Back to Basics: How to Apply a Vinyl Decal

As you know, we’re participating in a fun series this month with four other blogs; it’s called Back to Basics and every Monday, we’re all going to cover something basic that we think everyone should know (but might not!).  That’s where we’ll come in, as we’ll share our design and decor 101 ideas {see our previous posts here and here}.

I recommend that you pin all of them to your “Tips” or “Good to Know” boards on Pinterest, if you have those, for future reference.  My “Tips” board is {here} and that’s where I’ll be pinning all of the great ideas our fellow bloggers come up with.

Today I’m covering how to apply a vinyl decal.  Since I have a Silhouette CAMEO and have been cutting and applying vinyl for years now, this seems like a very basic skill to me, but every day I come across customers at our Etsy shop that have never done this before.  It’s so easy!

You can read my tutorial on how to create round monograms {here}.  If you have a vinyl cutter, then {this} is the only vinyl I use–it’s the best I’ve ever tried.

Here’s what you do.

1.  First, start with the item you want to decorate.  I’m using my black and white striped Kate Spade planner, which is just crying out for a gold monogram, don’t you think?

Since vinyl will stick best to clean, smooth surfaces, prepare your surface ahead of time. I’ll usually clean mirrors and other glass surfaces with Windex and let them dry.

2.  Your vinyl comes in three layers:  the top transfer tape (it might be clear or opaque), the monogram itself, and then the backing sheet on the bottom.

3.  Remove the backing sheet, leaving the sticker attached to the top transfer paper (if it doesn’t want to peel away from the backing sheet, rub it with a credit card or popsicle stick until it separates cleanly).

4.  Position the decal in place…vinyl can often be repositioned if you use a light touch but it’s best if you make sure that you place it correctly the first time.

5.  Use a credit card, popsicle stick, or even your fingertips to smooth any wrinkles or air bubbles out of the decal and affix it to the surface.

6.  Peel the transfer tape away from the decal; if the decal lifts with the tape, just burnish it again with the popsicle stick or credit card until it adheres.

7.  Enjoy your fabulous new decal, and when it’s time to remove it, visit {this} post for my tips on easy removal of adhesive vinyl decals.

There is an alternate method for large decals, although I don’t use it myself.

Mix 1 cup of cold tap water with one drop of dish soap.  Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle, or you can use a lint-free rag or sponge instead.  Apply the water mixture liberally to the surface.  This allows you to work from the center to the outside, smoothing out the sticker and eliminating wrinkles or air bubbles.  Once the decal is in place, let it dry for about 15 minutes and then spray the backing paper with the water mixture and carefully peel it off.  If an edge lifts from the surface, use the popsicle stick to smooth it back down and wait a couple more minutes for further drying.

That’s all there is to it!

Let me know if you have any questions, and be sure to check out the other bloggers in the Back to Basics Series:

Being Bianca  |  The Heathered Nest  |  House By Hoff |

Southern State of Mind  |  This is Our Bliss

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