How to Make Decals With Cricut: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
Hey, Cricut fam! I am glad to see you on my blog! I assume you must be here to learn how to make decals with Cricut. Do you know what I created with my Cricut recently? They are custom decals for my laptop. Yes, it looks really incredible on my laptop! I know you probably don’t want to make custom decals for your laptop. But this blog can be helpful even if you want to create a car or wall decal.
This is because the steps provided by this blog will be the same for all types of decals. So, if you want to make decals for cars, mugs, or walls, follow my instructions carefully till the end of this blog. But wait! Are you also wondering what material you are going to use for creating decals? Chillax! I have already mentioned them in this blog. Now, let’s start!
Essential Supplies and Tools for Creating a Cricut Decal
Do you know why I chose to make a decal for my laptop only? I could have also chosen wall or car decals. But I chose a laptop because it was my birthday gift from my dad. Since then, this laptop has been very close to my heart. Hence, I now want to give it a wonderful look.
To make these laptop decals, we will need some supplies. Afterward, you will learn how to make decals with Cricut. Below is the list of supplies I used for making a decal for my laptop:
Cricut Explore 3
Laptop
Material Trimmer
Accessories
Smart Vinyl (in red color)
Transfer Tape
How to Make Decals With Cricut Cutting Machine?
Now, once you have gathered all the essential supplies for your decals, you need to follow the steps I am providing below to make them.
Step 1: Add a Cricut Laptop Decal
First, you will need to open your Cricut Design Space app on your computer.
Then, go to the search and type laptop decal.
Now, you will need to select from the results that appeared.
After that, you need to click on the Make It button.
You will see a pop-up asking you to select an option like Without Mat or On Mat. Since I am using a Smart Material, I will confirm the Without Mat option.
Next, the design will be added to your Canvas.
Afterward, you have to add the name and other elements you like.
You will have to change the text color if needed (I kept the text color red so I could cut everything on the same red-colored vinyl).
Now, move to the Review Artwork screen to confirm the design you want to use for your material. Once you are satisfied, hit the Continue button.
Step 2: Set Your Material
Okay, in this step, you will choose the materials for your Design Space. I have chosen Smart Vinyl - Removable materials. Once you have selected the materials for your laptop decal, move to the next step.
Step 3: Cut the Cricut Vinyl Decal
Once you have set up the material, your software will send the information to your Cricut Explore 3 machine. Before cutting, you will need to insert the material into the Cricut machine.
After that, press the flashing Go button and wait for your machine until it cuts all your designs.
Once done, unload the vinyl. Then, weed the excess vinyl out.
Note: All the steps will be shown to you on your display; just follow them carefully to begin cutting.
Step 4: Use the Transfer Tape to Apply Vinyl to Your Laptop
After weeding out your excess vinyl, you need a transfer tape. Apply the transfer tape on the front side of your design. You can use a scraper to burnish the Transfer Tape onto the design.
Finally, apply your vinyl cut design to your laptop.
Finally, you have explored how to make decals with Cricut. Now, you should give it a try and make something that stands out! All the best for your effort.
FAQs
Question 1: Do Cricut decals last long?
Answer: Cricut Premium Vinyl Permanent is the best material crafters can use to make decals. With this permanent vinyl, users can transform their decals into beautiful crafts. This material is water- and UV-resistant and can last up to 3 years. Hence, you can make decals with this vinyl and use it on mailboxes, mugs, and other outdoor projects.
Question 2: What are the best Cricut machines to make decals?
Answer: It depends on your budget. Otherwise, the Cricut Explore or Maker series is ideal for making decals. In addition, if you have a tight budget, you can use Cricut Explore Air 2 or 3. Otherwise, you can use Cricut Maker or 3. However, I don’t think buying a Cricut Maker for a single purpose is a good idea. As this is expensive, you should buy it only when working on a large-size project.
Question 3: What is the difference between vinyl decals and wall stickers?
Answer: The basic difference between your vinyl decals and wall stickers is their durability. In my crafting experience, I have seen that decals are made with high-quality and durable vinyl that lasts longer for years. Stickers can be made thinner, and more flexible vinyl material is used.
Final Words
This guide was all about how to make decals with Cricut. I used a Smart Vinyl Material that can be cut without a cutting mat on Cricut Maker 3, Explore 3, and Joy. What sorts of tools or materials you need are already mentioned in this blog. Go through them and start following the steps I have provided above. Be careful while inserting the materials and using the transfer tape.