• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Craft & DIY
    • DIY Art Projects
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Free Printables
    • Kids Crafts
    • Paper Crafts
    • Silhouette Crafts
    • Vinyl Crafts
      • Vinyl 101
    • Friday Craft Club!
  • Celebration
    • Party
    • Gift Ideas
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
  • Crochet
    • Crochet Patterns
      • Crochet Accessories
      • Crochet for the Home
      • Crochet for Kids
    • Crochet Stitches
  • Silhouette
    • Silhouette Studio
    • Silhouette Mint
    • Silhouette Curio
    • Silhouette Alta 3D Printer
    • Silhouette Deals
  • SVG Cut Files
  • SHOP
  • Nav Widget Area

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

Persia Lou

Creative. Crafty. Fun.

How to Use Adhesive Vinyl: A Beginner’s Guide to Cutting and Applying Vinyl Decals

Learn how to make DIY vinyl decals and decorate all the things with custom designs! If you are new to working with vinyl, it can be a bit overwhelming, but this step-by-step guide will teach you exactly how to use adhesive vinyl, and you will be making wall decals, signs, mugs, and more in no time! This post contains affiliate links, which help to support this site at no extra cost to you.

How to Use Adhesive Vinyl - A Beginner's Guide to Cutting and Applying Vinyl Decals

Guys – I am a big fan of crafting with vinyl and my Silhouette. I mean, I even made an entire online course all about crafting with vinyl and your Silhouette. 

I am a total vinyl crafting nerd, and I want to share my vinyl nerd love with you all. 🙂 If you have never worked with vinyl before, I hope you will give it a try because I think you will love it. This post will get you started on your vinyl crafting journey and teach you everything you need to know about using adhesive craft vinyl with your Silhouette or Cricut.

Ready to make some DIY vinyl decals? Let’s do this!

How to Use Adhesive Vinyl with your Silhouette or Cricut

There are a few basic steps in working with adhesive vinyl, and we will go through each one. They are preparing your cut file, cutting, weeding, and applying. That’s it! For demonstration purposes, I will be making a DIY vinyl decal to add to my ipad case. I am using my “Makers Gonna Make” design that you can get over in my So Fontsy shop.

learn how to craft with vinyl - beginner's guide to working with craft vinyl

Step One – Prep Cut File

The first step in crafting with vinyl is to prepare your cut file in the cutting machine software you are using. (If you do not have an electronic cutting machine like a Silhouette or Cricut, you can cut vinyl by hand, but it is just more difficult to get intricate designs. Check out this DIY planter I decorated with vinyl cut completely by hand for an example.)

What’s a Cut File?

When I say “cut file,” I mean the design that you want to cut from vinyl and put on your shirt or other surface. The most common cut file type is probably SVG, but you might be using a .Studio, .png, .dxf, or .jpg file depending on the software you are using. I personally am a fan of SVG files because they work with most cutting software. (NOTE: You must have at Silhouette Studio Designer Edition or higher to use SVG files, and I definitely recommend that Silhouette users upgrade to Silhouette Studio Designer Edition.)

Where to Find Cut Files

If you are looking for cut files, then be sure to check out the free cut files I have here on the blog. I also have a cut file shop and participate in a monthly cut file bundle that you may want to check out. Finally, I am also regularly pinning awesome cut files to my Silhouette board here.

For this example, I am using my Makers Gonna Make cut file design, which is available in my shop.

 

Scale Design

Once you have your design and surface picked out, you need to measure your surface to determine how big you will need to cut the design.

measure for placement of diy vinyl decal

I will usually just grab a ruler or tape measure to determine how big I want my decal to be. I decided I wanted it to be about 6 inches wide.

Open up your cut file design in your cutting machine software, and then scale the design to the size you want. I am using Silhouette Studio software, but the process should be similar with any program you are using. Simply click on the design and then drag the corner handle to scale the design to the size you want.

A Beginner's Guide to Cutting and Applying Vinyl Decals

2. Cut Design from Vinyl

Now we are ready to load our vinyl into the cutting machine.

Place Vinyl on Cutting Mat

It is possible to cut vinyl directly from the roll without a mat using your Silhouette, and I will add a post all about how to do that soon, but for now, let’s just focus on how to cut with a cutting mat. You can get Silhouette Cameo cutting mats in 12″ x 12” and 12″ x 24″. The Cricut cutting mats are really similar, and I have used Cricut mats with my Silhouette

Whatever mat and machine you are using, put your adhesive vinyl paper backing side down onto your mat so the colored vinyl side is facing up (see image below). If your vinyl came on a roll, you can cut off a piece to fit on your mat. For my decal I decided to use Expressions Vinyl Series 31 removable vinyl in Bright Berry. (For more info on how to choose the right vinyl for your project, check out this post.)

put vinyl on cutting mat

Adjust Cut Settings and Cut

Finally, you will need to adjust the cut settings in your software or on your machine to work with the material you are using. This process will be a little bit different for every cutting machine, but just make sure to choose the settings for the particular type of vinyl you are using (glitter vinyl may require different settings than regular glossy vinyl, for instance). Working with my Silhouette, I selected Vinyl, Matte from the Materials menu.

material settings for cutting adhesive vinyl in silhouette studio

I recommend doing a small test cut, especially when you are working with a new material to make sure the cut settings will work well with the material you are using before attempting to cut the entire design. You want the blade to cut through the vinyl cleanly without cutting through the backing. This is called a “kiss cut,” and it will make it much easier to weed and apply your decal in the next steps. If your test cut has gone through the paper backing, you may need to decrease your thickness/depth or blade setting, or if the test cut didn’t go all the way through the vinyl, you may need to increase the thickness/depth or blade setting.

When you are happy with your cut settings, load your cutting mat with the vinyl paper backing down into your machine, and cut!

cutting vinyl with silhouette cameo

3. Weed out Excess Vinyl

The next step is called “weeding.” Basically, weeding just means removing any excess vinyl from around your design that you do not want to be transferred to your final product.

How to Avoid Wasting Vinyl when Weeding

If your cut design is considerably smaller than the piece of vinyl you cut it from, then I recommend first trimming off the extra vinyl before weeding. You can just use a pair of scissors and trim around your design. This allows you to use the rest of your vinyl piece for another project. (In my weeding images below, I actually cut a rectangle around my design with my Silhouette first and and then trimmed off the extra vinyl with scissors after weeding. Either way works!)

Tips for Weeding Adhesive Vinyl

To weed off the excess vinyl, you will need some kind of tool. I personally use, love, and recommend this weeding hook. It is sharp and works great for removing that vinyl. You can also use a Silhouette hook, a Cricut hook, tweezers, a craft knife, or even a straight pin.

how to weed adhesive vinyl

If you have any difficulty seeing your cut lines, you can try gently bending your vinyl or holding it up to a light or window. The Cricut Bright Pad is another option. Once you find your cut lines, use your hook or other weeding tool to gently lift up the edge of the negative space and pull it up off of the paper backing. I like to start by removing the vinyl from around my design first and then remove the pieces from inside letters and other parts of the design.

3. Use Transfer Tape to Apply Decal

Now that you have your design all weeded, you will have a bunch of separate pieces of vinyl positioned on your paper backing, and you need to move them from the paper backing to your final surface. To do this easily and keep all though pieces where they need to be, you need transfer tape or transfer paper. (I have also written a full step-by-step guide all about working with transfer tape that you can check out right here.)

Guys – a good transfer tape is your secret weapon in becoming a DIY vinyl decal master. There are lots of different brands and types of transfer tape available, but I really like using and highly recommend one of the clear transfer tapes from Expressions Vinyl. One of the rolls will last you forever. If you get it, I do not think you will regret that purchase.

Apply Transfer Tape

Whatever transfer tape you use, start by cutting off a piece about the size of your decal, and smoothing it on to the top of your decal.

 

apply transfer tape to adhesive vinyl

Use an application tool, scraper tool, or even an old credit card to smooth the transfer tape onto the decal. Next, slowly peel the transfer tape and the vinyl decal up off of the paper backing.

pull up diy vinyl decal

Apply Vinyl Decal

Then, carefully position your decal over your surface. Gently place one end down on the surface and smooth it out with your fingers. Then use your application or scraper tool to burnish the decal onto your surface. Remember, the vinyl’s adhesive is activated through pressure, so give it a good rub to get it to stick well.

how to apply diy vinyl decal cut with silhouette cameo

Finally, peel off your transfer tape, and you are all done! Your awesome DIY vinyl decal is applied!

Now that you know how to use adhesive vinyl to create a simple vinyl decal, you might want to try out some more advanced adhesive vinyl techniques:

  • Learn how to make multi-colored vinyl decals easily with registration marks.
  • Learn how to use the hinge method for precise application and smooth application on curved surfaces.
  • Learn how to make colorful and detailed vinyl stickers with printable adhesive vinyl.

If you would like to branch out into the world of heat transfer vinyl and make your own custom t-shirts, tote bags, and more, be sure to check out my beginner’s guide on using heat transfer vinyl right here.

Until next time, Happy Making!

A Beginner's Guide to Cutting and Applying Vinyl Decals

Check out my latest vinyl project posts:

“Yay! You’re here” Free Welcome Mat SVG

Craft, free cut files, home, silhouette, vinyl
2

Free “Whisky Business” SVG Cut File

Craft, cut files, free cut files, gift ideas, heat transfer vinyl, svg, vinyl
0

DIY Pineapple T-Shirt with Free Pineapple SVG Cut File

Craft, cut files, DIY shirts, free cut files, heat transfer vinyl, pineapple, silhouette, svg, vinyl
0

Free Valentine Doodle Heart SVG Cut File

Craft, cut files, free cut files, heat transfer vinyl, svg, svg design squad, Valentine's Day, vinyl
1

DIY Tumblers with Color Changing Vinyl

Craft, adhesive vinyl, summer, vinyl
3

Persia Lou x Expressions Vinyl Mystery Box!

Craft, deals, vinyl
0

Rad Dad Free SVG Cut File for Father’s Day

Craft, cut files, father's day, free cut files, silhouette, vinyl
3

Free Mom Heart Tattoo SVG Cut File

Craft, cut files, free cut files, Mother's Day, silhouette, svg, vinyl
4

Storms Don’t Last Forever Free Cut File + More Inspirational SVG Cut Files

Craft, cut files, free cut files, heat transfer vinyl, silhouette, vinyl
4

Free Feeling Lucky SVG Cut File for St Patrick’s Day

Celebrate, Craft, cut files, free cut files, St Patrick's Day, vinyl
0

Free Love Birds Heart SVG Cut File

Craft, cut files, free cut files, heat transfer vinyl, paper crafts, silhouette, svg, Valentine's Day, vinyl
2

How to Scale and Position Heat Transfer Vinyl Designs

Craft, heat transfer vinyl, vinyl
3

Wheelchair Unicorn Free SVG Cut File

Craft, free cut files, silhouette, svg, vinyl
2

12 Days of Christmas SVG Cut Files

Celebrate, Craft, christmas, cut files, gift ideas, paper crafts, silhouette, vinyl
2

Free Winter Monogram SVG Cut Files

Celebrate, Craft, christmas, cut files, free cut files, heat transfer vinyl, stockings, vinyl
1

January 24, 2018 10:54 pm Alexis Middleton 23 Comments Filed Under: Craft

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Boushra says

    April 1, 2018 at 9:02 pm

    thank you so much for your help

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      April 2, 2018 at 11:45 am

      You are welcome! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and leaving me a comment.

      Reply
  2. Lorna Webster says

    May 25, 2018 at 5:20 am

    Hi, thanks for this, I am a total beginner!

    If I attach transfer tape, the side facing up will then be sticky, correct? What if I want to save it for later, or give it to a friend, what can I cover the sticky side with that will not damage it and will be peelable later, both for regular adhesive vinyl and permanent outdoor vinyl?

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      May 25, 2018 at 8:55 am

      When you apply transfer tape, you put the sticky side of the transfer tape down on top of the decal to help pick it up from the paper backing. The sticky side of the transfer tape should be facing down towards the decal. The top of the transfer tape is not sticky. If you want to get a decal to a friend to apply, I would apply the transfer tape on top of the decal and just leave the paper backing in place. Explain that to apply the decal, they will peel off the paper backing, apply the decal to the surface, and then peel off the transfer tape. I hope that makes sense! Let me know if you still have questions.

      Reply
      • Lorna Webster says

        May 26, 2018 at 4:17 am

        Thank you, I think I understand! So, for example, it will be Transfer tape, middle layer of decal (color, non-sticky side facing transfer tape) and then the paper backing from the vinyl.

        Reply
  3. Misty says

    October 2, 2018 at 8:04 am

    Thanks for the article! I’m a newbie! 🙂 Quick question…I made my cut and when I went to pull the excess vinyl off, what I cut started to pull off (not staying on the backing). What am I doing wrong?? Thanks~

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      October 2, 2018 at 10:04 am

      Is it possible that the cut didn’t go all the way through? If the excess vinyl is still connected in places to your design, it may start to pull up too. So I would recommend adjusting your cut settings and see if that helps. Other than that, my only other tip would be to just go slowly when peeling the vinyl off.

      Reply
  4. Mickey says

    November 30, 2018 at 11:19 am

    Hi Alexis,
    My girlfriend is beginning to get into this stuff and I want to help her out.
    What hardware and materials are good for beginners? I’m looking to buy her a printer but want to make sure I get the right one.
    She wants to do a lot of lettering so whatever you recommend for that would be great.

    Thanks so much for your advice. Great column btw!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      December 4, 2018 at 4:17 pm

      Hi Mickey! I am a Silhouette user personally, but I have lots of friends who love their Cricuts. If she will mostly be cutting vinyl and paper, then I would recommend either the Silhouette Cameo 3 or the Cricut Explore 2. I personally believe the Silhouette software is far superior, which is one reason that I love it. Some people argue that Cricut has an edge in cutting ability, but I don’t have personal experience with that, so I can’t really comment. If she is interested in cutting fabric, maybe check out the Cricut Maker (it is more expensive though). Hope that helps!

      Reply
  5. Linda S says

    December 13, 2018 at 7:39 pm

    I just started using my Cricut to make vinyl decals. My problem is that the paper backing of the vinyl sticks to the mat and doesn’t come off. I’ve tried the lightest duty mat and still managed to ruin the mat. What the heck am I doing wrong? Can I just put the vinyl in without a mat? I have a Cricut Explorer.

    Reply
  6. Nikita says

    February 7, 2019 at 8:09 am

    Hi my name is Nikita and I’m trying to find out all the supplies that I need step by step doing heating vinyls I want to start making my own shirts I’ve been looking at your site for a minute but I don’t know what to start from

    Reply
  7. JUDITH ANN COREY says

    May 28, 2019 at 4:56 pm

    I was lost….I watched videos (not the best ones I guess) and wasted so much time and material…..I saw this post, and found the answer I was looking for. I will follow you from now ON!!!!

    Reply
  8. Beth says

    August 20, 2019 at 6:02 pm

    Hi my daughter is just beginning with her cricket. She has made beautiful designs but everytime she goes to put it on a cup or notebook it will not come off. What is she doing wrong?

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      August 24, 2019 at 1:24 pm

      Hi Beth! The design won’t come off the mug or it won’t come off of the transfer tape? If she is wants it to be removable, then you need to make sure she is using an adhesive vinyl with a removable adhesive. Oracal 631 is a good one to give a try. You can

      Reply
  9. Michelle says

    February 2, 2020 at 10:08 am

    Hi I am totally new using a cricut not to mention vinyl – I am hoping to make some decorative signs for my daughter’s bridal shower- I bought the vinyl sheets multi color to get the hang of it and the transfer paper but forgot the tape – is there special trick to making words? Any additional help would be amazing!! Thank you:)

    Reply
  10. Amy says

    May 14, 2020 at 5:49 pm

    What if you are just covering a very small solid area.. like a solid square inch (think way smaller) is the transfer tape necessary ?! I am covering mini resin lipsticks, and they are small, but I also realized the “permanent” vinyl isn’t so permanent.

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      August 21, 2020 at 4:48 pm

      No. You don’t really need transfer tape for smaller solid shapes. Just peel and stick. 🙂

      Reply
  11. Sara Johnson says

    June 4, 2020 at 11:11 am

    Thank you so much for the info Alexis!I just found your blog a couple of days ago and I love it. I used your idea to make decals to decorate my Cricut, I printed some beautiful boho roses and gorgeous butterflies, they look awesome. Thank you for all of the wonderful information, your instruction or so easy to understand and I love that you share economical ways to make our crafts.

    Reply
  12. Samantha Ly says

    July 15, 2020 at 10:52 pm

    hey Alexis , do you have any guides or steps on how to cut and DIY pictures and words onto a photo frame without any help of a machine?

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      August 21, 2020 at 4:39 pm

      Hmm… I do not, but that is a good suggestion. Thank you!

      Reply
  13. Amy says

    March 2, 2021 at 4:07 am

    Hi, do you recommend permanent or removable vinyl for iPhone/iPad cover projects for withstanding wear and tear of being put in and out of a bag? thanks!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      September 16, 2021 at 8:53 am

      Hi! If you are putting the vinyl onto a case, then I would go with permanent. If you are placing it directly on the device, then you might want to use removable, just to avoid any issues with the adhesive affecting the device itself. Good luck! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Astrid says

    February 12, 2022 at 10:53 pm

    Hola, quiero hacer mi etiquetas para trajes de baño, que tipo de Transfer puedo utilizar,? Y si lo puedo hacer en una impresora casera?

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Looking for Something?

FAVORITE POSTS

crochet cat slouch hablack cat hat - free crochet pattern (with video!) from persia lou

Footer

Content Sharing Policy

First off, thank you so much for being here! I would be so honored if you would like to share one of my projects, but please only use one or two photos and be sure to link back to the original post. Thank you!

If you see anything here that has been improperly credited, please let me know and I will fix it right away. You can email me at persialou@gmail.com.

  • Home
  • About Me!
  • Disclosures and Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2016-2019 persialou.com · Theme by: PDCD