Ever wonder what the difference is between permanent and removable vinyl? They are very similar with a few main differences. In this post I’ll explain:
The similarities between the 2
How to apply these vinyls to your project
The main differences
Project ideas for both types
If you’ve worked with vinyl before you know there are 3 main types: htv, or iron on, permanent, and removable. Click to read my quick guide to the main types of vinyl.
Like I said at the beginning, permanent and removable vinyl are very similar. They are both adhesive vinyls, meaning they have a sticky back. These 2 kinds of vinyl are not for fabric. These work best on hard surfaces.
When you use either kind, you will cut out your design on your cutting machine. Unlike htv vinyl, you will not mirror your design when you cut. Read my post all about htv vinyl HERE.
When applying your design to the desired surface, both types of vinyl require a way for you to transfer the design onto the surface.
You have different option on how to transfer the vinyl. Some options are:
Transfer tape vinyl: this is basically clear sticky vinyl with a grid printed on it. It doesn’t have to be a certain brand.
Regular packaging tape: I’ve used this in a pinch and it works great for small designs!
Contact paper: have never personally used this but I’ve heard it works pretty good!
Duck brand adhesive liner: never used but I’ve heard good things about it!
Whichever one you decide to use, you will cut off enough of the roll to cover your design. Lay it out as flat as possible over the design. I usually use a credit card or the Cricut scraper tool to smooth it out.
After you lay it out, run the credit card or scraper over the design. This helps the transfer tape, or whatever you choose, stick to the design. Make sure you rub over each part of your design so that each part sticks to the tape. Slowly begin to peel the clear transfer tape up. The design should be attached to the clear tape.
Once you have the entire design on the tape, you are ready to put your design on your project! Applying can be a little tricky, but as long as you go slow, and double check alignment, it won’t be as hard as you might think.
When you have the design lined up the way you want it, simply stick it on there! Some people use the scraper/credit card to help get any air bubbles out. After you place the design on, you will use the scraper to rub the design onto the surface. Just like getting the design onto the transfer tape, you want to make sure you rub really well on each part of your design.
Once you’ve rubbed your design on, slowly peel the transfer tape up and your design should stay on your project!
Now let’s talk about which kind of vinyl is best for which surfaces.
Both vinyls are sticky enough to go on the same types of surfaces. The difference comes depending on how long you want your project to last. Removable vinyl is just as described: it’s meant to be removable, so over time and wear, you will see the vinyl start to peel up.
Here’s a quick reference with a few project options:
Permanent vinyl projects are for things you want to last. Project ideas include:
Car decals: permanent vinyl is the only way to go when it comes to car decals. A permanent vinyl that is outdoor friendly is best, especially with the weather elements.
Mailbox decals: basically anything that goes outdoors will need permanent vinyl.
Drinkware: this is the vinyl to use with tumblers, mugs, glasses, you name it! You don’t want your vinyl peeling up after you wash your drinking glasses!
Wall Art: framed art, wood surfaces, mirrors, and more!
Utensils: use it to label your spice jars, canisters, even your mixer!
There are tons of projects to do for removable vinyl! Some of these projects include:
Wall stickers: removable vinyl is perfect for wall stickers. They shouldn’t peel the paint off and you can change it up when you get tired of it!
Removable labels: you can make labels that you can remove later. Need to label boxes or totes while you move to a new home? You could use removable vinyl and be able to reuse the box or tote later on.
Stencils: you can use removable vinyl to make stencils and then your possibilities are endless! Use the stencil to make a wall sign, a canvas painting, glass etching, etc
Stickers: you can use removable or permanent vinyl for stickers. Depending on the project, removable might be better. Want to make a sticker for your phone case? Use removable and once it wears out, make another sticker to put on there. One time I used removable vinyl to make a decal for my Yeti drinking cup. I wanted to switch it up during the different holiday seasons. The removable vinyl peeled up easily.
Decorating your cutting machine: I got my Cricut machine 4 years ago, and I used removable vinyl to put designs on it. I used removable vinyl and it is still perfect! No peeling up, and no fading!
Removable vinyl will last longer than you think. And here is a little secret: If you make something with removable and want to make it permanent, all you have to do is seal the vinyl! I made some acrylic keychains one year and used removable vinyl because it was a pretty pattern. I sealed it with epoxy and boom! It’s not going to peel up!
Both of these vinyls are fun to use and experiment with different projects. There are many other project ideas out there!
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