Updated By TeckWrap Craft On September, 14 2024
Easy Tips on How to Get Vinyl to Stick to Canvas
If you are wondering if adhesive vinyl can be used on canvas, wonder no more.
Heat transfer vinyl has always been the vinyl of choice when using canvas, but sometimes heat transfer vinyl is not readily available, and what you have on hand are adhesive vinyls.
And there's nothing more frustrating than trying to apply vinyl on canvas - and failing. And unfortunately, it doesn't always stick, but there are a few tricks that can help get successful results.
Let me share those tips with you here so you can get it done right!
Getting started
First off, best to have all the materials prepared before starting this project so that you have everything you need within reach as this endeavor can be tricky more so if you are doing this for the first time. Place all the materials in a clean flat smooth surface.
Materials
Following material is required
- Stretched Dry Canvas
- Adhesive vinyl
- Weeding Pens
- Squeegee
- Transfer Tape or Transfer Paper
Spray adhesive - Cardboard or card stock
Tip # 1
Prepare your design using your chosen permanent adhesive vinyl color using your prefered cutting machine. There are two popular and easy to use cutter plotters available, Silhouette vinyl cutter and Cricut vinyl cutter, both have similar functions and features.
It is advised to create designs with thicker elements and fonts, because the thicker surface area of the vinyl will adhere better to the canvas.
If you have premade designs, best to make adjustments to make the elements and fonts thicker. Your cutting machine website application will have the tools to create these refinements and design adjustments.
Tip # 2
Weed the design using your weeding pen and apply vinyl design to your transfer tape. Set aside. Collect any excess vinyl that you can still use for other projects.
Tip # 3:Prep your stretched canvas
- When putting vinyl on canvas, a hard backing is sometimes needed to ensure the vinyl will lay flat. If you flip your canvas over and put something like a stack of printer paper, cardboard or cardstock underneath it, this provides a hard temporary backing that allows you to firmly press the vinyl onto the hard surface.
- Spray a light coat of adhesive all over the front of your canvas, enough to cover the entire canvas.
Don't use too much; just enough to make the vinyl adhere. It will feel sticky when it's wet, but it won't be sticky once it is completely dry.
Tip #4
Firmly place and position the transfer tape with the vinyl design on to the canvas. With your squeegee, burnish the vinyl onto the canvas.
Do not be afraid to use firm hard strokes since the canvas is supported by the cardboard backing.
Tip #5
Peel the transfer tape gently Best to start from the upper corner and proceed diagonally so that the vinyl does not adhere to the transfer tape.
