You don’t have to be in grade school to enjoy arts and crafts. Crafting is more popular than ever, with digital die-cutting machines, Cricuts, and various materials to use. Many crafters even take to social media to promote their crafting business, providing a second or primary source of income successfully.
If you’re new to crafting, the amount of information out there can be overwhelming. Vinyl is a popular crafting material that newbies may be nervous to try.
Creating mugs, t-shirts, and car decals are one of the most common crafting designs. Different types of vinyl are used for different projects, though. Using the right vinyl is a must for a beautiful and polished finished product.
How do you know which one to use when so many different types exist? This guide walks you through the various types of vinyl and explains what each is best suited for.
Adhesive Vinyl
Adhesive vinyl has a sticky paper backing that is removed before placing the vinyl on hard, smooth surfaces. It comes in various thicknesses, colors, and sizes, though rolls and sheets are the standard purchase.
Once the adhesive vinyl has been cut using the die-cutter, transfer tape is put on the decal before placing it on the mug or other hard object.
After placing the decal on the desired object, the adhesive backing is removed, and the transfer tape comes off.
There are many kinds of adhesive vinyl for your crafting needs.
- Stencil Vinyl
- Etched Glass Vinyl
- Glitter Vinyl
- Metallic Vinyl
- Chalkboard Vinyl
- Glow in the Dark Vinyl
- Transparent Vinyl
Heat Transfer Vinyl
Heat Transfer Vinyl, or HTV, is heat-activated and is most commonly used with fabrics. Once the vinyl is cut, it’s adhered to t-shirts, totes, and other fabrics using the heat of an iron or heat press.
Common HTV styles include:
- Flocked
- Glitter
- Metallic
- Holographic
- Reflective
- Stretch
- Patterned
For your heat-transfer projects, get familiar with HTV. You’ll love it when you see it in action!
Removable Indoor Vinyl
Indoor signs, wall decals, and stencils use removable indoor vinyl. This type of material helps crafters who want to paint over wood or a wall, glass, and other projects. You can use it as a stencil to get creative without starting from scratch.
The thing to keep in mind about indoor vinyl is that it is removable, so if you want something to last a long time, look for other material sources. But if you’re working on a project and a temporary stencil or holding place will help you move to your next step, removable indoor vinyl is an excellent tool.
Outdoor Permanent Vinyl
When you see vehicles with tinted designs on them, chances are, the designer used permanent outdoor vinyl. This kind of material is best suited for outdoor designs that are often exposed to the elements.
The sun, wind, and water can destroy your creation without using the correct material. However, it doesn’t have to be solely used for outside artwork. Many indoor crafters prefer this material because of its durability and long-lasting features.
Permanent vinyl is often used for outdoor projects, such as car decals and outdoor signs. It should also be used for objects that are frequently exposed to water, like coffee mugs. The permanent vinyl can be removed but not without damage.
In general, if you’re working on windows, outdoor signs, car decals, or anything that you want to remain permanent, this glossy vinyl is a wise choice.
