Vinyl & materials guide
Picking the wrong vinyl is the #1 reason a project peels. Here is what each common material is for, how to apply it and how to care for it.
Permanent adhesive vinyl
Use it for: Things that get wet or live outside: tumblers, mugs, water bottles, outdoor signs, car windows.
- Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry.
- Press from the center out, then peel the transfer tape back at a low angle (about 45°).
Care: Wait 24–48 hours before washing. Hand washing is the safest; skip the dishwasher unless the vinyl maker says it can go in.
Removable adhesive vinyl
Use it for: Temporary decor: walls (great for renters), laptops, seasonal windows, stencils.
- Comes off cleanly for a long time, so it's ideal for decor you change every season.
Care: Indoors only; not made for frequent washing.
Iron-on (heat transfer vinyl, HTV)
Use it for: Fabric: cotton, polyester and blends; also wood. The only way to get glitter, metallic and holographic finishes.
- MIRROR the design before cutting (shiny side down on the mat).
- Use the time, temperature and pressure printed on YOUR vinyl's instructions: they change from brand to brand.
Care: Wait 24 hours before washing. Wash and dry inside out, no bleach; iron only on the reverse side.
Sublimation-style inks (infusible sheets)
Use it for: Designs that become part of the fabric: no cracking or peeling. Needs light, high-polyester blanks; does not work on 100% cotton.
- Mirror the design.
- Follow the blank's and the sheet's own heat instructions.
Care: Wash inside out in cold water, tumble dry low, no bleach or fabric softener.
Printable sticker vinyl or paper (Print Then Cut)
Use it for: Full-color stickers, labels and multi-color decals printed on an inkjet printer, then cut by the machine.
- Most printable vinyls are for inkjet printers.
- A clear laminate sheet makes stickers much more water resistant (it may need a stronger cut setting).
Care: Water resistant is not dishwasher safe: hand wash. Wait 24–48 hours after applying.
Cardstock
Use it for: Cards, gift tags, layered paper flowers, party decor and cake toppers.
- Use a sticky mat that still grips, and choose the cardstock weight you bought in the material list.
Care: Keep dry. Glue layers with a thin line of craft glue or foam dots for depth.
About heat settings: time, temperature and pressure change from brand to brand and between heat presses. Always use the numbers printed on your material, and test on a scrap first.
More free guides
Decal size chartHow big to cut it: shirts by size, mugs, tumblers, totes, signs and Print Then Cut.
Crafter's glossaryWeld, Attach, Slice, weeding, kiss cut… every word explained in one line.
Seasonal selling calendarWhen to make and list each holiday design, so it's ready when buyers shop.
Quick fixesStuck right now? Short answers to the most common beginner problems.Want every answer on paper?
The Maker Playbook puts Design Space and Print Then Cut on one printable page per topic, with practice files.