Types of Vinyl

WHICH VINYL DO I USE?:  A FULL GUIDE TO DIFFERENT TYPES OF VINYL

In the world of crafting there is a large variety of types of vinyl that you can use with your various cutting machine projects.  Adhesive, Heat Transfer, Glitter, Flocked…… Today I want to give you a brief run down of the different types available, and when you might use them.  So let’s go over the best types of vinyl to use with each of your cutting machine projects.

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Before we dive in though, I want to make sure we are all on the same page about some of the terminology that goes along with working with vinyl.  There are things like weeding it, transferring it, and even carrier sheets that go with the types of vinyl.  If any of those things make you say HUH? then head over here first to get a little background on the most commonly used terms when crafting with a Cricut or Silhouette.  Then I’ll meet you back here where we discuss when to use what.

Adhesive Vinyl

perfect for cups, decals, cars, and signs

When it comes to adhesive vinyl (the sticky kind used on mugs, tumblers, decals etc.) there are two main types.  Oracal is the brand name of the most widely used adhesive vinyl and the the numbers (631 and 651) help you to decide what type you need for your specific project.  Don’t forget though…. there are other brands of vinyl so you might also hear 651 and 631 referred to as permanent, crafting vinyl, glossy, indoor/outdoor, removable, etc.  Here is a little guide to help you decide which one is best for your project

631 VINYL

This type of vinyl can be removed pretty easily without creating damage to the surface it is being removed from.  Think walls, and in home decor.

• Removable
• Matte
• Indoor use

651 VINYL

This type of vinyl can be used on basically everything but the walls of your house.  It is good for car decals, cups, and things you want to stay in place for quite a while.

• Permanent
• Glossy   (black and white also come in a matte finish)
• Outdoor

There are a couple other vinyl options (like 751 and 641) for adhesive but today we are going to keep it super simple with the two main options you will probably be using.

Heat Transfer Vinyl

Vinyl for fabric

Heat transfer vinyl sticks to fabric once it has been heated up.   This type of vinyl in my opinion is a breeze to weed because it isn’t sticky at all.  It has a little bit of static at times but it won’t ruin your entire project if it folds over (like adhesive vinyl will).

My favorite brand to use is Siser Easy Weed but there are tons of options on the market for you to try.  This is the type of vinyl you will want to use when making shirts, hats, bags, etc.  We even did a live over on Facebook where we put a bunny SVG design on a pair of canvas shoes.  You can check out the tutorials for that one here. 

Most heat transfer comes on a clear carrier sheet.  You will want to reverse the image when cutting HTV otherwise once it is applied it will be backwards.  Trust me…. I have forgotten to mirror more than once and man it isn’t fun! 

There are several different variations of types of heat transfer vinyl.  

HTV OPTIONS:

• Glitter
• Stretch
• Metallic
• Foil
• Flocked (it’s fuzzy like a blanket)
• Printed
• Printable
• Holographic

 

Stencil Material

Officially this last one isn’t a vinyl but a stencil mask and it is used quite frequently with cutting machine projects.  Honestly it’s my absolutely FAVORITE way to make signs!

It looks (and feels) a lot like vinyl so I wanted to throw it in here.  This stencil vinyl is called Oracal Oramask and comes in 813 and 811.  Use this material when you are painting or even etching.  It is designed specifically to use as a stencil so it has low tack and tears easily when you are peeling it up after the design has been painted.  It usually comes in a large roll because it is only good for a one time use.

• Oramask 811– white stencil film and a little stiffer
• Oramask 813– blue stencil film and is the most commonly used in cutting projects

 

 

Whew!!  That was a bunch of info on types of vinyl material.  Like we mentioned above it you are curious about more of the terminology used with cutting machines check out our post here where we decode and explain crafting terms used with your cutting machine.  We also have put together an quick reference guide for you, so make sure to pin it for the easy access in the future.

PIN IT!

In case you forget which type of vinyl is which pin the image above as an easy resource.  Once you have done a few projects the terms 651, HTV, and Oramask will become second nature.  I think that my favorite type is Oramask stencil vinyl the most because I just LOVE the look of a finished sign.  But I’m curious…. what about you?  Which is your favorite vinyl to work with?

JUMP IN AND EXPERIMENT!

I can’t wait to see what your projects look like with all the various types of vinyl!  Mix and match and most importantly have fun!  Remember my motto…. there is no wrong way to craft!

Then make sure to head over and show them off in our FB group.  You never know who you will be inspiring by showing off your creation!  Also if you are looking for some free svg files to experiment with the different types of vinyl on, head over to this post where I give you my ULTIMATE LIST of where to find them!  (hint: we are on the list so browse our blog and you are sure to find hundreds!)