all, when choosing your vinyl you need to decide if you need one that is removable or Permanent. That is to say, do you want something that can be removed at a later time or something can stand up to the sun, water or lots of handling. In addition to choosing which type of vinyl you need, you also have to choose the color or style that will work for the project.

Permanent Adhesive Vinyls

Removable Vinyls

Removable Vinyl for Glass

Specialty Removable Vinyl

Next, let’s talk heat transfer vinyl!

Types of Heat Transfer Vinyl for Beginners

Heat Transfer vinyl has several terms. You may see it called HTV for short, iron-on vinyl or t-shirt vinyl. It comes in lot’s of brands, colors and styles. If you are just looking for a smooth vinyl you can use Siser Easyweed, Cricut or Silhouette. I personally prefer Siser but have used both Silhouette and Cricut brands as well. When picking a heat transfer vinyl you know that the application is the same. So, you are mainly just picking one that will reflect the look that you are going for in your project. Every brand is a little different. For this reason, you will need to read each brands instructions as there can be some variations between brands.

In general, all iron on vinyls should work on all fabrics and materials that can stand up to the heat of your iron or heat press. You will want to practice with small pieces to get a feel for how each vinyl feels after transfer. Some of the thicker vinyls make the fabric feel stiff. To help with this you cut the vinyl into smaller pieces and piece it together. On the other hand, some other vinyls will have more stretch and will work with a larger variety of fabrics. All HTV is washable but most of the manufactures recommend that you turn your pieces inside out before washing to help them hold up longer. So, let’s look at the options:

Most Popular HTV

Speciality HTV

What tools do I need?

Tools I recommend for both adhesive and HTV:

• Electronic Cutting Machine – I love my Silhouette Cameo 3 AND they just came out with a new Silhouette Cameo 4 (I’m drooling over it, and it’s actually cheaper than the Cameo 3 right now!!) but I know many people who use a Cricut cutting machine. Both Silhouette and Cricut have free software to download and use to help you design your projects. You can find SVG files for your cutting machine online, as Silhouette and Cricut both have stores to buy designs.
• Blades – You will need to replace your blades to keep getting clean cuts. I like to have a couple extra on hand. Silhouette has 2 main types of blades. Both the autoblades and ratchet blades work well with my Silhouette Cameo 3. You can find different varieties of Cricut blades online and in craft shops as well.
• Cutting Mats – On a Silhouette you do not have to use a cutting mat if you are cutting vinyl off of a roll. If you are like me though, and keep the scraps, you will need a mat to use with the scraps. You do not necessarily have to buy the name brand mat for your machine. I have found these cutting mats by NICAPA and they are cheaper than the Silhouette brand. I am not sure if these mats will work with the Cricut.
• Weeding Hook – I have a couple different hooks that I like. I enjoy the flexibility of a kit like this one. Sometimes, when weeding, the pieces are hard to get to or to pick up so you will use the hook and the tweezers.

These tools are just for adhesive vinyl:

• Transfer Tape – Transfer tape is a MUST! It is what allows you to move your design from the vinyl’s paper backing to your final surface while keeping everything in it’s place. So, you can literally think of this tape as the glue that holds it all together. Transfer tape comes in a standard grip or a strong grip. Glitter, metallic AND the permanent adhesive vinyls require strong grip transfer tape. Silhouette and Cricut have their own brands, but just like the cutting mats you can find one you like. I prefer the clear transfer tapes with the grid to help me line up my project. Another option is contact paper. I use contact paper if I am wanting to put my vinyl on a surface that is easily damaged. Due to the limited tackiness of contact paper, know that it will not work on any adhesive vinyl that needs the strong grip transfer tape. See below for how to use transfer tape.
• Application Tool – This tool helps you to apply pressure onto the cut vinyl decal to apply it to your surface. Also, an old credit card will work in a pinch.

These are the tools you need for specifically for heat transfer (HTV):

• A Heat Source: This can be an Iron, Heat Press or Cricut Easy Press – Remember, the adhesive on heat transfer vinyl is activated by applying heat. If you are just beginning I would recommend an iron and ironing board. Just starting out you may not want to spend a lot of money. So, if you don’t have an ironing board you can use a thick bath towel folded onto your counter top or table. Always make sure your counters can handle heat if you try this method. If you are not a beginner and work with vinyl often you may like the Cricut Easy Press, and if you are looking to do this for a business you should look into the heat press. You DO NOT need to have an expensive heat source to work with vinyl. Although, if this is something you enjoy you might want to get a heat press as it will give you the best adhesion.
• OPTIONALLY: A Craft Iron is great in small spaces or on items that may have a curved shape like canvas shoes.

How to use Transfer Tape

First, peel the backing off the transfer tape and place it over your cut and weeded design. Next, you will use your application tool to smooth it down. Rub over the tape with firm but gentle pressure. Finally, take the backing off of the vinyl very carefully. If any vinyl didn’t stick just lay the tape back down and rub that spot with more pressure. After that, position the transfer tape over your project and line it up where you want it to go. DO NOT let it touch your projects surface until you are ready to apply it. Next, lay the transfer paper onto your project. Then, use the application tool to rub the design onto the project surface starting in the center and moving outward. Rub hard and go over the surface multiple times, ensuring that you are getting into all the crevices of the design.

WOW!!

That was a lot!!, I’m hoping that, after reading through the types of vinyl, you have a better understanding of what kind of vinyl to use for the project or projects that you are wanting to do and the tools you will need to do it. Getting started doesn’t have to cost a ton of money. You could even find a friend who has a cutting machine and the tools and ask to craft together for your first time. Crafting is always more fun together anyway!

To sum it up, if your surface is hard and smooth (walls, mugs, wood, glass) then go with an adhesive vinyl. If your surface is fabric based (canvas, tote bags, aprons, clothes, canvas shoes) then use heat transfer vinyl.

I’ve used HTV on wood surfaces and on fabrics that we not tolerant to high heat (like this one). Likewise, I’ve used adhesive vinyl on canvas and burlap. In short, there is no hard and fast rule that is set in stone. Therefore, as you become more comfortable working with vinyl, don’t be afraid to experiment. As a result of experimenting, I’ve had plenty successful projects! On the other hand, I’ve also had many fails. Above all, whether the project is successful or not it teaches me something new. Hopefully, you will will learn something new too! If you enjoyed this information on vinyl for beginners, please leave me a comment on what other content you would like to learn. Also, stay tuned for a cheat sheet: Vinyl for Beginners. A quick reference guide to all the information above.