I started this as a video series on Instagram and quickly realized there was so much information to provide that it deserved a blog series. So welcome to part 1 of how to make vinyl labels like a pro.
I’ve been making, and selling, vinyl labels in my Etsy shop for the past 5 years and during that time I’ve learned a lot about making labels and what makes a good label. It can be intimidating (and expensive) to try on a whim, so I want to share what I’ve learned to help you get started. And if you still decide it’s not for you, you can always visit my shop and I’ll make them for you.
Like I said, there’s a lot to share. So I’m breaking it all up into a multi-part series. How many? As many as it takes. So lets start with some basic information about vinyl.
What is a Vinyl Label?
Vinyl is a super durable material. Like sticker paper, but 1000x better. While stickers designs are printed and cut around the design, vinyl label designs are cut directly into the vinyl sheet itself. That means you’re left without a background for a super clean look.
Vinyl is also water resistant so you can wash it. BUT, I only recommend hand washing and only on occasion. If you want to label something like a water bottle, be sure to make it a large label (you’ll understand why in the next post). Also have the expectation that it will only last a few months with constant washing. Lucky for you, you can easily make a new one! Special shout out to my house numbers. I made them from vinyl and they’ve been on the front of my house for several years with no issue. Rain, snow, heat – they’ve seen it all.
The last thing I want to mention about vinyl is it comes in a TON of colors, prints, and finishes. If you can dream it, you’ll probably be able to find it.
Types of Vinyl
There are 3 main types of vinyl you should be aware of before you run out to the craft store: HTV, Removable, and Permanent.
Heat transfer vinyl, or HTV, is used for fabric applications. If you want to make a custom T-shirt then HTV is your friend. It’s called heat transfer vinyl because you need a heat source to adhere it to fabric. You can use a clothing iron or get fancy with a heat press.
Removable vinyl is used for more delicate applications, like drywall. Remember when everyone was applying sayings on their walls? That was removable vinyl.
Permanent vinyl is what I use for all my labels. While it does have a stronger adhesive than removable, don’t let the name fool you. When applied to intended surfaces (like glass, plastic, and metal) it can still be removed. There may be some residue left behind, but it’s nothing a little goo-gone can’t handle.
There are some other vinyl variations, but these three will get you started.
Label Applications
Vinyl can be applied to *most* any smooth clean surface. It works best on materials like glass, metal, and plastic. Also, make sure the surface is flat instead of rounded. Think of trying to wrap a ball in paper. You’d be left with a bunch of creases. The same would be true with vinyl.
That’s it for Part 1 of how to make vinyl labels! Now that you know what vinyl is, next I’ll share my favorite supplies to get started making labels in Part 2.
