There are many, many types of vinyl and uses for it! Today I am going to show you your options and materials you can apply it to. I will also give you ideas on where to purchase.
Before we start, I will say that there is a difference in “grades” of adhesive. Adhesive vinyl has a sticky back and can be applied with transfer paper. Lower grade vinyl is considered calendar, while higher grade is considered cast. The main difference is the production methods. Oh, wait and the price too!
Removable (Oracal 631) Vinyl
631 is durable for up to 3 years (most durable for 3 years indoors) and does not handle weather/extreme conditions well. This type is also what you see at local craft stores. Cricut vinyl (manufacturer is Provo Craft) is considered 631 and is found in rolls at Michaels, JoAnns, etc. This goes for the Silhouette brand as well. (Note: Oracal is a highly recommended brand name, although locally, there is usually not much of a selection.) Check out the 631, choose from 92 colors!
Permanent (Oracal 651) Vinyl
651 is considered a higher quality due to its durability (up to 6 years). It can be used indoors and outdoors, including car decals. The adhesive is cured after 24 hours of applications and does not have to be sealed to be permanent. Occasionally you can find this at a local store. 651 will not be on a roll, but a 12×12 sheet instead. I consider it to be about the weight of a piece of cardstock, and the paper backing will indicate Oracal 651. You can purchase this kind here if you want to!
High Performance (Oracal 751) Cast Vinyl
Cast Vinyl (751 & 951) is a higher grade than previously mentioned. Also, this is where the production process classifies them as being different They are typically thinner and can be manipulated easier when applying in larger pieces. The durability is rated for up to 8 years. In spite what you may have heard, Oracal does not make any claims that this grade is dishwasher safe! This is where the price point changes as well.
Premium (Oracal 951) Cast Vinyl
Last on the adhesive list of vinyl, is the 951 series. It is most durable and used in high-quality lettering/decoration, fleet, and vehicle wrapping. This is not in stores and is the most expensive.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be! Heres the short story.
- Best permanent option (for crafts, home decor projects, decals, etc.) is 651
- Be sure to let it cure for 24 hours (this means no washing, touching, or using the project. I personally usually wait 2 days)
- Apply properly! Clean the surface if possible with rubbing alcohol before starting
- If you want to make wall art, use 631…it won’t tear the paint off if you decide to take it down
Note: You will see people using heat on 651 for canvas signs. SOMETIMES this is okay…but there is not an accurate time or temperature for this, it’s more like trial and error.
Now, moving on the heat transfer vinyl…
Heat Transfer Vinyl
HTV is applied by using heat, you can use an iron or heat press. This CANNOT be used as adhesive. You want to use HTV if you are applying to a garment/cloth material. Instead of using transfer paper, HTV comes with a carrier sheet. This is a clear piece over the top of the actual vinyl. LEAVE THIS ON WHEN YOU APPLY HEAT!!! What happens if you don’t? Well then the vinyl melts to your iron or heat press and you have a huge mess!! And just an FYI there are different heat and pressure settings for each type, so don’t forget to see this post for the Ultimate Guide to Siser Vinyl.
Let’s start with the basics. Siser is a name brand that is very reputable in the vinyl world. More so with heat transfer. You will be super excited to know that local craft stores have started carrying this!!
Siser Easyweed
Easyweed is Siser’s standard HTV. In comparison to other brands, it is definitely thinner. Personally speaking, it is super easy to weed (hence the name, LOL) and the quality is excellent! This is what you will see locally, rolled up, and hanging in the vinyl section. Hint: Michaels, AC Moore, and JoAnn’s coupons work on this purchase, unlike Cricut.
Siser Stretch
Stretch is the thinnest HTV Siser offers. It is meant to be applied where the material will be stretched. This could be women’s shirts, baby bodysuits, etc. This type is also great for larger designs, they aren’t prone to cracking after washing multiple times.
UPDATE: Michael’s has started to carry some variations
Siser Stripflock
Unlike other options, Stripflock has texture. This is great for layering projects and can be layered on itself. Some use it for a vintage look as well! Using this as a base layer also prevents the garment color from showing through. For example, I made can coolers and used an American flag pattern. Then when I applied the stretch vinyl, some of the colors were prominent through the vinyl. I should have used Stripflock!
What to take away from HTV?
- Do not remove the carrier sheet before applying
- Always check for the proper time and temperature
- Be sure that the HTV can be applied to your garment. Some materials like certain vinyl better.
Browse the Sister HTV Collection
Alright, that’s a wrap! My hope is you now have a better understanding of vinyl. Don’t forget to sign up for weekly tidbits straight to your inbox! I will be sending out project ideas, with full tutorials and supply list to make your life easier!
If you would, let me know in the comment section what your favorite vinyl is or what project you are currently working on!