7 Steps to Your Own Hand Cut Decals
If you've ever wanted to make your own, cheap, custom decals but don't have an electronic vinyl cutter now you can by following this simple, 7 step tutorial. All you need are the following supplies and a spare fifteen minutes:
- A sheet of self-adhesive vinyl
- Scissors
- An exacto blade
- A squeegee or application card
- Masking tape
Step 1: Design & Print
This is the easiest part of the process. Using a program like Microsoft Word or Google Docs either
type out the decal you want to create or paste in the graphics you want to trun
into a decal. Next, print out the graphic in the size desired onto regular,
white printer paper.
Step 2:
Trim Decal Template Down
Using your scissors, trim down the template
so that only 1/2-inch of paper remains around the graphic or lettering. This
will be the area that you use to attach the template to the vinyl with masking
tape.
Step 3: Test Fit
Position your decal template in the desired location to ensure it will fit
correctly.
Step 4: Tape Down Template
Using a low tack tape like masking or painter's tape, tape down yor decal template over the vinyl you will use to make your graphic.
Step 5: Cut Around Letters or Graphic
Using a razor blade carefully cut around the letters of your decal or graphic. Be careful not to cut the template in half and take your time to ensure you're applying even pressure and cutting all the way through.
Step 6: Apply Transfer Tape to Decal
Using your masking or painter's tape, apply it over your graphic. If the decal is thicker than your tape you can overlap multiple strips as shown.
Step 7: Cut Out, Apply and Peel
The last step can be divided into three. First, cut out your graphic with a
pair of scissors or razor. Next, stick the decal down onto the surface and smooth on with an application card. Finally, Peel up decal slowly. You will want to use your finger or a pin to catch the edges of the graphics.
Mission Accomplished
Now you have the skills to make your own custom decals from scratch. Use
your new skills to make DIY car decals, custom window decals or vinyl labels.
The sky's the limit now so pick up one of our great styles of self-adhesive
vinyl today and start crafting!