Save time, stress, and vinyl with this one simple trick that I use to learn how to layer vinyl the easy way.
Layered vinyl designs have always confused me. I look at other people’s projects and have never understood how they can line up layered vinyl and have no imperfections. Because let me tell you, I never could do it myself.
I’m not one of those people who can eyeball it. Honestly, all the designs I’ve done that too are incredibly crocked and off center.
So…yea. I needed a better way to do things.
And once I figured out that there’s actually a really simple trick for how to layer vinyl correctly it all clicked. And my designs have started to look so much better!
Layered vinyl designs can end up looking amazing but if you’ve never done it before it can be very intimidating. And I don’t know about you, but if I’m nervous about trying something I tend to put it aside and “try it later”.
Which really means….I never get around to doing it.
Layering vinyl has always been one of those things that required a little bit of skill and practice. For this project you can kind of eye ball where the design goes and how to line it up properly. But sometimes you can’t! And sometimes you want to be more precise so eyeballing it just doesn’t work.
It’s all about what you’re comfortable with.
And unfortunately, I am TERRIBLE at lining things up/getting them straight so I need all the help I can get!
Whenever I use permanent vinyl on projects I cut out two small boxes on the top of the design that I can layer on top of each other as I’m placing each piece of the design on my project. It really helps me get the pieces right every single time!
I’ve learned a lot of this through trial and error. And don’t get me wrong, this is not a fool-proof way to do things. You may still mess up. Things may not look perfect once you’re done with them.
That’s OKAY.
Every time you do a project you will get better. You’ll learn tricks that help you be more efficient and get better results each time. It’s all about putting the time in to practice and get better! So don’t get discouraged if your projects don’t turn out perfect the first time around.
My fails have been well documented on Instagram stories! We all mess up. 😅
You can also read about my Halloween Trick or Treat bag fail here. That one was pretty funny!
This how to layer vinyl trick is:
- simple,
- easy to do, and
- saves you time!
Ready to find out how to layer vinyl? Let’s do it!
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Layer Vinyl The Easy Way
Instructions
Notes
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I know monograms are huge in the South (and rightly so, we like putting our initials on everything!) so I’m really loving my mug. And I really love how the white monogram stands out against the green mug and the multi-colored vinyl. If you’re not big into monograms you could always put your full name or even just leave it blank. So many options!
Check out these quick and easy vinyl crafts that you need to try if you want to get in more practice!
- How to Use Printed Heat Transfer Vinyl on Leather,
- DIY No Soliciting Sign, and
- DIY Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Sign (and a FREE SVG file!)
And….if you want to buy some pretty patterned vinyl you should check out this post for where to shop! (the shop I bought the patterned vinyl on my mug is linked here).
As of September 29, 2018 this vinyl decal is still going strong on my tumbler!
Aliza Hale Biorn says
I love it! What a great idea to make the boxes so it’s always lined up correctly. I will be honest and admit that I’m scared of working with vinyl. I’m just worried I’ll do it wrong and waste my money.
Teresa | Simply Made Fun says
Thank you Ali! I was so scared of working with vinyl at the beginning, but it’s so easy! I’ve definitely messed up and wasted vinyl (more times than I care to admit), but I am constantly learning and getting better! I say try it. I’m sure you will love it!
Danelle says
How did you get it all those colors like that? I have Design space.
Teresa says
Hi Danelle, it’s actually patterned vinyl that came like that. I’m a part of the facebook group New Chance Vinyl and they have a ton of different patterns to chose from (it’s hard to chose just one because they’re all really pretty!).
Jessy L Somma says
Where did you get that multi colored Vinyl? I keep looking everywhere for colors other then just solids but I can never find any!
Teresa | Simply Made Fun says
I got it from a group on facebook called New Chance Vinyl! They have tons of different patterns to choose from.
Ashley says
What is the name of the vinyl you used? I love it!
Teresa says
It’s called Watercolor 2!
Tiffany says
Could you provide a link for the permanent vinyl from Amazon that you prefer?
Teresa says
Hi Tiffany! I prefer this vinyl (http://simplymadefun.com/Oracle651) on Amazon (affiliate link), and I use it all the time. It holds up well and is really easy to cut!
Denise says
Is there a clear coat or epoxy that you can put over to make ovine he stay better? I am using powder coated SIC cups and worried they will lift.
Denise says
Dang autocorrect. To make the vinyl stick better!
Teresa says
Hi Denise! My cup already had a coat of epoxy because it came pre-made, so the vinyl is on top of it! I’ve never had a problem with the vinyl lifting (and I’ve used it a lot) as long as I hand wash it and don’t let it soak in soapy water.
Dee Huffman says
Hi! Love this tutorial. I am in the buying stage and am leaning towards the Cameo 3. Can you tell us where you get the Feti cups from? I heard about them before but google doesn’t provide a source. And lastly can’t you put epoxy on top of the vinyl? Most videos show putting a second coat on top of the first layer of epoxy and the vinyl.
Dee
Teresa says
Hi Dee! Thank you so much! This particular cup was bought from an online vendor (I just can’t remember which one!) but I normally buy my Yeti cups from Wal Mart when they’re on sale! The ones from Wal Mart are the standard grey cups so you can add glitter and vinyl to customize them however you want.
And yes! You can put epoxy on top of the vinyl!
Trish says
I just wanted to say thanks for the great idea on layering and add that Sam’s club has those cups for $15-20 (20 or 30oz) for 2 cups and they’re fantastic. They come in a variety of colors, as well.
bill says
Awesome. thanks for the great tutorial i am new to vinyl. this is really helpful
Kelly says
Great idea! Thanks for the tutorial!
Erin says
Brilliant! Thank you for sharing!
Brandee says
Hi! I was wondering how you got the vinyl onto the cup without any bubbling? I just tried and I’m not having any luck with putting it on a tumblr/cup because it’s a rounded surface.
Teresa says
Hi Brandee! Whenever I place vinyl on a rounded surface I cut around the edges transfer tape every inch or so. It helps the transfer tape give a little so you can lay your design on a round surface.
I have a video for a different project that explains the process a bit better! http://simplymadefun.com/rae-dunn-inspired-christmas-ornaments