What is Permanent Vinyl Used For

Vinyl is a popular decorative material that is used for a variety of crafts. These different types of vinyl are best used for specific projects, so getting the best result with it depends on knowing how best to use each type. So, let’s understand what permanent vinyl is and what it is used for.

To begin, let’s see what permanent vinyl looks like so it’s easier to visualize the ideas and instructions we’ll discuss.

Here is what permanent vinyl looks like before application:

All you have to do to apply the permanent vinyl is plaster it onto the item, as you would a fancy sticker. Except with permanent vinyl it won’t come off easily. Here is what application would look like:

And, finally, this is what you can expect after plastering the permanent vinyl decoration on the item, of your choice:

Beautiful, glossy-finish and super-easy to do.

Thus, as we can see permanent vinyl is a decorative vinyl that uses an adhesive to stick to items permanently unless ripped off. Therefore, permanent vinyl is more long-lasting than removable vinyl, and it does not use any heat unlike heat transfer vinyl (HTV).

Permanent vinyl is used as a long-lasting and convenient decoration option by DIY enthusiasts and customization experts. The main qualities that determine these use cases are its durability, and water plus UV resistance it possesses.

Here are some projects that work very well with permanent vinyl, because of these amazing properties:

Permanent vinyl is durable and water resistant, making it perfect for custom mugs and tumblers. The stickers designs are easy to apply and weed so you do not have to worry about unsightly glue marks or scratching your glassware.

Since permanent vinyl is durable, you can comfortably use it to create display decor without worrying that the piece you spent hours on will start falling apart after a few weeks. Custom home decorations add personality to the home, so you need something that will stay on. With permanent vinyl, this is possible. Enjoy decorating vases, wooden coasters, and even glass jars for your favorite drinks without worrying about frequent redecoration.

Just like custom interior deco, holiday designs need to last and be remain presentable to save time. With permanent vinyl, you can create your Christmass or Thanksgiving decorations, store them, then use them the next year.

Since permanent vinyl is durable, using on frequently handled items such as storage containers, pens, beverage tumblers, keyholders and laptops will allow your decorations to last longer. You can handle them, rub them against other items and even grip on them without causing damage.

Here is another place where permanent vinyl’s durability shines through: outdoor decor. If you want a material that can stick to a variety of surfaces and withstand the elements, permanent vinyl is the answer. Another amazing plus? Permanent vinyl is UV resistant, meaning you do not have to worry about the sun damaging your outdoor crafts.

In essence, the choice between removable and permanent vinyl depends on the desired level of adhesion and the need for easy removal.

Unlike HTV, permanent vinyl doesn’t require heat. Instead it uses a strong adhesive. Also, it can be used on a wider variety of materials, not just fabrics. In fact, permanent vinyl is not that good with porous materials such as fabrics whereas HTV is excellent for them.

Instead, you can use permanent vinyl to customize glass, finished wood and smooth metal without worrying whether the decoration will fall off or peel.

Here is a detailed explanation of the main differences between the two:

Permanent vinyl and HTV both have two layers with an adhesive placed between them.

For permanent vinyl, we have surface material which is the top layer, backing material which is the bottom layer, and the glue sandwiched between the two layers .

For HTV, there is the film material or decorative vinyl layer at the top, the shiny PET backing which is at the bottom, and the hot-melt adhesive sandwiched between them .

HTV uses heat to activate the adhesive by melting it and thus sticking the film material (decorative vinyl layer) onto the fabric. Then, you peel off the PET layer. For permanent vinyl, you remove the backing to apply the decoration, which already has a strong adhesive. No heat involved.

Another differentiating factor between permanent vinyl and HTV is where the adhesive is found when you separate the two layers. If the stickiness is on the decorative-vinyl, surface layer, then it’s permanent vinyl. If the stickiness is on the other material, then it’s HTV and that material is the PET backing.

Now that you have determined what you can use permanent vinyl for, here are some concepts you need to understand to get the best experience.

Weeding vinyl refers to removing any vinyl that is not part of your design once you cut the design out of the main sheet. When buying wedding tools, request for a weeding needle pen, or weeding tweezers. You could also get a DIY vinyl weeding tools kit like the ones we stock. This kit has everything you need to get the job done.

Transfer tape is a clear, one-sided, and sticky sheet with a grid of red lines. It is used to pick up and cut permanent vinyl decorations to place them on your project. The tape makes it easier to handle the cutouts when positioning them on designs.

You’ll notice that you need to press and smooth down your vinyl decorations if you want it to stick properly. Squeegees and scraper tools for DIY handcrafts are designed to make this process as convenient as possible. They smoothen the decoration by removing any air trapped underneath, and resemble small, flat paddles that you can find here.

Using permanent vinyl is pretty simple, especially with the right tools as we have discussed. However, there are some questions you may have the first time you use it to spruce up your gifts. Let’s answer the most common ones so you can try permanent vinyl with confidence.

When cutting, the backing side of the permanent vinyl goes down while the decorative shiny surface stays up, facing you.

Another issue that DIY enthusiasts face when dealing with permanent vinyl is how to cut it. If you have ever used other types of vinyl, you have probably already encountered the idea of mirroring your designs, However, we do not mirror permanent vinyl.

Mirroring refers to flipping your design before cutting in such a way that it appears in the right way on your item. When it comes to permanent vinyl, you do not need to do that: the design is facing you already so all you have to do is put the backing side down and cut out your design with a pair of scissors or a craft knife.

Do not cut the backing material as you need it to hold the design together until application. This rule also applies to HTV. When cutting, put the PET backing side down on the cutting mat then cut after mirroring your design. Do not damage the PET layer underneath.

If you are using a machine to cut, use the correct settings for best results. Usually you will have options like ‘vinyl’ or ‘premium vinyl’ to choose from and either will be perfect.

There you have it: ideas on what you can use permanent vinyl on and why. As a creative, you may already be getting ideas on what other projects you can use permanent vinyl on outside of the ones discussed here. That’s great! Let those creative juices flow.

To help you avoid any mistakes in this process of discovery, let’s briefly go over some instances where you should avoid using permanent vinyl and why.

Porous and textured surfaces such as fabrics, unfinished wood, stone, and concrete, have discontinuous profiles which means that the permanent vinyl adhesive has less area to adhere to. This characteristic means that the permanent vinyl will not adhere properly and over time, it may bubble, lift, or peel.

What’s more, the spaces left in porous or textured surfaces can trap air and solid or liquid particles like dust and rain. If you’re doing an outdoor DIY project, then these issues will affect the integrity of the adhesive and reduce your decoration’s lifespan significantly.

For best results, stick to treated wood, glass, and smooth synthetic plastics. Any material with a smooth, even surface is excellent for permanent vinyl decorations.

Although permanent vinyl is ideal for customized kitchenware, it is not suitable for all kitchen items. For example, permanent vinyl is great for custom mugs, but if you are going to frequently put the mug in the microwave, your decoration will be destroyed.

For decorations like interior wall decals for a party, in a rental home or an event, avoid using this type of vinyl. Such decorations will need to be removed, so using permanent vinyl is just a bad idea.

Will it be a personalized notebook for your cousin? Some cool stickers for your laptop? Or perhaps a new set of customized glasses for your favorite fizzy drink on warm afternoons? Whatever you choose to use permanent vinyl for, it will deliver amazing results. Now that you also know all important tips and tricks, nothing is holding you back from enjoying permanent vinyl.