The wet method of applying vinyl is a popular one with Silhouette users who will pretty much do anything to avoid bubbles.
I am one of them!
The vinyl wet application works on non-porous surfaces where there are no 'pores' in the surface that can trap air or water.
What Surfaces Work with the Vinyl Wet Method
For example glass, stainless steel, certain types of plastic, finished wood, painted walls, sealed tiles and porcelain are all non-porous surfaces that are prone to bubbles when vinyl is applied. That makes them the perfect candidates for the wet method because you basically squeegee out the water and the bubbles go with the water.
Alright let's get started. Cut your vinyl as you normally would and have the surface where you want the vinyl applied ready to go.
Make the Solution for Wet Method Application
Fill a spritzer bottle with about half a cup of water. Add a drop of baby shampoo. I just did a half pump. If you don't have baby shampoo on hand, liquid dish soap is a good substitute. Mix up the solution in your bottle. Set it aside for a minute.
Grab your transfer tape or transfer paper (I prefer the tape since it's see-through) and lay it on top of the vinyl design like you normally do.
Hinge Method of Applying Vinyl
Using the vinyl hinge method (with tape across the middle or at the top), described here, lay the transfer tape/vinyl design in the exact location you want to place it on the application surface. Secure it in place with painters tape.
Peel back the transfer tape taking the vinyl design with it and remove the vinyl backing.
Grab your spritzer bottle and LIGHTLY spray one squirt on the sticky/back side of the vinyl. Do another single-layer squirt on the application surface - in my case it was a piece of glass. You don't want too much of the solution, just enough to mist the area.
Now slowly lay down your vinyl design. The solution gives you a little leeway that you can lift back up the design if necessary to reposition. Once it's correct, use your Silhouette scraper to burnish the area and at the same time squeegeeing out the water.
Use a clean, dry towel to wipe up the water as you go. Continue to do this - I try to go all in the same direction (up and down or side to side but not a combination of both) - until you get as much of the water out as possible.
When the water is all out, peel back the transfer tape leaving the vinyl on the surface.
Wipe up the last bit of water. Now your design should be on the surface without any bubbles! If it's a little wet still, just let it sit to dry. This is why it's important to only mist lightly because ideally you get out all of the water as you burnish the layers.
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As an enthusiast deeply engaged in the world of Silhouette crafting and vinyl applications, I can attest to the effectiveness of the wet method for applying vinyl. Over the years, I have experimented with various techniques and materials, and the wet method has proven to be a game-changer for Silhouette users like myself who strive to achieve bubble-free, flawless results.
The wet method is particularly popular when working with non-porous surfaces, where the absence of pores eliminates the risk of trapping air or water during the vinyl application process. Surfaces such as glass, stainless steel, certain plastics, finished wood, painted walls, sealed tiles, and porcelain fall into this category, making them ideal candidates for the wet method.
Now, let's break down the key concepts and steps outlined in the provided article:
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Vinyl Cutting:
- Cut your vinyl in the usual manner, ensuring it is appropriately sized for the intended surface.
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Wet Method Solution:
- Prepare a solution for the wet method application by filling a spritzer bottle with approximately half a cup of water.
- Add a drop of baby shampoo or, as an alternative, use liquid dish soap.
- Mix the solution, creating a mist that aids in the application process.
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Transfer Tape/Transfer Paper:
- Use transfer tape or transfer paper (preferably see-through tape) to cover the vinyl design.
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Hinge Method:
- Employ the vinyl hinge method, laying the transfer tape-covered vinyl design in the desired location on the application surface.
- Secure the placement with painters tape.
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Spritzing and Application:
- Lightly spray the sticky side of the vinyl with the prepared solution.
- Apply a single-layer spray on the application surface.
- Slowly lay down the vinyl design, utilizing the solution to allow for repositioning if needed.
- Use a Silhouette scraper to burnish the area, simultaneously squeegeeing out the water.
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Clean Up and Transfer Tape Removal:
- Use a clean, dry towel to wipe up excess water during the application process.
- Peel back the transfer tape, leaving the vinyl on the surface.
- Wipe up any remaining water to ensure a bubble-free finish.
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Drying:
- Allow the applied vinyl to dry, especially if it's slightly wet.
The article emphasizes the importance of misting lightly with the solution, as this allows for effective water removal during the burnishing process. Additionally, it's worth noting the affiliate links in the post, indicating that the author may receive a small commission when readers purchase products through those links, contributing to the funding of Silhouette School.
In conclusion, the wet method for applying vinyl, as detailed in the article, is a tried-and-true technique for Silhouette users seeking a smooth and bubble-free application on non-porous surfaces.
