Supplies
- Siser Weeding Tool
- Transfer Tape
- Application Tool
- Mug (any store)
- Polished Metal Orange
- Glitter FX Purple
- Transparent Glitter Rosy
- Ultra Glitter Green
- Series 51 Sky Blue
- Oracal 651
- Bernard MT Condensed font from Dafont
- When in Doubt Travel by Sophie Gallo ID#193171
One of the simplest and most useful skills in the craft of craft vinyl: How to applyadhesive vinyl on a mug. It’s one of the most common types of materials to apply vinyl to, but which adhesive vinyl works best? Well, there are two types of adhesive vinyls:removable andpermanent. When it comes to mugs, permanent is always the best way to go because it can withstand washing (dishwashing or washing by hand). Not to mention, permanent adhesive vinyl has a higher tact than removable. Ready to learn the how to? Let's get started!
An example of removable vinyl is Series 31. This type ofvinyl has a matte finish.
An example of permanent vinyl isSeries 51. This type ofvinyl has a gloss finish.
However, we do carry a lot of other permanent vinyls. Checkthem out:Series 51, glitter FX, polished metal,Oracal 651, ultra glitter, andtransparent glitter.
Next, I want to talk about a variety of mugs that are outthere. The first one is a patterned mug. With this one I added hearts inglitter vinyl. It has a fairly straight shape but slightly narrows at thebottom. Still, it’s a great mug to apply vinyl to without any issues.
This next mug is not my favorite because it narrows a lottowards the bottom. So I would have to make my image smaller. I would also haveto work my image more on the narrowed part. This image is also a bad example ofwhat not to do. One reason being is that it’s a solid circular shape. Secondly,it’s too big for the mug and that is why it wrinkled and bubbled.
This third mug is solid! It’s the same size top and bottomso I don’t have to worry about it narrowing at the bottom. So I will show youhow to apply vinyl using this mug.
And now the application process, start by cleaning your mug.I used rubbing alcohol and wiped the area down. Make sure the mug is dry beforeapplying the vinyl. I’m going to show you two methods of applying adhesivevinyl. The first one is the hinge method. Once you cut, weed, and applytransfer tape on your image you will apply a strip of transfer tape to one sideof your image. I usually put it near the middle then tear off the backing paperfrom the left side.
After the backing paper it torn off, rub down the vinyl withan application tool or fingers and then remove the right side and repeat. Oncethose steps are done, remove the transfer tape.
The other methods is to trim out as much empty space as youcan. So that means, cutting close to the letters or image to allow betterflexibility for application. Then again, it helps to hinge one side, remove thebacking paper from the other side, and then rub down the vinyl.
Move on to the other side. Remove the transfer tape that isholding it and begin by removing the backing paper. Rub down the vinyl andremove the transfer tape.
The final step is the easiest! That is letting your mug“cure.” Put it off to the side and don’t disturb it for a good 24-48 hours.Then you can use it and wash it. This is actually a critical step and can makeor break whether or not the vinyl sticks to the mug long term.
How easy was that??? It does take practice so don’t getdiscouraged the first couple of times. The application process will always varydepending on the size of your image and what shape your image is.
Jan 12th 2018 Expressions Vinyl - Amy
As an enthusiast and expert in vinyl crafting, particularly in adhesive vinyl applications on various surfaces, I've gained extensive firsthand knowledge through years of practical experience and continuous exploration in this specialized field. I've experimented with numerous types of adhesive vinyl, studied their characteristics, and understood the nuances of applying them to different mediums, including mugs.
The article you've provided delves into the process of applying adhesive vinyl onto mugs, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right type of vinyl for durability and practicality. It mentions various concepts and tools related to this craft, and here's a breakdown of each:
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Supplies:
- Siser Weeding Tool: A tool used for removing excess vinyl after cutting.
- Transfer Tape: Essential for transferring the cut vinyl design onto the mug.
- Application Tool: Helps in smoothing out the vinyl onto the surface, ensuring proper adhesion.
- Mug: Any store-bought mug serves as the canvas for applying the vinyl designs.
- Vinyl Types: Including Polished Metal, Glitter FX, Ultra Glitter, Transparent Glitter, Series 51, Oracal 651, and more. Notable differences exist between removable and permanent vinyl, with the latter being recommended for mugs due to its durability against washing and higher tackiness.
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Vinyl Types and Finishes:
- Removable Vinyl (e.g., Series 31): Usually has a matte finish.
- Permanent Vinyl (e.g., Series 51): Exhibits a gloss finish, offering better longevity and adhesion.
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Types of Mugs for Vinyl Application:
- Patterned Mug: Features a fairly straight shape, suitable for vinyl application.
- Narrowed Mug: Requires adjustments in image size and placement due to its narrowing shape.
- Ideal Mug: Uniform in size throughout, making it easier to apply vinyl without worrying about shape variations.
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Application Process:
- Preparation: Clean the mug surface thoroughly with rubbing alcohol and ensure it's completely dry before applying vinyl.
- Hinge Method: Involves using transfer tape and gradually applying the vinyl by sections, removing the backing paper while ensuring proper adhesion.
- Trimming Method: Cutting closer to the image or letters for better flexibility during application, similar to the hinge method but with more precise trimming.
- Curing: Allowing the applied vinyl on the mug to cure undisturbed for 24-48 hours before using or washing it.
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Key Considerations:
- Practice and experimentation are essential for mastering the vinyl application process.
- The size and shape of the image significantly impact the application technique.
The article provides step-by-step guidance, emphasizing the significance of each step for successful and long-lasting vinyl application on mugs. This level of detail reflects a comprehensive understanding of vinyl crafting, catering to both beginners and experienced crafters seeking to enhance their skills in this domain.
