If you have a computer with some design software, i would recommend making the design first and then using the cricut machine to cut out your project. if you don't have a design already, i would go to one of many graphic-design sites on-line.
if anyone is interested in learning how to use the cricut machine, there are some great tutorials on youtube – most specifically makermom (whose videos are very helpful!)
other brands like silhouette also make machines that can be used for cutting.
blank vinyl cards can also be purchased online or at craft stores if you want an easier way of applying designs. you can buy stickers pre-cut or cut them yourself with scissors before
what do you need to make car decals with cricut?
i use a cutting mat, a printer that can print onto the backside of the decal material, adhesive vinyl that transfers smoothly onto not just paper but other materials like metal or plastic.
i apply the decals to any desired surface with their rubbery backing and leave them to adhere for 5-6 hours before sliding off rubbery backing to expose adhesive surface. this leaves behind this textured material on the desired surface. when placing car decals, it is important for there to be sufficient space left between decals so they don't overlap one another when viewing from afar. the thickness of car stickers has implications on how much space should be left in order to achieve non-overlapping affect; stencils are an
what cricut vinyl is best for car decals?
premierarchival, or toughlove will work best for car decals.
in order to prevent wrinkling and stretching over time, it is important to use a premium vinyl designed specifically for outdoor applications. this type of vinyl is more expensive than standard vinyl as it has a matte coated surface finish and uses less adhesive, allowing it to be applied smoothly and will typically last three-four times as long as the available alternatives. the material also includes an acrylic top coat that protects against uv rays and weather elements like wind and sun damage.
we recommend the premierarchival (especially if you want color), or toughlove substrates for your project since they both include these benefits without significantly increasing the overall cost of materials needed.
can you make car decals with a cricut?
yes, you can.
many people use a cricut machine to make vinyl car decals. to do this, first find a shape that may be cut from the vinyl with the cricut. carefully place clear vinyl on an already clean surface and using a tool such as an x-acto knife or pen to transfer the shape from paper to the vinyl then carefully cut out shapes with an x-acto knife or other cutting blade. once all desired shapes have been made, remove them from their backing by peeling off a corner of each sticker and apply onto your car one at a time. keep going until all areas of the car are covered in decals and ensure that no shapes overlap buckling under pressure
can you use cricut permanent vinyl for car decals?
a common misconception is that you can use cricut permanent vinyl for car decals. however, while the vinyl does indeed come in a clear gloss finish, it has different adhesive properties to adhere properly on surfaces with curves and uneven surfactes. for example, consumers have reported that products made from this vinyl are not suited at all for surfaces where air pockets or bubbles form under the film when cut – which would be inevitable if used on something pliable like a car window. likely because of these lower quality adhesion properties, it is also more fragile than other types of heavy duty material often used for decals on cars.
the only time where i recommend using this product is when your intention is decorating items
