How to Print on Vinyl

Ever wondered how to go about making bright, customized stickers, professional-looking decals, or personalized designs that will last? Printing on vinyl is one of the most popular ways to add flexibility and a professional touch.

Research shows that the custom vinyl printing industry is growing rapidly because it reflects a wider trend toward personalization and branding across many industries. This market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2%, reaching around USD 68.5 billion by 2030.

With that said, we hope to guide you through these crucial topics (and so much more) in this article:

Is this your first time printing on vinyl? You’ll be pleased to know that this technique allows for precise designs and long-lasting results. If you're ready to unlock your creativity and bring your ideas to life, we can get started!

If you're new to the world of vinyl printing, there are specific materials and tools you'll need to achieve quality prints. So here is a little summary of what you need:

Get yourself all these materials and create a strong base for all your vinyl printing projects! If you want more information on this, please refer to this blog.

Selecting the right vinyl is like picking the perfect canvas for your artwork. There are different vinyl variations for various needs, and your choice is going to be crucial in the success of your project:

Knowing the different properties of the various vinyl types will help in picking the best vinyl type for your project so it will turn out striking and durable. This article will help you determine the right settings for your heat press machine. 

Projects made using the Cricut vinyl are so much fun and rewarding. First, prepare your Cricut by reading the setup directions inside the machine package. Once you've got your machine up and running, open Cricut Design Space, where you can create or import your designs. There are many templates to make it easy to start your project.

Make sure to use the right vinyl size for your shirt. This handy guide should help you out on that front.

After designing, load your printable vinyl sheet into the machine. Make sure the shiny side is facing up for the best results. Adjust the cut settings according to the type of vinyl you’re using, then let the Cricut do the work. After the cutting process is finished, delicately peel away the extra vinyl that surrounds the design created.

Using some transfer tape, lift your design off the backing and put it onto the desired surface. This straightforward technique is the key solution to transforming practically anything from home improvement to custom-made items.

The majority of printers are not made with vinyl in mind, therefore understanding which printer does what best is very helpful in saving time and evading irritation. There are also many means, but inkjet printers are the most widely used and numerous since they are used for various types of vinyl projects where color reproduction and fine detail are of great importance.

However, should you wish to create an item that will be placed outdoors or is heavy-duty, then it is recommended that you use an eco solvent printer as it has more strengthened features. That said, here are additional aspects to think about:

These considerations will help you choose a printer that meets your vinyl printing needs effectively. Now that we’ve covered all the essentials, including picking the right printer and gathering the necessary tools and materials, let’s get started with the fun part—bringing your designs to life!

In this segment, we shall take you through the entire process of vinyl printing, beginning with the preparation of your design and concluding with the lustrous final print. So, let’s get started and help turn your ideas into reality!

Choose a premium quality printable vinyl such as HTVRONT’s printable vinyl and check that the inkjet printer has a rear feed tray that will handle thicker material better.

Take one piece of printable vinyl and place it inside the rear tray of the printer with the right side up.

Select and scale your design on Cricut Design Space or any similar software. Feel free to add an offset if you want a border like a sticker. Resize the design to fit the item you wish to print that design on.

Set the printer to high-quality settings and choose glossy paper in the printer menu. Enable “Add Bleed” to avoid misaligned cuts.

Place the printed vinyl on the HTVRONT cutting mat and secure it with a brayer to eliminate bubbles or wrinkles.

Load the mat into the cutting machine. Choose the "Printable Vinyl" setting, then start the cut. The machine will scan the registration marks and cut around your design precisely.

Carefully peel the cut design off the mat. If using transfer tape, reduce its stickiness by patting it on fabric before application. Your printable vinyl sticker is now ready to use!

And there you go! A clear guide to help you get that vinyl printed on your shirt. Perhaps you may want to get rid of it and try another design. We’ve made this article just to ensure you get the process right. As always, get in touch with us for any questions!

Laminating vinyl is a great way to protect your designs and make them more durable, especially for outdoor use or items exposed to moisture. To start, choose a clear laminating sheet that matches the size of your vinyl design. Peel back a portion of the laminating sheet’s backing and slowly stick it to the vinyl, using a squeegee to press it down evenly and remove air bubbles as you go.

Make sure to work gradually and smoothly to avoid wrinkles. Once laminated, your vinyl will be more resistant to water, scratches, and fading. This extra layer not only increases durability but also gives your design a polished, professional look. If you’re planning to use your vinyl for stickers, decals, or labels, lamination is a must.

For even better results, you might want to opt for a cold laminator which offers a bubble-free finish. This process significantly increases the durability of your vinyl projects, giving them a neat and attractive finish for a long time.

Cutting out the vinyl designs is the fun part! If you are using a Cricut or any other cutting machine, place your vinyl on the cutting mat with the shiny side up. Adjust the settings on the cutting machine appropriately to help prevent overcutting or ripping the material itself.

Once the operation of the machine is over, it’s time to use the weeding tool to remove excess vinyl that is not part of the design.

This step can be a bit delicate, but it’s super satisfying to see your design come to life! If you’re going the manual route, don’t worry. Use sharp scissors or a craft knife to cut your vinyl, especially if your design is simple. Just go slowly and keep a steady hand for those clean edges.

Apply transfer tape to lift your design without messing it up, which is handy for intricate patterns. This way, your vinyl is ready to be transferred smoothly onto your chosen surface!

The process of applying your vinyl design can be both entertaining and fulfilling! To begin, prepare the surface; it should be neat and dry to enhance its sticking properties. Use a measuring tape to locate the place where your design will be placed, and where necessary, make a light pencil mark to indicate it.

Then carefully remove the backing of the vinyl design making sure that the vinyl remains stuck on the transfer tape. And to the surface of the design, place it in such a way that it is held and pressed downwards, inward from the sides. This avoids the trapping of air bubbles.

When the vinyl is positioned, use the squeegee or fingers to press down to improve adhesion. Lastly, carefully remove the transfer tape while leaving your stunning design intact. It’s quite normal if you see some bubbles! You may even want to nudge them towards the sides a bit. With a bit of time, however, your vinyl will be glorious! 

The vinyl printing community is full of ideas that can come in handy to enhance your work. Below are some of the best tips and recommendations from proficient design artists to help you achieve smooth and clean finishes when working with vinyl.

Before you print a large batch, test your design on a small piece of vinyl. This way, you can check the printer settings, colors, and cutting accuracy without wasting a lot of materials. It’s a quick step that can save you time and effort later. This post should help you explore some unique vinyl sticker ideas.

The community consistently recommends using high-quality vinyl and transfer tape. Though affordably priced options may lure you in, they typically don’t last long and may even flake off easily. Due to their good adhesion and durability, it is no wonder that the HTVRONT vinyl varieties are among the most preferred ones.

If you are using a Cricut machine, a helpful suggestion would be to increase the cut pressure a little bit when cutting complicated patterns. This helps avoid snagging or incomplete cuts, which can make weeding much easier.

Weeding out small, unwanted vinyl pieces is easier when you work under a bright light. This simple trick helps spot tiny cuts and makes the whole process faster and more accurate.

Online forums and Facebook groups are great for troubleshooting and sharing ideas. They offer valuable advice on tools, materials, and common issues you might face during your projects.

Of course, throughout your vinyl printing process, you're bound to run into a few common problems. But don’t worry—every issue has a fix! Here are some typical challenges and how to solve them:

This usually happens if your printer settings aren’t right or if the ink isn't compatible with the vinyl. To fix this, ensure you're using the recommended ink for your printer and vinyl, and try adjusting your printer settings to use a lower ink saturation.

If your vinyl isn’t sticking well to your surface, it could be due to dust or grease. Clean the surface thoroughly with rubbing alcohol before applying the vinyl. Also, ensure you’re using the right type of vinyl for the material you're working with.

Air bubbles can form during application, leading to a bumpy finish. To prevent this, apply the vinyl slowly with a squeegee, working from the center out. If bubbles appear, use a pin to pop them and smooth out the area.

This can occur if your cutting blade is dull or if you’re using incorrect machine settings. Always check the sharpness of your blade and adjust the cut pressure and speed for different types of vinyl.

By knowing these common problems and their solutions, you'll be able to tackle any vinyl printing project with confidence!

When working with vinyl, safety is important. Be cautious while using sharp tools like craft knives and cutting machines, and ensure good ventilation if you’re using solvent-based inks. Also, avoid cheap or unbranded materials to minimize issues like peeling or ink bleeding.

If you’re ready to dive into vinyl printing, HTVRONT has your back.

We have a range of quality vinyl supplies and helpful resources to support your creative journey. From choosing the right vinyl to mastering application techniques, we’re here to help you succeed. Feel free to get in touch with us with any questions, and we’ll be happy to guide you through each step. Happy printing!