Transfer tape is a sticky backed material that moves your vinyl decals to the final project. Transfer tape comes as rolls or sheets, and while the size, appearance and stickiness may vary, they all do the same job.
In this article you’ll learn how to use Cricut transfer tape!
How To Use Transfer Tape
Cut out the design you want to use. Make sure that the blade cuts through the vinyl without cutting through the backing.
Cut out your design and then remove all the little pieces you don’t need. Use your weeding tool to carefully remove all the little pieces. Then place your transfer tape on top and use an application tool to rub the tape onto the vinyl.
After your design is cut and weeded out all the extras, it’s time to apply the transfer tape. Cut an oversized piece of transfer tape and place it on top of the vinyl.
Use a scraper tool to smooth the transfer tape onto the vinyl. Then peel the transfer tape off of the paper backing and bring your vinyl design along with it.
Slowly peel back the transfer tape and make sure your design shows up. If it doesn’t move the transfer tape back over it and try rubbing it again. Keep doing this until your entire design shows up.
Which Tape To Use?
Transfer tapes are a personal preference thing. You should try out different kinds until you find the one you prefer. For your first project, use grid line transfer tape.
Paper transfer tape is great for transferring designs onto fabric. You can use it to make custom clothing. You can also use it to decorate your walls. It’s easy to use, but you need to be careful when using it.
Reuse
Don’t throw away your old transfer tape after using it. You can reuse it by laying it on top of another piece of transfer tape. This keeps the old piece of transfer tape from getting wet or dirty.
Transfer tapes usually have paper backing, but this isn’t always the case. Paper backing is useful for storing unused pieces of transfer tape.
Alternatives
It makes things much easier when picking up the whole design and lining everything up on your finished product. Especially if you have a vinyl sticker with lots of small designs to it. If you don’t already have transfer tape, you can use these things instead:
* Transfer paper (not really recommended)
* Scissors
* Glue stick
* A clean surface
Painters tape, scotch tape, clear contact paper, adhesive lint remover!
How Long Does Transfer Tape Last?
You can expect to get at least 5 years out of most types of transfer tape – unless you use it up before then! However, some transfer tapes will wear faster than others. The best way to tell which type of transfer tape will last longer is to look at the expiration date.
What else can I use transfer tape for?
Does Transfer Tape Work On Heat Transfer Vinyl Too?
Heat transfer vinyl comes with its own carrier sheets that will transfer your vinyl to your projects.
Curved Surfaces
This is a neat little trick to use when transferring designs from a flat surface to an object with curves. By clipping through the transfer tape, you can avoid wrinkles and folds.
Fold, Don’t Remove
Peeling the transfer tape and applying the decal onto your paper is pretty easy. But if you fold back one edge of the backing paper, you’ll be able to apply the decal without getting it stuck down.
When you’re happy with the placement, simply press down on the exposed part of the decal and remove the remaining backing.
Facts About Transfer Tape
There are many types of transfer tape available. Some are designed specifically for cutting machines like the Cricut and Silhouette while others are more general purpose.
The most common type of transfer tape is called “grid line” because it has lines printed across it. These lines help you line up your design so that it aligns perfectly with the machine.
The other main type of transfer tape is “permanent.” Permanent transfer tape sticks to your project permanently. It won’t come off easily unless you want it to.
Transfer tapes come in different sizes. Small transfers are usually around 1/4 inch wide. Large transfers are usually about 2 inches wide.
You can find transfer tapes at craft stores, office supply stores, online retailers, and even Walmart.
Different Types of Transfer Tape
Strong tack transfers are used for transferring textured vinyls such as glitter onto cardstock, while strong grip transfers are used for transferring smooth vinyls.
Strong tack transfers are also great for transferring designs directly onto fabric.
If you’re planning on using your transfer tape on a non-porous surface, make sure you choose strong tack transfer tape.
Which Type Should You Buy?
That depends entirely on what you plan on doing with your transfer tape. If you’re looking for something that will stick to a non-porous material, then go ahead and get some strong tack transfer tape.
Otherwise, if you’re looking for something sticky enough to adhere to a porous surface, get some permanent transfer tape.
Gridline Transfer Tape
A gridline transfer tape is perfect for transferring designs onto surfaces like wood, metal, plastic, glass, canvas, etc. Gridlines are made by printing straight lines across the tape. You can cut them out individually or just leave them as one continuous piece.
Permanent Transfer Tape
When you need something that’s going to stay put, permanent transfer tape is what you should go for. This kind of tape doesn’t peel off when you’re done. Instead, it stays firmly attached to whatever surface you place it on.
Permanent transfer tape is ideal for transferring designs onto fabrics, leather, wallpaper, plaster, etc.
Transfer Tape Tips
Transfer tape should always be applied evenly. You don’t want to have kinks or wrinkles in your transfer tape. Also, when you’re applying the transfer tape, start at the very end and slowly move towards the middle.
Slowly apply the tape as you go along. Doing so will ensure that you get even coverage of the vinyl.
To remove the tape, pull it off at a 45 degree angle. First, pick a corner & remove at a 45 degree angle. Next, rock your 45-degree angle left & right (left-to-rights/right-to-left) as you go.
When you’re using a transfer method, it’s very important to pull the transfer tape as tight as possible while still keeping the angle correct.
You want to make sure that you get the right amount of pressure on the surface without tearing the paper or damaging your surface
Scrap vinyls can be saved and practiced upon. Also, if you’re new to using vinyls, you can use cardboard boxes as a base for practicing on.
For most kinds of vinyl, use regular transfer tape. Re-use your old transfer tape!
Try different kinds of transfer tapes! There are many types of transfer tape out there. Some are clear, others have grids, and some are more like mask-tape.
You just have to figure out what works for you, and try it out. Start small, and make sure to practice. Practice, practice, practice
Slow and steady wins this race. You should go slow when using vinyl and transfer tape.
Weeding Tips
When weeding vinyl transfers, we recommend starting with the edges first. If you weed too far into the vinyl, you could ruin the entire piece.
Then, work from the center outwards. This way, you’ll get the best results. Also, remember to keep the vinyl straight.
Conclusion
Using transfer tape is a useful skill! Hopefully with this article you’ve learned a little about how to correctly use transfer tape!
Through Love and Robots, I hope to share my knowledge with others, and provide advice about everything 3D printer related.
- The 10 Best Sublimation Blank Wholesale Suppliers - July 12, 2022
- The Best Wholesale Sublimation T-Shirt Blanks Suppliers - July 12, 2022
- Eight Common Reasons Why Your Heat Vinyl Transfer Won’t Adhere To Garments - July 12, 2022
