Using Vinyl on Plastic with Transfer Tape (2024)

This post and the photos within it may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Plastic can be one of the easiest surfaces for adhesive vinyl! This application is perfect for pantry labels and other organization around your home—get all my best tips and tricks for using vinyl on plastic.

Using Vinyl on Plastic with Transfer Tape (1)

I just recently made over some of my pantry containers. I had been using glass jars, but found them heavy and cumbersome. One of my boys grabbed the quinoa out of the cabinet the other day—a big glass jar—and nearly dropped it.

I do NOT want to clean up a mess of broken glass and quinoa, thankyouverymuch.

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”4Zv0ymXX” upload-date=”2022-05-29T19:48:00.000Z” name=”Adhesive Vinyl Projects to Make with a Cricut” description=”Make all sorts of amazing adhesive vinyl projects using your Cricut, including tumblers, signs, mugs, ornaments, and more. ” player-type=”default” override-embed=”default”]

So I moved to plastic, with airtight locking lids. I used my Ultimate Pantry Label Bundle to create these labels. In this post, I’m going to show you how easy it is to use vinyl on plastic. Because plastic is generally a very smooth and non-porous surface, it is perfect for adhesive vinyl.

Table of Contents

Preparing Your Plastic for Vinyl

My plastic containers came straight out of the dishwasher after I washed them. If your plastic containers have been hanging out around your house, throw them in the dishwasher or wipe them down with some rubbing alcohol to make sure they are free from any dust or oils. This will help ensure your vinyl sticks well.

Using Vinyl on Plastic

Start by cutting and weeding your labels. I used several colors of adhesive vinyl from Expressions Vinyl, one of my favorite vinyl shops. Unlike iron on vinyl, you do NOT need to mirror adhesive vinyl when cutting it—what you see is exactly what goes on the plastic.

Need more tips and tricks for your Cricut? I have a HUGE membership community where you can learn to use your Cricut!

Using Vinyl on Plastic with Transfer Tape (2)

Now you have a choice. You can cut one large piece of transfer tape (my preference when working with single-layer vinyl adhesive labels) or you can cut small pieces of transfer tape the size of your labels.

Using Vinyl on Plastic with Transfer Tape (3)

Place all of your labels face-down on the transfer tape and use a scraper (or credit card or even your fingers) to press the vinyl into the transfer tape.

Using Vinyl on Plastic with Transfer Tape (4)

Next, flip over and cut apart each individual label.

Using Vinyl on Plastic with Transfer Tape (5)
Using Vinyl on Plastic with Transfer Tape (6)

Then carefully peel off the white backing carrier sheet. Your vinyl should easily stick to the transfer tape. If it doesn’t, burnish some more.

Using Vinyl on Plastic with Transfer Tape (7)

Then carefully align your label on your plastic and press the label on, burnishing with your fingertips (I didn’t want to use the scraper on the plastic, just in case it left a mark).

Using Vinyl on Plastic with Transfer Tape (8)

Then carefully peel back the transfer tape at a 45° angle or more. Since the plastic is smooth and nonporous, the vinyl should stick fairly easily. If you are having trouble, burnish again and peel even more slowly, using your fingernail to help “guide” the vinyl off the transfer tape. But really, it should work really nicely on plastic.

Using Vinyl on Plastic with Transfer Tape (9)

Tada! See how easy using vinyl on plastic is? I was able to re-label a ton of pantry containers in a short amount of time.

Using Vinyl on Plastic with Transfer Tape (10)

Don’t forget to grab the Ultimate Pantry Label Bundle (with more than 125 labels!) for free!

Download the Free Pantry Label Bundle under SVGs C183

This file can be found in my Free Craft Resource Library. The file number is: C183.

Want access to this free file? Join my FREE resource library! All you need is the password to get in, which you can get by filling out the form below!

Have any questions about using vinyl on plastic? Leave me a comment and I’ll help troubleshoot! Then check out my round up of 20+ Home Organization Ideas with the Cricut!

Using Vinyl on Plastic with Transfer Tape (11)
Using Vinyl on Plastic with Transfer Tape (2024)

FAQs

Using Vinyl on Plastic with Transfer Tape? ›

Since the plastic is smooth and nonporous, the vinyl should stick fairly easily. If you are having trouble, burnish again and peel even more slowly, using your fingernail to help “guide” the vinyl off the transfer tape. But really, it should work really nicely on plastic.

Will vinyl stick to plastic? ›

maybe. Because it depends on the type of plastic, the chemical formula. Some plastics take readily to adhesive vinyl graphics application, others don't, and still others will work, but only if installed properly.

How do you keep vinyl from peeling off plastic? ›

Decoupage glue is the most ideal — it's similar to white glue in that it goes on opaque and dries clear but it's stronger and works well as a sealant and adhesive. You can also use polyurethane spray, which gives the sticker a protective satin clear varnish.

What is the best vinyl to stick to plastic? ›

PrismJET 203HT is such a product. It's an intermediate calendared vinyl, so not only does it bond well to LSE plastics, but it adheres to simple curves extremely well. These properties make it a great choice for decorating the high density polypropylene body panels used on dirt bikes and ATVs.

Do you use transfer tape with adhesive vinyl? ›

Transfer tape is only used on adhesive craft vinyl. Heat transfer vinyl has a clear carrier sheet attached to the vinyl that is used instead. Once the vinyl is cut the excess vinyl is removed (weeded) and the project should be left on the backing.

How do you prepare plastic for vinyl? ›

Polyethylene (plastic) Surfaces - Wipe entire surface with rubbing alcohol or other mild solvent. If your plastic surface has a plastic protective covering, remove and wait 24-48 hours for resins to evaporate and dissipate.

Do you need to seal permanent vinyl on plastic? ›

Many crafters say vinyl doesn't need sealing because most types of vinyl are waterproof or water-resistant. These types of permanent vinyl can last for years, which is true by the way. If you want to create more long-lasting vinyl mugs and tumblers, you might want to consider applying some sealant.

What can I use to seal vinyl on plastic? ›

Sealing a plastic plaque

Even if you use premium outdoor vinyl or permanent vinyl, that vinyl will fall off eventually and start curling up either in icy cold temperatures or in the heat and so on! So, to keep this nice for years and years to come, grab some polyurethane spray.

How long does permanent vinyl last on plastic? ›

Cricut Premium Vinyl - Permanent is ideal for projects that need to weather the storm, from mailboxes to mugs, to outdoor signage and more. It's a water-resistant and UV-resistant film with an adhesive that can last for up to 3 years.

How do you get vinyl to stick to hard plastic? ›

We always use a blow torch for a few seconds on any plastic surface we know won't melt - it burns the oil/residue away and makes it easy to stick. Vvid makes a spray that promotes adhesion... Its nowhere'snear as good as primer 95, but it's a true clear, you can spray it on the whole back and hope for the best...

What surfaces does vinyl not stick to? ›

Well, Vinyl stickers stick to almost any surface, so long as the surface is clean and smooth. Surfaces that are rough, have a coarse texture, or are dirty will not provide for surfaces where vinyl can stick optimally.

What is the difference between transfer tape and transfer vinyl? ›

Transfer paper is the way to go if you want something quick and easy. On the other hand, vinyl transfer tape may be better for you if you want more control or something that will last longer than regular transfer tape! Both are available in various sizes, so make your selection accordingly.

Why is transfer tape not sticking to vinyl? ›

There can be a few reasons for why your vinyl isn't sticking to the transfer tape: The vinyl is 'old' Poor quality vinyl (Oracal vinyl is recommended) Poor quality or low tack transfer tape (here's the transfer tape I recommend)

Can you apply vinyl without transfer tape? ›

You can transfer vinyl using painter's tape, masking tape, clear contact paper, Press 'N Seal Food Wrap, and a lint roller. These are all great alternatives that are readily available at home and provide an excellent temporary solution for transferring vinyl designs.

What kind of vinyl to use on plastic? ›

Glossy Permanent Vinyl is the standard permanent/outdoor vinyl option available from Cricut. This is demonstrated in all of the decals you see on drinkware in this post. I've had great success with it on glass, plastic and even run through the dishwasher. There are SO many color options of this basic.

How to get vinyl to stick to hard plastic? ›

We always use a blow torch for a few seconds on any plastic surface we know won't melt - it burns the oil/residue away and makes it easy to stick. Vvid makes a spray that promotes adhesion... Its nowhere'snear as good as primer 95, but it's a true clear, you can spray it on the whole back and hope for the best...

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rob Wisoky

Last Updated:

Views: 5959

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rob Wisoky

Birthday: 1994-09-30

Address: 5789 Michel Vista, West Domenic, OR 80464-9452

Phone: +97313824072371

Job: Education Orchestrator

Hobby: Lockpicking, Crocheting, Baton twirling, Video gaming, Jogging, Whittling, Model building

Introduction: My name is Rob Wisoky, I am a smiling, helpful, encouraging, zealous, energetic, faithful, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.