How To Apply a Vinyl Decal to An Acrylic Sign

IN ASSOCIATION WITH LOVE LIFE LETTERING

 

Clear acrylic signs are becoming increasingly popular for elegant weddings. They give a minimal look and can be paired with all sorts of colours and themes. An easy way to get a perfect finish on a perspex sign is to use a vinyl decal, and they couldn't be more simple to apply...

Watch my quick video tutorial here: 

...and check out my written instructions below: 

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WHAT YOU NEED: 

A personalised name Vinyl decal (shop Love Life Lettering's selection on Etsy here) - I used Ritrama Permanent Vinyl
Transfer tape/paper (Comes in rolls on Amazon but LLL include it with all of their designs) 
Clear Perspex Sign (Also available on Amazon)

STEP ONE: 

If it hasn't been done already, get rid of all of the excess vinyl from around your letters, making sure you don't accidentally get rid of the dots from the 'i's or punctuation, but getting rid of the middles of the letters too. You can do this with your hands, although if they are quite small, it does help to use something pointy like a sewing needle or similar. Just be careful! 

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STEP TWO: 

Apply your transfer tape over the top of your vinyl wording, trying to get it straight as possible and making sure it covers every bit of the vinyl.

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Once that is done, take a store card or vinyl applicator and smooth down all of the transfer paper to make sure there are no bumps or air bubbles. 

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STEP THREE: 

Once you're happy that the vinyl is fully stuck down, you can then peel the backing off the vinyl. Go quite slowly so that you can catch any letters that are still stuck to the backing, and can press them back down on the transfer paper instead. 

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STEP FOUR:

Line your vinyl up - it helps to measure it out beforehand and use some washi tape to mark out where you want to place it, or use a lined guide underneath the perspex to make sure it's straight. 

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Place it down slowly - I applied mine bottom down first and then smoothed it out as I placed it down. You need to get it right and lined up properly first before sticking because it's a nightmare to un-peel, so really, the slower the better! 

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Once it's down, press it on and then again use your store card/applicator to smooth out any last bumps or air bubbles. 

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STEP FIVE: 

Once you're happy that the vinyl is fully stuck down with no bumps, you can peel the transfer paper off. 

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Go over any last imperfections with your store card/applicator to make sure it is fully stuck and there you go, your sign is complete! 

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 If you have any issues with applying check out our vinyl troubleshooting post here: https://thediybridesboutique.com/diy-signs/myvinyldecalwontstick

If you don't have the time or the patience to make your own clear plastic signs, then Love Life Lettering do sell personalised ones on their store here

And if you want to make your own vinyl decals for unlimited signs and decorations, then get yourself a Cricut machine or a Silhouette Cameo! There are 1000 different things you can do with them, and they will help you make Christmas gifts, Birthday gifts, party decorations and plenty of other crafty things for years to come. Take a look at the Cricut website for more info. 

If you have any questions, drop me a comment below.