How to Use Cricut Printable Vinyl? [Step-by-Step Guide]
Are you excited to create a new project using Cricut Printable Vinyl? If yes, then this guide is for you. This write-up is dedicated to beginners who want to learn how to use Printable Vinyl. In this blog, we will explain the difference between Printable Vinyl and sticker paper.
With this amazing vinyl material, you can make stickers, labels, and decals. Moreover, you will also need a printer in order to use the vinyl. Hence, we recommend you use the HP Envy series, as it works perfectly with this vinyl material. Keep in mind that the laser printer heats so high, and hence, it can melt your vinyl inside the printer.
So, let’s proceed to understand the Printable Vinyl in-depth. After that, we will focus on the use of Printable Vinyl.
What is Cricut Printable Vinyl?
As the name suggests, the Printable Vinyl is nothing but a vinyl that can be printed using the printer. It is a craft material that is simple to use for any project. However, there are many benefits of using Printable Vinyl because it will save you a lot of time and effort. Therefore, you don’t need to do complex layering for detailed or smaller projects.
Besides, you can just print anything on the vinyl and then cut it using any die-cutting machine such as Cricut Explore and Maker machines. Unfortunately, we can’t cut the Printable Vinyl using Cricut Joy as it doesn’t have the Print then Cut feature.
Are Cricut Printable Vinyl and Printable Sticker Paper the Same?
Many brands offer their own Printable Vinyl sticker paper. For example, Silhouette is also a prestigious brand famous for its die-cutting machine and sells Printable Vinyl and sticker paper.
Coming to comparison, the main difference is that sticker paper is harder than vinyl. But printable sticker paper is cheaper than Printable Vinyl.
No matter how cheap sticker paper is, we always choose vinyl over sticker paper for most projects. Now, the question is - Why do we prefer vinyl over sticker paper?
The answer is simple: sticker paper can get jammed in the printer, which messes with the ink floor. And no one wants this messy thing to happen.
How to Use Cricut Printable Vinyl?
Are you now ready to work with Printable Vinyl? Before we start, you should collect some supplies needed to work on the project with Printable Vinyl. The supplies include Cricut Explore or Maker machine, Green StandardGrip or Blue LightGripMat, Plastic, Glasses, metallic containers or bottles, and finally, Printable Vinyl. Once you collect these supplies, you are good to go.
Follow the following instructions to use the Printable Vinyl.
Step 1: Create a Label Design
We will make some labels that you can paste anywhere on bottles or containers. You can easily make your own label using the software (Cricut Design Space). After finishing your design, select the Make it button.
Step 2: Load Cricut Printable Vinyl into the Printer
Now, it’s time to print the design using the home printer. As we mentioned before, you can use the HP Envy series or others. Ensure you are printing on the front side of the vinyl. In other words, the back portion of the vinyl has grid lines, including the green Cricut logo.
Note: You should use inkjet printers only because using the laser printer may damage the materials due to its high temperature.
Step 3: Print, then Cut the Design
Now, you will need to print the design by following the steps visible on the Design Space. After printing, let it dry for some time. Once it dries, you can start cutting on the machine.
For this, you have to place the Cricut Printable Vinyl on the Cricut mat. Then, load it into the machine.
Step 4: Complete the Settings
After that, you have to select the Browse All Materials. Then, select the setting that matches the particular materials, such as Printable Vinyl, White (Green Liner Printing), Specialty, Transparent, White (Gray Liner Printing), and Printable Sticker Paper.
However, for Cricut Explore Air 2 and older versions, users should turn the Smart Set dial to Custom first.
Step 5: Press the Go Button and Unload
Finally, hit the Go button and wait for the miracle. Once your cut is done, you need to select the option Unload to unload your Cricut Printable Vinyl.
Step 6: Remove the Design
Here, your project surface must be clean, and ensure there is no moisture on it. Then, peel the design and place it on the project (your container, bottle, or wherever you want).
Note: Don’t use the transfer tap with Printable Vinyl.
Final Words
In this post, we explained what Printable Vinyl isand what type of printer we can use to print on Vinyl. Besides, we explained the difference between the Cricut Printable Vinyl and the Sticker Paper. However, there are two main differences between vinyl and sticker paper. Vinyl is expensive and is softer than sticker paper. Further, we created the labels for bottles or containers using the Design Space app and then printed them with HP Envy. After printing, cut the design on the Cricut machine.
FAQs
Question 1: What can I use Cricut Printable Vinyl for?
Answer: There are endless possibilities to make projects with this versatile Printable Vinyl. They are custom decals, labels for containers or bottles, and stickers. However, you need a printer to print your design on vinyl. Then, you need to cut it using the Cricut Explore or Maker series. Using this vinyl doesn’t require you to weed. Just print, cut, and use it like a sticker.
Question 2: Which one is better: Printable Vinyl and sticker paper?
Answer: You can easily mark on paper stickers, but you can lose the design when stickers come in contact with water or oil. In comparison, vinyl is more durable and lasts longer than sticker paper. Moreover, you can easily peel off the vinyl, but sticker paper may break when peeled off.
Question 3: What are the best printer settings for Cricut Printable Vinyl?
Answer: If you want to print the images in the highest quality, then set the printer to high quality, best quality, or photo paper. Due to this, the printer will use more ink and print gradually to reduce streaking. If you see any smudging, then set the quality as good. So, the printer will start using the ink in an adequate amount.
Visit: install cricut design space app
Cricut.com setup mac
Cricut New Machine Setup
Source: https://cricuthelp.wordpress.com/2023/11/03/how-to-use-cricut-printable-vinyl-step-by-step-guide/