A simple, beginner friendly project to take that special gift to the next level!
Think birthday gifts, an end of year teacher “thank you”, matching items for the kids or a little side hustle for some extra cash. Whatever your ideas, Sticky Vinyl has everything you need to start your next project.
What I used:
- 20oz Trailblazer Drink Bottle (Mint)
- Metamark M7 Glossy White
- Standard Grip Transfer Tape
- Tape Measure
- Weeding Pen
- Scraper/Squeegee
- Tabletop Scrap Collector
- Silicone Glass/Tumbler Holder
- Isopropyl Alcohol
Step 1: Creating your design
A simple name is all in the font!
If you have a subscription to Design Space, there are plenty of cute fonts to choose from. If, however, you are saving money and looking for other options, there are lots of websites offering free downloads. My favourites include DaFont.com and fontspace.com
Stay tuned for a separate blog on how to install and use these fonts in Design Space!
Once you’ve found the perfect font, it’s time to make sure your design is sized to fit your blank. Start by measuring the maximum length or width you have available to work with. I wanted my name to be no longer than 13cm.
Step 2: Cutting your design
But which vinyl should I use?
Great question! Rule of thumb: Permanent Adhesive Vinyl is perfect for hard substrates (drink bottles, cups, acrylic blanks, mirrors, etc.), and Heat Transfer Vinyl, also known as HTV or Iron-on, is perfect for soft substrates (t-shirts, bags, pencil cases, etc.)
If this is your first time using a new vinyl, I always recommend doing a test cut first - This will save you time and vinyl! Just a small cut in the top corner of the vinyl, a little star or flower shape, just to check it cuts through and weeds easily. Every machine cuts differently, depending on the vinyl brand, type, machine age, blade sharpness (or bluntness for that matter).
For this project, I am using a Cricut Maker with a standard cutting mat. This is usually my go-to cutting mat for adhesive vinyl. However, if your standard cutting mat is brand new and very tacky, you might want to use a light-grip mat for adhesives with a paper backing. For my machine, I have found the perfect setting for the Metamark M7 is “Premium Outdoor Vinyl”.
Once you're confident in getting the perfect cut, it’s time to let your machine do its thing.
Step 3: Weeding
You’ve got 2 options here, depending on the font you have chosen to use.
Option 1 - Weeding the traditional way by removing the unwanted sections of the vinyl. This works well if you have a chunkier style font with fewer intricate elements.
Option 2 - “Reverse weeding”. This is where you apply your transfer tape to the entire design, then remove the unwanted sections. This works well for thinner fonts with intricate elements.
Step 4: Preparing your blank
Preparation is key!
To make sure your design adheres properly to your blank and lasts, do not skip this step.
Remove any oily residue or fingerprints with some isopropyl alcohol - you can buy this from your local supermarket, chemist or hardware store. Apply a small amount to a microfibre cloth and clean the area where you plan to place your vinyl, then leave it to air-dry. If I am using the vinyl on a hard surface like a drink bottle, glass, or container, I also wash it in warm, soapy water, completely dry it, and then go over it with isopropyl alcohol before applying the vinyl.
Step 5: Applying your design
Once the area is completely dry, you’re ready to apply your design.
This is where your transfer tape comes in. If you haven’t already used the reverse weeding method, you will need to apply transfer tape to your vinyl design. To ensure a smooth transition, make sure you burnish well with your scraper/squeegee on both the front and back of the design, then flip the design over and remove the backing sheet from the vinyl.
Line up your design where you want to place it on your blank and press down with your thumb or scraper tool and carefully press along the design to ensure it is applied evenly, then apply firm pressure using the scraper or your thumbs to make sure the vinyl is fully adhered.
Carefully remove your transfer tape, continuing to rub the vinyl gently, and TA-DA, your personalised, one-of-a-kind gift is ready!
Now that you’ve mastered a simple name, why not try layering some vinyl to really make your name pop or add some flowers, etc.? The possibilities are endless. You just need your imagination and the right tools.
