Updated By TeckWrap Craft On April 18, 2024
How To Put Vinyl On A Cup?
Looking at the vibrantly printed drinkware, you must have wondered how vinyl designs are applied to it. It’s simple: with a cutting machine, permanent vinyl, and transfer tape, you can put vinyl on any cup you want. Read our detailed guide for tips, steps, and project ideas.
What Is The Best Vinyl For Cups?
Permanent adhesive vinyl is the best for cups. For remarkable results and a durable transfer, choose from the extensive collection of premium-quality permanent craft vinyl at TeckWrap Craft. This is an excellent material for any product that needs to be washed frequently.
You cannot use removable vinyl for cups as it may not adhere long enough even when hand-washed. Permanent vinyl has a longer-lasting adhesive and is water-resistant, especially when sealed after application.
How long does permanent adhesive vinyl print last on cups? With correct application and proper care, it can last for three to five years on a cup.
Step-By-Step Instructions And Tips On How To Put Vinyl On A Cup
Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to place vinyl on cups. You can also use these instructions for tumblers, glasses, or any other product you want to personalize.
Materials List
- Cup of your choice.
- TeckWrap Craft permanent adhesive vinyl.
- Transfer tape.
- Weeding tool.
- Cutting mat.
- Silhouette or Cricut cutting machine.
- Ruler or tape measure.
- Squeegee or credit card.
- Alcohol.
- Cotton pads or clean cloth.
If you’re still in the process of gathering your supplies list, here are several products you can choose from:
Prepare The Design
First of all, you have to prepare the design on the Cricut Design Space. Use a ruler or tape measure to determine the right size of the decal. It will depend on the space on your cup. Adjust its size on the software accordingly.
Clean The Merchandise
Clean the cup thoroughly. Make sure it’s washed and dried. Wipe it with alcohol and a cotton pad. Cleaning the merchandise is important to remove any grease, dust, or dirt. It also ensures robust adhesion of the vinyl. After cleaning, do not touch it.
Change The Settings On Your Design Space
The next step is to change the settings on your Design Space. Whether you’re using Cricut or Cameo, they pretty much have the same settings. You need to select the material, either ‘permanent craft vinyl or premium vinyl’.
With this, the force and speed will also change. ‘Test Cut’ and see if the vinyl comes off easily away from the paper backing.
Cut The Design
If the test cut is successful, cut a piece of vinyl at least 1cm bigger than your intended decal size. Place it on the cutting mat, with the shiny side up.
Burnish with a squeegee to ensure smoothness and adhesion to the mat. Load it in the cutting machine and cut. Remember! Never to mirror permanent vinyl!
Weed The Extra Vinyl
Using a weeding tool or tweezer, weed excess vinyl from your design. Be extra careful as you don’t want the important parts of your design to come off.
Use Transfer Tape To Transfer The Permanent Adhesive Vinyl
Cut the transfer tape at least 1cm bigger than the vinyl decal you have. Take the backing paper off it and place it over the decal. Use a squeegee to flatten the transfer tape over the decal. This will also remove bubbles and creases if any.
Transfer The Design
Remove the paper backing of the vinyl. Make sure the decal has proper alignment and is straight. Start from one corner and work your way inwards. Use a squeegee to flatten it out on the surface.
Now remove the transfer tape slowly at an angle, keeping it closer to the surface. Viola! You have successfully applied a beautiful design to your cup. Be ready to win praise. Whether you are using a Starbucks cup, a plastic cup, or one made of glass, the method of putting vinyl will be the same.
How To Put Vinyl On A Cup Without Cricut?
If you don’t have a Cricut machine, no problem. You can still apply an exquisite vinyl design to your favorite cup or mug. Here’s how.
- Finalize the design on the design software of your choice. It should not be very intricate. The dimensions should be the same as the space on your cup. Mirror the design or flip it horizontally.
- Print it out on a sheet of computer paper. Cut it out with a pair of scissors or a craft cutter to make a stencil.
- Trace the design onto the permanent adhesive vinyl backing using a pen or a Sharpie.
- Now cut it with scissors or a craft cutter, whatever you are comfortable using.
- Once the design is cut, apply transfer tape to it and paste it on the cup. It's as easy as that!
How To Put Vinyl On The Curved Surface Of A Cup?
One challenging step when it comes to dealing with cups or mugs is that they don’t have a flat surface. You can apply your vinyl design to the curved area by snipping several edges of the transfer tape.
Snipping means creating small cuts on the edges of the transfer tape all around the design using a scissor. This makes dealing with the curved form of the cup easier.
Now apply your permanent adhesive vinyl design to the cup making sure it is aligned properly and is straight. Smooth it out with a squeegee then remove the transfer tape slowly.
How To Apply Sealant After Putting Vinyl On A Cup?
If you want a long-lasting vinyl design on your mug that can survive the dishwasher, apply a sealant on it like the Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe Sealer. It is non-toxic and food-safe. Here’s the method:
- Clean the cup again using alcohol and a cotton pad.
- After the alcohol has completely dried off, brush the first coat of Mod Podge thinly, evenly, and as fast as you can as the sealant tends to dry quickly.
- The brush strokes should be in the same direction for a neat and clean look. Apply it all over the vinyl decal and the rest of the mug’s outer surface (except the inner part, handle, and rim.
- After applying the first coat, let it dry for an hour. The dried sealant will have a matte finish.
- Apply three layers. Wait for each to dry before applying the next.
- Let the cup sit for a while to allow it to cure. There are two ways of doing it:
- You can place ceramic, stainless steel, or glass mugs inside the oven for 30 minutes, and set the oven at 350°F. Let the mug cool down before removing it. After that, place it somewhere clean and wait at least 72 hours before using it.
- To cure plastic cups, put them in a dry and clean location for 28 days before using them.
Permanent Adhesive Vinyl Project Ideas
With the step-by-step instructions mentioned above, there are many other craft projects you can personalize:
Coffee Mugs
You can place vinyl decals on ceramic or glass mugs. These can be great gifts for your family and loved ones for any occasion.
Water Bottles
Another DIY project you can create is designing a plastic water bottle. See all the extra vinyl colors on this project? Isn’t it pretty? You can create something like this too.
Beer Can Glasses
If you’re looking for gift ideas for men, applying vinyl on beer can glasses sounds perfect. Put color-changing vinyl to these for a magical touch. You can easily buy beer can glasses from TeckWrap Craft.
Christmas Ornaments
Apply permanent adhesive vinyl to Christmas ornaments to create a personalized festive ambiance. Check out the Craft Blanks section at TeckWrap.
Drinking Glasses
You can place vinyl decals on drinking glasses. We have used Rainbow Stripes Adhesive Vinyl from TeckWrap Craft in this project.
Acrylic Organizers
You can also personalize acrylic storage boxes. In the photo above, we have designed an acrylic makeup brush organizer.
Balloons
Customize foil balloons for any occasion or as a bouquet balloon gift. This is a unique craft idea that will add life to your party.
Alcohol Spray Bottles
If you cannot leave your home without a hand sanitizer, this idea is for you. Apply your design to plastic alcohol spray bottles—something that no one else has.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Applying vinyl on a cup or a coffee mug may seem intimidating at first. But by following the instructions we have provided and with practice, you can master it in no time! Do not compromise on quality. For long-lasting designs, visit TeckWrap Craft today! Happy crafting!