Mermaid Decal Application

This tutorial is a basic and fun demonstration on how to apply a single layer vinyl decal.  You can grab a free of copy of the decal HERE so that you can follow along at home.  Before we list the items used to make this box, here is the video on how it was done.  I'm sure that you'll be impressed with the high production value.

MATERIALS:

• Vinyl Decal - this was cut from a Cricut machine, but any decal/sticker will do.
• Transfer Tape
• Scraper
• Weeding Tool
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Cricut Machine and Design Space (only needed if you're creating your own decal).
• Jewelry Box (Or, anything else to which you want to apply the decal).

STEP 1: MEASURE AND CLEAN THE WORK SURFACE

At WannaCraft, we hate sounding like a broken record (yeah, I just made a "record" reference).  However, we can't stress this one facet of decal application enough: CLEAN the Surface.  

But first, let's take a quick step back.  Before you clean the application site, measure it. Take the length and width measurements and be sure to note any sharp bends, etc that you might need to consider for the decal size.

Now that your measurements are recorded, it's time to clean your greasy fingerprints (and maybe wine) off of the surface.  We often use rubbing alcohol, but always check to see that the alcohol doesn't damage the surface first.  I often think back to a time when I completely destroyed a plastic surface while using a Goo remover to take off sticker remnants.  I've yet to have any issues with basic isopropyl rubbing alcohol, but one never knows. 

Apply the rubbing alcohol and wipe off using a clean cloth (preferred) or a paper towel if you need to.  Minimize the dust or paper towel remnants to the surface.

STEP 2: CUT OUT THE STENCIL

This tutorial utilizes Cricut Design Space to resize and cut the decal.  Simply import the mermaid decal.  Again, we offer it to you for Free (no catch) HERE.  We utilized an .SVG file type because they're easy to import and work with in Design Space.  It also is the ideal file type for using multiple layers.  However, for the purpose of this demo, layers are not applicable, as it is a single-layer design.

After importing the image, resize it so that it fits your application space. Refer back to your dimensions that you took in step 1.  Measure twice and cut once.  Although, I'm not judging you because here's what I did. I was so pre-occupied will filming the video tutorial that I accidentally cut the decal upside down.  But that's just absent-minded me.

Once the decal is sized correctly, you'll want to click "Make It" on the bottom right of the Cricut Design Space screen. Place a piece of vinyl that is slightly larger than the design boundary dimensions and place it on the top left of the Cricut sticky mat.  There is no need to "mirror" the design since we're not ironing-on this image.

STEP 3: WEED THE IMAGE

Weeding the process in removing excess vinyl after a stencil is cut. You can't tell from the top image, but the Cricut did cut the outline of the mermaid.  We often begin the weeding process in a corner.  Due to the complexity of the hair on this design, relative to the rest of it, we will start on the opposite corner.  In this case, it is the top left. 

Insert the sharp end of the weeding tool at a 45 degree angle and poke through just the vinyl.  This may take practice but you'll learn to love it.  Once through and you've got a hold of a corner, peel it back slowly at a 45 degree angle.  Provided it is cut properly (not too deep and not too shallow), the excess/waste vinyl should peel off easily, leaving the final image in tact.

STEP 4: APPLY THE TRANSFER TAPE

Now that the vinyl mermaid decal is weeding and ready to go, you'll want to apply the transfer tape.  Transfer tape is basically a medium used to move a vinyl decal or stencil to another surface.  The vinyl adheres just enough to the transfer tape to be moved, but not so much that it can't be removed.  

Peel the backing off of the transfer tape using your weeding tool to first get a corner edge.  We only peel back a small surface; in this case, we fold it down to the top most grid line.  

Line up the edge of the transfer tape to the top of the mermaid decal.  Then, while pressing the transfer tape down on the decal, slowly peel off the backing of the transfer tape.

The tape should cover all of the decal surface now.  It doesn't have to be perfectly aligned but you do want to ensure that there isn't any bunching of the tape over the vinyl.

Use your scraper or credit card to rub the tape over the decal to ensure good adherence.

STEP 5: APPLY THE VINYL DECAL

With the transfer tape properly adhered to the vinyl decal, now you'll want to peel off the backing.  As before, start on a corner and peel back slowly at a 45 degree angle.  Again, go slow and look to see that the decal is sticking to the transfer tape.  If any of it sticks to the decal backing, don't panic.  Replace the backing, flip over and scrape it some more.  Try again.

Once the backing of the decal is removed, align your image over the application surface.  We like to slightly bend the image vertically and first mount the center portion of the decal.  Lightly adhere the center and then lightly press outwardly from the center to the right and center to the left.  

​Use your scraper to tightly affix the vinyl decal to the box top.  Start at the center and work outwardly.  This aids in removing any air bubbles that may have formed.

Once it is affixed, slowly peel off the transfer tape.  You know the drill: 45 degree angle, peeling slowly.  Told you: I sound like broke record, I mean DiscMan, I mean... ah forget it.

You're done anyway.  Thanks for sticking around.  You Wanna Craft and We Wanna Help!