How to Create Custom Vinyl Stickers
Custom vinyl stickers are among the most versatile promotion items ever. Why? It is simple, they will stick and look great on almost every surface. What this means is that they can carry any message and will meet the needs of almost every customer.
There are several ways to get custom vinyl decals. You can either order online from stores like Zigpac or create yours. In this post, we will show you how to create die-cut stickers and where to place them. Let’s dive straight in.
Creating Custom Vinyl Stickers
Making these stickers is pretty easy as long as you have the right tools and you know the process. In this section, we will explain the process of creating these stickers in steps.
Part one – Create your design
The first step to making your stickers is to come up with a design. We suggest that you check out pictures of vinyl stickers online to draw inspiration. A good way to start is to have a theme in mind so that you can channel your search towards this direction.
For example, if you need vinyl decals for a car, you can search using the keyword “vinyl stickers for cars.” The search results should show you different stickers that people have used on their cars. It will also reveal the different sizes you should consider and possible color combinations.
After gathering inspiration, sketch your design out on paper. You don’t need to put in so much detail. All you need is the basic idea so that you know what to transfer to your computer. Ensure that the design is simple and you work with the right size. If you aren’t so good with sketching, you can make use of an online graphic.
Recreate your design on your computer with the help of image editing software. Your best bet is Illustrator or Photoshop. You can also make use of free software like GIMP. Some people prefer to scan the design they drew on paper then make adjustments. You can adopt this method if it works for you. Otherwise, just recreate the design.
Here are a few things to consider when creating your sticker designs:
- If you are using text, make them bold.
- Make use of vibrant and bold colors.
- Use a minimum resolution of 300 pixels/inch.
Part two – Printing your stickers
Great, you have the design for your custom vinyl stickers. Let’s discuss vinyl sticker printing. Create a new document in the image editing software. Ensure that the page is 8 by 11 inches or 20.3 by 27.9 cm. Some software don’t allow you to specify the page size for new documents. If yours falls into this category, you can open the document first then edit the size afterward.
After determining the page size, paste your design into the newly opened document. What if you want to make multiple documents? Simple, paste your design according to the number of duplicates you need. So if you need five copies of the same design, place the design five times. Ensure that you arrange these copies properly so that they don’t fall outside the template margins.
Click on “Print Preview” to see what your printout will look like. If you notice that any of the stickers are cut off, it means that you need to adjust your arrangement. Also, check to see that no copy is overlapping. If everything is alright, then you are good to go.
Load the printer with vinyl printer paper. The paper should be 8 by 11 inches or 20.3 by 27.9 cm. Ensure that the print side is the part onto which the printer will print. Run a quick test to be sure that you get the position of the paper right before the main print.
A few things that you should know before we continue:
- You can purchase vinyl printer paper at local print supply stores or online.
- When purchasing the paper, ensure that it is compatible with the printer that you will use.
- For transparent stickers, purchase clear vinyl paper.
- Custom vinyl decals are perfect for outdoor use. In this case, you make use of a laser printer for the printing so that the stickers are water-resistant.
Moving ahead with our vinyl sticker printing, set your printer to the highest quality and click “Print.”
Part three – Laminate and cut your stickers
Stickers always add flair to empty spaces and carry promotional messages perfectly. However, when they start to peel, they become a sorry sight to behold. One way to protect your stickers is to laminate them. Taking this action protects them from weather elements, air bubbles, and dirt.
Laminating your stickers may seem difficult at the thought of the idea but it is pretty straightforward. Simply get your laminate and peel the backing from the top of the sheet. Line the laminate with your vinyl paper at the edges then begin pressing it to the paper so that it sticks.
Keep peeling the laminate backing as you apply pressure to the laminate over the vinyl paper. Do this until you have covered the whole of the printed vinyl sheet. Prevent air bubbles by pressing the laminate over the vinyl with a ruler.
When you are done with laminating the stickers, cut them into shape. Use a craft knife and a ruler for precise cuts. You can also use scissors for round and vinyl letter stickers.
Where to Place your Custom Vinyl Decals
Congratulations, you just made your custom stickers. Where can you place them? These stickers are so versatile, they’d work on just about any surface. Here are a few ideas:
Furniture:
- Bookshelf
- Coffee table
- Filing cabinet
- Folding chair
- Lamp
- Microwave
- Mirror
- Nightstand
Personal items
- Wheelchair
- Wallet
- Cast
- Car window
- Car bumper
- Backpack
Paper goods
- Binder/folder
- Clipboard
- Diary/journal
- Gift bag/tag
- Letter/package
- Notebook
- Planner
Electronics
- Camera case
- Computer tower
- External hard drive
- Laptop
- Laptop case
- Phone case
- Tablet
Wrapping Up
That’s it for how to create your custom vinyl stickers. If you are not up for the stress, simply reach out to Zigpac and we’d help you out. Our operators have the skills that you need to deliver high-quality vinyl stickers for your brand.