You have created an amazingly stunning craft with wood and vinyl decals. It was fun and creatively satisfying, but can you prevent it from peeling off too soon and prolong its life? Now you can seal vinyl decals on wood shielding them from the damaging environmental factors around, making them last longer in all their glory.
Vinyl crafting is a fast growing niche in the world of arts and crafts. Vinyl films that come in many different colors, patterns, and finishes are used to jazz up any mundane space.
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Crafters use the versatile, self-created vinyl stickers, also known as vinyl transfers or decals, made from polyvinyl chloride that are flexible enough to be applied to almost any dry and smooth surface. The adhesive backing of the vinyl allows the sticker to be placed without damaging the surface underneath.
Vinyl stickers can be used for decorating furniture and walls, promoting businesses, or making signs and labels. They just need a smooth, clean and dry surface to adhere to. Hence they can be applied on wood, glass, plastic and so on. They do not burn a hole in your pocket and are easy to apply.
However, just like any other product, they have a shelf life too. They may lose their stickiness over time or fade due to various environmental factors acting upon them. Their life can be prolonged if a sealant is applied during and after the application process.
Application Of Vinyl On Wood
Step 1: Prepare The Surface.
Clean the wood with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. If you have a lacquer finish on your wood, sand it lightly with fine-grit sandpaper. Remove any loose particles with a tack cloth before proceeding. If any dirt or dust remains on the surface, it will leave marks when you apply the sticker.
Step 2: Apply Primer/Sealant To The Wood
It is important to treat the wood by applying some kind of coating to it. For this you can use Polycrylic wood stain or any acrylic paint or clear acrylic sealer. Use a soft brush or roller to do so. Once you have applied the primer, wait for 24 hours to let the base coat dry and set on the surface. If you are planning to use the vinyl on a wooden cutting board, make sure it is FDA-approved food-safe sealant.
Step 3: Apply The Vinyl
There are two kinds of vinyl that can be applied to the wood: permanent adhesive vinyl and heat transfer vinyl.
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If you are using permanent adhesive vinyl, prepare the design, then cut and weed it making it ready to be pasted. Apply transfer paper then place the decal where you want it on the wood. Once you are satisfied with the placement, remove the backing of the vinyl and paste it on the wood. Use a squeegee to smooth out the creases.
When you are sure that the vinyl has securely adhered to the surface, remove the transfer paper and your craft is ready to be displayed.
If you are using heat transfer vinyl, place your decal on the wood and cover it with a teflon sheet. Iron on your HTV one section at a time applying pressure.
Do not move your iron front and back as this might move the placement of your decal. Iron each section for 20-25 seconds before moving on to the next one.
How To Seal Vinyl On Wood
If you love making exquisite crafts by pasting vinyl on wood, you might want to seal it to prolong its life. Wood is great to work with whether you are making a decoration piece or a sign to hang outside. Before applying the sealant, let the vinyl adhesive cure for 24-48 hours.
Sealants are available both in spray form and can be applied with a brush or roller too. One of the most commonly used sealants is Mod Podge. It is dishwasher safe and is relatively inexpensive. It comes in glossy, glitter and matte finishes so you can choose one according to your requirement.
Triple Thick is another reliable sealant that can be used. As the name suggests, it gives a thick coating as compared to Mod Podge but this is one of its downsides as well because you may not always want a thick coat. If you do apply it, make sure it is done evenly all over the surface.
Polycrylic is also a good choice, It is most commonly used for projects that will be displayed outside but be careful while using this sealer as it may cause the color to bleed damaging your craft. Always test it first before using it on the final project.
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If you want a real sturdy job then go for epoxy resin to seal your vinyl on wood. It is a reliable sealant that is dishwasher safe. It is self-leveling so you don’t have to worry about applying an even layer.
Tips On How To Seal Vinyl On Wood
Use The Right Sealer
Not all sealers are created equal. You’ll want to make sure that whatever sealer you use is designed specifically for vinyl stickers; otherwise it might not provide adequate protection from moisture and sunlight exposure. Most hardware stores have employees who specialize in selling paints and stains as well as sealers, so they should be able to help guide you towards choosing the right product for your needs.
Apply The Sealer Properly
Make sure that you apply the sealer evenly over the surface of the sticker, rather than just applying it to one side or one corner of the sticker. The idea behind this is to create an even layer of sealer that protects every part of your sticker from moisture damage and sunlight exposure. If you only apply a small amount of sealer on one side or a particular spot on your sticker, then that particular spot will still be vulnerable to damage because it didn’t receive enough protection from moisture or sunlight exposure.
Seal The Surface Before Applying Vinyl
Even if you’re planning on placing your sticker indoors, it’s still important to apply a sealant on the surface before applying the vinyl. You’ll be able to prevent any potential damage when you’re working with the sticker itself.
Apply The Sealer With A Brush Or Roller
Applying a coat of sealer requires a bit of effort on your part, but it’s worth it because it will protect your sticker from fading or cracking over time. To apply the sealer evenly across your wall, use either a brush or roller (or both).
Using a brush will give you more control over where the sealer is being applied, while using a roller will help to ensure that the entire surface is covered evenly.
How To Avoid Mistakes When Working On Wood
- Avoid using too much force when working on wood. It is important that you use the right tools when working on wood so that you don’t end up damaging it. If you use too much force, you can easily cause damage to the wood and ruin your project.
- Avoid using too much heat while working with wood because this can also damage your project. Heat can also cause warping or cracking of the wood which will make it difficult for you to work on it further.
- Avoid using paint or stain on unfinished or raw pieces of wood as this can cause discoloration in them and also affect the look of your project in a bad way.
- Avoid using power tools unless you are experienced enough with them, as they can cause accidents if used incorrectly or without due care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Vinyl can be easily applied on wood to create exquisite crafts that are eye-catching and beautiful. It is highly recommended to use a sealant on the craft to protect the finish of the wood, prevent the sticker from peeling off and help it to last longer.
We have presented a detailed analysis on how to seal vinyl on wood so the next time you work on a project, it will remain vibrant and captivating for a long time winning accolades.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
