How to Make Vinyl Decals from Home

My easy-to-follow guide looks at how to make vinyl decals from home, but why bother? Well, there’s immense satisfaction when we create artistic things rather than buy them readymade. But a sense of pride in one’s achievements is only part of the appeal. You also get a design that’s 100% unique. That means you don’t have to compromise when you create your own decals.

Sticker Vs. Label Vs. Decal

Novice artists are not always aware of the differences between stickers, labels, and decals. Stickers have adhesive backs that attach them to hard surfaces like wood, metal, and plastic, etc. Stickers are typically printed text or illustrations used as decoration, or to notify. Labels are made from multiple material types. Makers of goods attach labels to give information about their products.

That brings us to decals, which is short for decalcomania and taken from the French word décalcomanie. It’s a technique where the artist transfers an engraving or pre-prepared print onto other materials. That was pottery back in the day, but now it’s used for multiple surfaces. Decals are stickers because they stick to surfaces, but not all stickers are decals.

Uses for Vinyl Decals

The uses for vinyl decals have few limits. There are countless creative ways to use these stickers at home, work, school, and anywhere else you can think of. Here are just a few of them:

• Decorate toys and models, especially RC cars, trucks, and boats, etc.
• Decorate kid’s bedrooms
• Drawer labels, including storage-draws used for knickknacks
• To customize giveaways at weddings and other events
• Promotional purposes, e.g., windows, doors, mugs, bottles, and packaging
• Mobile advertising
• Signs and posters

You get the idea. Decals are truly versatile, and you can create them in any size, shape, and colors.

Beginner’s Guide to Making Decals at Home

This section assumes you have a keen interest in making vinyl decals but with little knowledge. My beginner’s guide here walks you through the tools and procedures needed in easy-to-follow steps.

You need these essential tools to make your own decals:

• Dedicated cutting machine
• Inkjet printer
• Cutting mat
• Scissors, Tweezers, X-Acto knife
• Reusable squeegee

Materials needed for making decals include:

• Printable vinyl
• Clear vinyl laminate (optional)

Design Software: There are several programs to choose from. Here are 5 popular options:

1. Sure Cuts A Lot 5
2. Canva
3. Maestro Label Designer
4. Adobe Creative Suite
5. Microsoft Word

There are others, so be sure to explore all your options before you decide. Also, some cutting machines come with dedicated software as part of the deal. Let’s now look at the above starter kit in more detail.

Cutting Machines

There’s no way to avoid computer-controlled cutting machines unless you want to cut by hand. They create decals with flawless edges as they cut to perfection. The smaller models look like regular desktop printers and are quite easy to use. The difference is that they have razor-sharp blades rather than ink nozzles. We’ll look at a few of the popular models later.

Inkjet Printers

You need an inject printer if you don’t already have one. There are lots of printable vinyl choices for use with regular desktop inkjets. Not all vinyl is equal, so make sure you buy the right material for the type of job. The best thing about inkjets is that you don’t need special inks to print on vinyl. That keeps things simple and cost-effective. The ink may take several hours to dry thoroughly, though

Decal Cutting Mat

Rotary cutting mats are essential for safety and precision purposes and also extend blade life. They’re inexpensive, so try not to skimp. A decent double-sided self-healing mat should last a long time with proper use. They come in different sizes and several materials like synthetic rubbers, plastics, and rugged vinyl. Cutting mats with gridlines make light work of the trickier tasks.

Scissors, Tweezers, X-Acto knife

You need a few tools to make vinyl decals, especially if you cut them manually. A decent pair of scissors let you quickly remove the newly cut section from the vinyl. Some designs require a little finishing off, and that’s where the weeding pick, tweezers, and the X-Acto knife come into play. You risk making a botch of this process if you try to do it with makeshift tools.

Reusable Squeegee

The reusable squeegee, also vinyl application tool, is another essential part of the decal tool kit. It’s the only way to guarantee smooth substrates. A quality squeegee applies evenly distributed pressure so that the transfer tape clings perfectly to the vinyl.

OK, now let’s look at the materials needed to make your vinyl decals.

Printable Vinyl and Vinyl Laminate

There’s no shortage of printable vinyl, but you must choose the right product for your decals. Good quality vinyl is durable and uses a permanent adhesive. Most vinyl is pretty weather-resistant and should last up to one year outside. You can add another 3–4 years to its outdoor life if you use a clear vinyl laminate. Printable vinyl sheets are available in rolls and all colors and finishes.

The next section looks at 5 of the most popular software programs for decals.

#1 Sure Cuts A Lot V5

Sure Cuts A Lot V5 is a popular program for Windows and Mac. It has a smart, user-friendly interface with lots of options and tutorials. Best of all is that it’s easy to navigate and simple for the novice user to grasp. There’s even a dedicated online forum where likeminded others get to help each other and swap tips and ideas. You have a basic and a pro version available for those who need extra features.

#2 Canva Free

Canva is a free web-based drag-and-drop graphics program for entry-level users. You can choose from several hundred well-designed, customizable templates. It’s a simple WYSIWYG program and an excellent introduction for the raw beginner. You can move away from pre-designed templates and work from a blank canvas as your confidence grows.

#3 Maestro Label Designer

Maestro Label Designer has a free version for new users to try. It’s a program specifically for designing all kinds of labels, and that includes business cards and name tags, etc. Make sure ‘labels’ are your thing before you sign up. The program is super-easy to use even at the beginner level. The only con is that the free version places a watermark on all your work.

#4 Microsoft Word

So many computers already have MS Word installed. Most folks already have access to it on at least one machine. MS Word is known as a formidable word processor, but it also has a plethora of useful design tools and creative shapes. You can work from the program’s preinstalled templates or configure a custom layout. Microsoft’s Word can be finicky for novice designers to use, though.

#5 Adobe Creative Suite

Adobe Creative Suite is a unique graphics design program. However, it can be daunting for the novice and thus better suited to advanced-level users. This program is also expensive, so it makes a wise investment for those who make money from their vinyl decals. Adobe Creative Suite lets you create sophisticated designs or work from a blank template.

Make Your First Vinyl Decals

You now have a decent grasp of the tools, materials, and software needed to create decals. Continue reading, even if you don’t have your setup in place yet. A little knowledge is sure to make the entire process much smoother once you’re ready to start.

Step 1. Prepare & Print

I won’t go into the design process here. That’s because there are too many programs and decal projects to generalize. Find software you like, and then learn how to use it via its tutorials.

You have a couple of ways to prepare and print your first decal. Any photo editing program will suffice if you plan to cut your design by hand. All you do is send the project to the inkjet printer once it’s ready. Or, send the file to a dedicated software program if you use an electronic cutting tool. There will be simple instructions or tutorials to follow if you use the latter (recommended).

Point to note: Make sure you only use printable vinyl made specifically for use with inkjet printers.

Step 2. Apply the Laminate (optional)

You may want to apply a clear vinyl laminate to extend the life of any outdoor decals. A laminate finish is easier to wash too. It’s not hard to apply the clear film, but you do need to take your time. First, peel a little of the backing off, and then line it up with the straight edge of the decal sheet. Slowly smooth your laminate sheet down with the application tool, pulling away from the backing as you go.

First-timers may find this process a tad awkward at first. It shouldn’t take long to get good at. Consider a few practice-runs before you work on the printed decal sheet.

Step 3. The Final Cut

OK, your decals look fantastic on the printed vinyl, and now it’s time to cut them out. Make sure you have proper craft scissors and or a craft knife if you plan to cut by hand. Always have your cutting mat in place before you start. There’s been a lot of damage to beautiful tabletops by newbies who forgot the mat. Or, follow the instructions given by your cutting machine maker if you’re using one.

Step 4. Peel-Off and Stick-On

The crucial thing is to make sure the recipient surface is 100% smooth, clean, and dry. You then need to check and double-check that the decal is ready to go on at the correct location. There’s a risk of damage if you don’t get the orientation right from the outset. Once happy, remove the transparent carrier sheet, recheck the direction, and press the decal carefully onto the surface.

Tip: you can run over the decal with the front of your thumb to press it into place. The bottom of a plastic spoon also works. Make sure you don’t apply the spoon’s edges or fingernails to the decal.

That’s it. You now have the basics of how to make vinyl decals at home. It’s quite an art to get right, but it’s not too tricky with a little practice, patience, and persistence. It can also be a lucrative business, either as a sideline or full-time operation, but that’s nothing for this piece.

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Decal Hardware Reviews

Below are mini-reviews for 3 popular vinyl cutting machines and 3 inkjet printers. I’ve categorized each of the products as Best Budget, Best Value, and the Editor’s Top Pick.

Below are 3 tried and tested inkjet printers for your home decal hobby or business.