Kids, Wine and DIY are the few things that keep me sane (or insane). If you only have A LITTLE bit of time to squeeze A LOT in, From Wine to Whine is for you!
Do you want to cut a LARGE or OVER SIZED piece of Vinyl with your Silhouette Machine? You’ve come to the right place! I going to show you how to cut apply it to your surface!
Now, let me warn you, this post is going to be extremely picture heavy. But I really wanted to make sure that I captured every step so you can see how I did it AND not make the same mistakes that I did! Ok, now that you are ready to get started let me tell you what you need:
Depending on the size of your decal you may need tape
First you want to design your decal and resize the cutting area to your vinyl size. You can do this by clicking on the 4th tab from the right it has a red box. Type in your measurements into the height/width box. It’s ok if your image hangs over the cut area we will address that below.Since our area is smaller than the decal size we will need to slice the image. You can do this with the knife tool by drawing a line through your image.Now let’s fix your cut settings. Go to the scissor icon and select the image that you DO NOT WANT TO CUT, click NO CUT (it will no longer have red lines).Measure the legnth of vinyl that you will need. TIP: Make sure to give yourself a little extra room on the bottom so that the rollers don’t slip when you get towards the end.Set your machine and computer up on a long flat surface. This will ensure that your vinyl doesn’t wiggle around. Now load your vinyl by selecting LOAD MEDIA on the machine, and by un-checking the mat box on the computer. I like my vinyl settings at a BLADE 2, THICKNESS of 8, SPEED 1.Grab your hook it’s time to weed your design!Now, if your design was to big for the cutting area like mine you will want to combine the two images. So first trim the excess paper backing and get it as close to your design as possible. Now align the two pieces and add tape on the white backing to hold it together.Now that your piece is taped together it is time to add the transfer tape. I found that working with the Clear Transfer Tape on a roll from Expressions Vinyl was so easy to work with! I just started on one side and slowly unrolled the transfer tape while smoothing it down with my credit card.Once everything is covered go back with your credit car and make sure all of the air bubbles as you lay it down.Now it’s time to peel the transfer paper from the vinyls backing. But becareful the vinyl and the transfer tape are really sticky! I had my husband stand close by in case I needed to borrow his hands.Now it’s time to apply it to the wall! Pre-mark your surface with a pencil so that you know where to align the corners. Once the position seems right, slowly stick it to the wall and smooth with your credit card. .Once everything is smooth, it’s time to peel your transfer paper back! You want to GO SLOW! Some pieces will try to pop up, so just smooth it back down immediately.Now take a step back and admire your work!
Now that you see how to make a Large Vinyl Decal, what are you going to make?! If you need some typography inspiration, my Silhouette Challenge buddies and I are all sharing projects on our blogs today, so peruse the projects below for a wealth of Silhouette inspiration!
I was given material to use to create this post. But as always I truly believe Expressions Vinyl has quality vinyl for reasonable prices. Plus their shipping is phenomenal! I highly recommend them to my Silhouette using friends.
Dee – this is so perfect I just can’t even say how perfect it is. I love that you go over large signs, and I love even more your sign. I want to come visit your diner! Kristy gd recently posted…Checking in.
I tried doing this for my bedroom wall, twice. But I just could not get the vinyls to stick. I think I got the wrong kind, maybe? I’m not sure. But I’m just going to order a custom one from a professional, rather than buying another roll of vinyl and trying it again myself. Maybe next time, when I’m working with a different surface, I’ll try again!
This is sooooo cute! Great tutorial!
Glenna @ My Paper Craze recently posted…St. Patrick’s Day Gift Tag with {FREE Cut File}
I had no idea you could do that. Thanks!
Ellen Christian recently posted…Silhouette Craft Projects: Framed Irish Proverb
Thanks for the step-by-step, It looks brilliant on the wall.
Pam – GetSilvered recently posted…Sketch out an Inspiring Quote
Dee – this is so perfect I just can’t even say how perfect it is. I love that you go over large signs, and I love even more your sign. I want to come visit your diner!
Kristy gd recently posted…Checking in.
Great tips for cutting large vinyl decals. You make it sound way too easy! Thanks so much for sharing.
I tried doing this for my bedroom wall, twice. But I just could not get the vinyls to stick. I think I got the wrong kind, maybe? I’m not sure. But I’m just going to order a custom one from a professional, rather than buying another roll of vinyl and trying it again myself. Maybe next time, when I’m working with a different surface, I’ll try again!
Oh no! If the vinyl wasn’t adhering to the wall it must have been the wrong kind
If you decide to try again you want to find a removal adhesive vinyl.