When it comes to selecting the vinyl sheets for your craft project, the magnitude of various attributes, types, and finishes will leave you overwhelmed. However, fret not! This buying guide will demystify the colorful world of the best vinyls for you.
Types Of Vinyl
There are two major types of craft vinyls based on their application.
Adhesive Back Vinyls
Adhesive-backed vinyls are like stickers. The back of the sheets are lined with a sticky material that can adhere to any surface. The adhesive vinyl is an all-rounder craft material that works equally well for making decals, graphic stickers, logos, scrapbooking, and other projects. However, they are not suitable to transfer onto fabrics. The adhesive vinyls have two variants, i.e., permanent and removable.
The permanent adhesive vinyl is great for designing your outdoor and indoor crafts project, and they mostly have a glossy finish. This type of vinyl can sustain the environmental conditions and usual wear & tear for an extended period. Some craft projects from permanent adhesive vinyls can last up to 6-7 years, depending on the product quality.
Removable vinyls are for temporary use. And they are great for party decor and themed craft projects. You can use the temporary adhesive vinyl sheets on walls, windows, and delicate materials without the risk of ruining them.
Heat Transfer Vinyl
This vinyl sheet is applied via heat activation. Therefore, it is suitable for transferring the design onto fabric and heat-resistant surfaces.
Benefits Of Permanent Adhesive Vinyls
Permanent adhesive vinyl has a major edge over the other variants. This craft vinyl is effortless to work with. Just cut out your desired design and decals and paste them on the surface of your choice by peeling the sheet to reveal the adhesive layer.
Permanent vinyl is a cost-efficient and time-saving crafting material. Plus, you can easily avoid the hassle of heating and activation with an iron that is utilized for heat transfer vinyl.
Factors That Matter When You’re Buying Vinyl
Thickness Of Vinyl Sheet
For your craft projects and that of permanent nature, you cannot opt for a flimsy vinyl. Depending on your project requirements, always look for vinyl sheets or rolls with an optimum thickness to brave the drawing, cutting, and weeding pressure without creasing or wrinkling. 2-3 MIL thickness sheets are easier to work with, as they do not tunnel. Sub-standard vinyl that does not have the proper thickness will result in a less-than-impressive project.
Vinyl Finish
Vinyl sheets have a whole range of finishes available. Mostly permanent adhesive vinyl sheets have a glossy finish, but you can also find matte, metallic, holographic, and many other finishes as well. So, the choices for permanent vinyls are endless; however, it is imperative to determine the suitable kind of finish for your craft project.
Longevity & Durability
When you are buying craft vinyl for permanent craft projects, never cut back on the material quality. You do not want a vinyl decal on your car, mug, and interior design projects that would chip away or peel off in mere weeks. Therefore, always invest in a vinyl brand that has a good reputation and delivers top-notch quality. Good-quality permanent vinyl can last as long as 5-6 years and even more.
Vinyl FAQ
Q: What is the difference between 651 & 631 vinyl sheets?
A: All the vinyl sheets from the ORACAL have these codes to determine their type. The 651 vinyl series is a permanent adhesive sheet whereas, the 631 is a temporary vinyl sheet. The 51 in 651 represents ORACAL’s permanent series, and it will last up to 6 years. The 31 in 631 represent the temporary vinyl sheets series. Therefore, the last two digits are the series, and the first represents the vinyl’s durability.
Q: What surfaces are suitable for applying vinyl?
A: Permanent vinyl sheets and rolls with adhesive backing can easily adhere to almost any surface. It’s great for decorating and jazzing up your utensils and everyday items like mugs, jars, glasses, and tumblers. Additionally, it is easily applicable to both flat and curved surfaces. Other than fabrics and woolen materials, the permanent vinyl is great for almost every surface. Whether it’s your car's body, wooden objects, metal, glass, or plastic surfaces, the vinyl goes on without any issue.
Q: Can permanent vinyl survive in the dishwasher?
A: Not all adhesive vinyls are dishwasher safe. However, vinyl sheets with 2.5-3 MIL thickness are suitable to run through the dishwasher cycle. For instance, objects with ORACAL 651 vinyl are dishwasher safe. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm if the vinyl sheet can withstand dishwashing. Plus, if you are still unsure, then handwashing is always a better option for your decorative tumblers, mugs, and jars.