Table of Contents
Printable Vinyl Instructions:
- Before you begin, it is important to note that Royal Elements printable vinyl comes in multiple varieties (glossy, matte, and clear). Matte is the most waterproof and durable, followed by clear and glossy. However, for full protection from the elements we suggest protecting your stickers by using Royal Elements laminating sheets which will completely waterproof and provide UV protection for your artwork.
- Print a test copy of the desired image on a normal sheet of paper. If the image is not satisfactory, simply adjust your printing options until the image comes out as you like. To increase the quality of the print, select “Photo glossy paper” for glossy and clear printable vinyl or “matte” for matte printable vinyl and select the highest resolution under the media and quality settings on your printer.
- Please be aware that most printable vinyl is for inkjet printers only- printing with a laser printer will not provide a quality print and may damage your printer or printable vinyl.
- Load your printable vinyl sheets one at a time to avoid printer jams in the direction that your printer dictates. The back side of most printable vinyl is usually matted and some brands provide markings to distinguish which side is not printed.
- Print the vinyl and allow up to 5 minutes to let the ink dry and set it. If the ink is not dry by then you may be using an incompatible ink type or printer type. In this case it may be best to go to your local print shop or borrow a friend’s printer.
- Cut out the printed sticker with scissors. A Cricut machine can be used for matte and some clear and glossy printable vinyls, however if the finish is too shiny it may cause errors and will need to be covered by matte tape.
- Before placing the sticker on the desired object, clean the surface with a wet cloth and dry it off.
- Stand back, take a deep breath, and enjoy your new masterpiece!
What is Printable Vinyl?
Printable vinyl is a type of craft vinyl that is designed to be printed on using an inkjet or laser printer.
The specific type of printable vinyl you choose will depend on the brand and your specific needs.
Royal Elements provide high quality permanent and waterproof printable vinyl that can be found on our store page of this website.
There are also waterproof printable vinyl options available.
Printable vinyl is a great option for projects that require intricate details or smaller designs, as it eliminates the need for complex layering.
You can print your design onto the vinyl using your inkjet printer and then cut it out using a die-cut machine like the Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Explore.
Different Types of Printable Vinyl
Printable vinyl comes in various thicknesses, materials, and finishes.
There are three main types of printable vinyl: glossy, matte, and clear (holographic is also becoming more popular).
Each type has its own advantages and considerations.
1. Glossy Printable Vinyl
Glossy printable vinyl offers a beautiful gloss finish and can be printed at extremely high resolution, resulting in photo-like quality.
It is best suited for indoor projects that are not subjected to heavy abuse.
Some examples of using glossy printable vinyl include custom candle labels, tumblers, laptop stickers, and event planners.
The high-gloss finish adds a professional touch to your designs and makes them visually appealing.
2. Matte Printable Vinyl
Matte printable vinyl is highly durable and practical, making it an excellent choice for heavy-duty items such as sports equipment, water bottles, glasses, and bumper stickers.
While it may not have the same print resolution and visual appeal as glossy vinyl, it offers superior durability.
You can confidently apply matte printable vinyl to mailboxes, car bumpers, cups, and other utensils without worrying about it getting damaged.
However, one drawback of matte printable vinyl is that it tends to attract dust and debris over time, requiring regular cleaning to maintain its appearance.
3. Clear Printable Vinyl
For a low-profile and professional-looking finish, clear printable vinyl is the ideal choice.
It provides a transparent background, allowing the design to seamlessly blend with the surface it is applied to.
Clear printable vinyl works best on white surfaces to achieve the best contrast.
It is perfect for creating labels, decals, and stickers that require a subtle and seamless appearance.
Applications of Printable Vinyl
Printable vinyl can be used for a variety of applications, including car decals, mugs, tumblers, laptops, and more.
It works similarly to adhesive vinyl, allowing you to create custom designs and apply them to different surfaces.
One of the advantages of printable vinyl is that it saves time and effort, especially when dealing with intricate designs.
Instead of layering multiple vinyl pieces, you can simply print your design onto the vinyl and cut it out.
This makes it a popular choice for crafters and DIY enthusiasts.
Difference Between Printable Iron On Vinyl and Printable Vinyl
Printable vinyl and printable HTV are two completely different types of crafting material.
While both of these materials can be printed on using an inkjet printer, the main difference lies in how they are applied to the base surface.
Printable iron on vinyl is primarily used on fabric and requires a heat source, such as an iron, Cricut EasyPress, or heat press, for proper adhesion.
It allows you to create custom designs on fabric items, providing a durable and long-lasting result.
On the other hand, printable vinyl and printable sticker paper function more like traditional stickers.
They can be applied to smooth surfaces like glass, plastic, metal, notebook covers, and even paper.
These materials do not require heat for adhesion and are best suited for non-fabric applications.
Choosing the Right Printable Vinyl
When selecting printable vinyl, it’s important to consider your specific project requirements.
Here are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Brand: Different brands offer different types of printable vinyl, including temporary, permanent, and waterproof options. Research and choose a brand that aligns with your needs.
- Printer Compatibility: Ensure that the printable vinyl you choose is compatible with your inkjet printer. Laser printers are generally not recommended for printing on printable vinyl, as they can reach high temperatures that may damage the vinyl and the printer. However, HTVRont printable vinyl is compatible with laser printers.
- Application Surface: Consider the surface you will be applying the printable vinyl to. If it is a fabric item, printable HTV may be the best option. If it is a smooth surface like glass or plastic, printable vinyl or printable sticker paper may be more suitable.
- Durability: If your project requires a waterproof or long-lasting result, opt for a printable vinyl that offers these features.
Conclusion
Printable vinyl is a versatile craft material that allows you to print designs using your inkjet printer and apply them to various surfaces.
Whether you’re creating car decals, mugs, laptops, or other personalized items, printable vinyl offers a convenient and efficient solution.
By following the step-by-step instructions and considering the different types of printable vinyl available, you can easily create custom designs and achieve professional-looking results.
Explore our shop page or visit our store on Amazon at www.amazon.com/royalelements for printable vinyl and additional arts & crafts products.
So, unleash your creativity and start exploring the possibilities of printable vinyl today!
