What is the difference between permanent vinyl and self adhesive vinyl? (2023)

What is the difference between permanent vinyl and self adhesive vinyl?

Some adhesive vinyl is meant for permanent, outdoor application and some is designed to be removable for indoor application. Usually (although not always), permanent outdoor vinyl has a glossy finish while removable indoor vinyl has a matte finish.

Self-adhesive vinyl which is designed for outdoor application is permanent and self-adhesive vinyl which is meant for indoor use is removable. Permanent self-adhesive vinyl usually comes in a glossy finish whereas removable vinyl normally has a matte finish.

To check which one you have after they are removed from their original packaging, flip the vinyl! If you see green squares, that's permanent. Gray is removable.

Adhesive vinyl is a thin, flexible, self-adhesive material (think durable sticker) that is typically used to create wall and window decals and business signage. It's durable and can also be waterproof which makes it very versatile.

Adhesive vinyl has a sticky surface to it, and, because of that, you can transfer it on different surfaces such as mugs, paper, metal, plastic, windows, etc.

Peel and stick tiles, also known as self-adhesive vinyl tiles, have become increasingly popular thanks to their versatility, durability, and reduced cost. They are waterproof and resistant to most spillages and splashes, which makes them perfect for highly humid rooms, such as showers, kitchens, and bathrooms.

So do you need transfer tape? In short, probably. You can move vinyl from its backing to another location without transfer tape, but if there are any spaces or intricate details it will be very difficult.

The contrast between these types of vinyl mainly lies in the durability and strength of the material's stickiness. Although you can assume that removable vinyl will last for about a year or three years, permanent vinyl will allow you to use it for about three years, up to eight years.

You can use it as a stencil when painting a wall or over painted wood, stencil for glass etching, wall decals used for labeling, seasonal or temporary projects, and many more. In short, removable vinyl or temporary vinyl is great for indoor wall signs, decals, or any project that may need temporary application.

Cricut permanent vinyl has a heat-activated adhesive that makes it more durable than removable vinyl. However, both types of vinyl can be removed from surfaces if you use the right tools and techniques. If you're not sure which type of vinyl to use for your project, permanent vinyl is usually a safe bet.

What projects do you use permanent vinyl?

Which Vinyl Should I Use? Determining What Vinyl to use Where

The best permanent/outdoor vinyl for Cricut and Silhouette is Oracal 651.

The simple answer to this is, never! You don't have to seal vinyl crafts IF you use good quality vinyl (and we always advise that you do). Vinyl will adhere to your projects and continue to look as good as new for quite a long time.

The permanent types of vinyl are waterproof and they last up to three years. The permanent adhesive vinyl is ideal for outdoor application.

What is Permanent Vinyl? The adhesive contained on the permanent vinyl is stronger. It is a long-lasting vinyl. Although you can remove the vinyl, it usually leaves a sticky residue that is difficult to remove, and it can also cause paint to peel off from cars or walls.

On average you can expect peel and stick floors to last between five and 25 years. However, their life span ultimately comes down to how well they're installed, how much traffic they receive, and whether they're repeatedly exposed to water.

Wipe the tiles with a wet rag and wait for the area to dry. Then squeeze a thin line of seam sealer, per the manufacturer's directions, along the seam lines and wipe away the excess sealer on the tiles with a clean rag or sponge.

Adhesive vinyl can be a good choice for stencil designs on shirts or canvas totes using fabric paint or paint pens. A stencil made from adhesive vinyl sticks securely well onto fabrics so that the paint may not bleed through.

Solution: If your vinyl is not releasing from the transfer tape then your transfer tape may be too sticky! If it's too sticky, the vinyl will stay on the tape no matter what surface you are applying it to. Use a different tape that is not as sticky. Another way to help this, is to de-stick your tape.

How do you use self adhesive vinyl?

how to apply Adhesive Vinyl for craft projects - YouTube

Whatever mat and machine you are using, put your adhesive vinyl paper backing side down onto your mat so the colored vinyl side is facing up (see image below). If your vinyl came on a roll, you can cut off a piece to fit on your mat.

The simplest way to keep your adhesive vinyl from peeling is to ensure the area you want to apply your decal to is clear of crumbs, dirt, or bumps. Oils from your hands create a residue that makes your decal peel as well. Also, any dirt or foreign objects on the surface can lead to peeling.

When permanent vinyl is exposed to heat or hot water, the decal will not remove instantaneously. However, the decal may start to peel off over time when continually washed in the dishwasher.

Cricut Premium Permanent Vinyl Roll (12 in x 15 ft), Weather-Resistant, Dishwasher-Safe & Fade-Proof, Compatible with Cricut Cutting Machines, Create Signs, Labels, & Personalize DIY Project, White.