If you are looking for the best types of vinyl to use with your Cricut, you might be quite confused, especially as a beginner!
There are quite a few different vinyl options available, and all of the names seem quite confusing as well. Now, you would know that certain projects and materials require different types of vinyl, but where do you start?
Which are the best types of vinyl for Cricut? The best type of vinyl for Cricut would depend on the project you need it for, and the surface the vinyl is being applied to. You can use just about any vinyl with a Cricut machine, but you do need to choose a quality vinyl that will last.
We have gone through and compiled a guide of the best types of vinyl for Cricut to get you started, and to make sure you have the right vinyl for your project!
Different Types Of Vinyl For Cricut
Different projects call for different types of vinyl for Cricut, so make sure to take note of the project you are doing and where the vinyl will be applied. Also keep in mind whether you want the vinyl to be permanent, or if you might need to remove it later on.
Here are all the different types of vinyl for Cricut!
1. Permanent Vinyl
For permanent projects, Oracal 651 Vinyl should be your go-to! It is a heavy-duty vinyl that can stand up to quite a bit of use and wear and is one vinyl you might not ever be able to peel off.
Oracal 651 is commonly used for commercial signs and for outdoor projects. It is water-resistant, which means it is ideal to use outdoors and in areas where there is more wear and traffic. The strong adhesive on the vinyl will likely tear up the paint or the surface if it is ever removed.
This is also the right vinyl to use for mugs and glasses, as you can wash these with little chance that the vinyl will come off.
Any outdoor projects will last much longer if you use Oracal 651 Vinyl, and exposure to water should not lessen the lifespan at all.
Good for:
- Car decals
- Mugs and glasses
- Outdoor signs
- Outdoor projects
2. Removable Vinyl
Oracal 631 Vinyl is a removable vinyl that is best suited for temporary projects. It is best to be used indoors, as while it has a fairly strong adhesive, it will not stand up to the elements and last as long as you would hope.
Many people choose to use Oracal 631 for wall decals, as it has a matte finish and it can be peeled away. Light will not reflect brightly off the vinyl, so the picture will be clear.
A handy tip is to use Oracal 631 for projects that you are still testing out, so if you are unsure of what the result will look like, you could always test it out with this removable vinyl, and then use a more permanent vinyl later on if you like the way it looks.
Good for:
- Wall decals
- Interior decorations
- Stickers for phone cases
- Homemade stencils
3. Heat Transfer Vinyl
Heat Transfer Vinyl is what you would use if you are transferring the vinyl onto clothing. This vinyl requires heat to stick and once stuck, you won’t be getting it off!
It is worth choosing a high-quality Heat Transfer Vinyl, as you will want it to be easy to transfer and easy to peel back when it has been heated. You also need it to last through washing and drying, and only good-quality ones do.
This type of vinyl is also quite thin, so you are able to layer it on top of each other to create designs or patterns onto fabric.
You are also able to find Heat Transfer Vinyl in a range of different colors and finishes, such as glow in the dark, holographic glitter, and metallic. There is no limit to what you can do to a T-shirt!
Good for:
- T-shirts
- Canvas shoes
- Aprons
- Tote bags
- Costumes
- Fabric pieces
All you need to do is choose the design you want and cut out the vinyl on the Cricut. Once done, heat transfer it to your fabric of choice.
4. Printable Vinyl
Printable vinyl can be so great to work with, but once again you need to choose a high-quality vinyl to ensure the results turn out good.
You can find printable vinyl in both adhesive and heat transfer types, so you can choose which one suits your project best, depending on the surface you are adhering it to.
Choose the type of printable vinyl you want to use, and print out your design on it. Once this is done, you can cut out the shape with your Cricut. This will help you create a unique vinyl piece that will look great once transferred.
Good for:
- T-shirts and other branded fabric
- Branding products
5. Cling Vinyl
Cling Vinyl, or otherwise known as static vinyl, is what you should use when you want to stick vinyl onto a window. This type of vinyl has no adhesive on it at all and instead sticks to a smooth surface through static electricity.
Other than being used for glass, Cling Vinyl can also be used on smooth surfaces such as metal and plastic. These are easy to remove and don’t leave any adhesive marks behind, which is a bonus for clean windows!
If removed from a surface properly, then the Cling Vinyl decal that you have cut on your Cricut can be used over and over again. For this reason, it can be used as holiday decorations and packed away for the next festive season when removed.
Good for:
- Removable window decal
- Removable decal for plastic or glass
- Whiteboard decal
- Locker decal
- Mirror decal
6. Transfer Tape
Life working with a Cricut and vinyl is made much easier with transfer tape! Transfer Tape is used to transfer designs to a surface. It is most often a transparent grid that helps you line up your designs perfectly.
You will need transfer tape to lift vinyl up from the cutting mat and then to place it down onto the desired surface. It is also an absolute help to line up multi-colored designs.
When choosing a transfer tape, it is a good idea to choose one that is considerably sticky, but not more sticky than your vinyl, as then you would have a difficult time removing the tape without ripping up the vinyl as well.
Can I Use Any Type Of Vinyl With Cricut?
You can pretty much use any type of vinyl when working with a Cricut. A Cricut is able to cut a range of different materials (depending on the model) which means that you should be able to use just about any type or brand of vinyl that you want.
There are definitely some types of vinyl that are better to use with a Cricut than others, but it will also take some trial and error to find the vinyl that you feel works best.
Best Type Of Vinyl For Cricut
There is so much that you can do with a Cricut machine, but you do just have to be aware of the right types of vinyl to use.
For projects where you would want to remove the vinyl, Oracal 631 is best. For permanent decals, Oracal 651 is the way to go. There are also different vinyl options for T-shirts, glass, and other surfaces that work best.
It helps to know that project you are wanting to do first, and then going out and pick the best vinyl to use. You are able to cut many different types of vinyl using a Cricut, so it really is up to your imagination on all the different projects you can achieve!
Related Questions
Which is the longest-lasting vinyl?
The longest-lasting vinyl would most likely be Oracal 651 Vinyl. This vinyl is widely available and can easily be found online. It is waterproof, meaning that it is a good option for outdoor projects. Its strong adhesive also allows it to withstand lots of use and wear.
For extra strength, Oracal 751 is even stronger, but for most household purposes, Oracal 651 should work just fine.
What is the difference between Oracal 651 and Oracal 631?
The difference between Oracal 651 and Oracal 631 is that one is permanent and the other is not. Oracal 651 is a permanent vinyl that can be used for outdoor projects and signs. Oracal 631 is a temporary vinyl. It still has some adhesive power that allows it to stay in place, but it can be removed.
Is Oracal 651 microwave safe?
Oracal 651 is waterproof, is a strong vinyl to use, and offers permanent results. However, it is not considered microwave or dishwasher safe, so it is best to hand wash any items with Oracal 651 Vinyl.
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