The Basics of Applying Vinyl on Curved and Uneven Surfaces

Posted by Denn on 8th Feb 2023

Our 2022 was a year filled with tons of memorable vinyl creations. And now that we've ushered into a brand new year, why not start your arts and crafts journey by giving your all for curvy and uneven substrates?

It's high time we put a pause on flat surfaces and go out of the box by learning how to apply vinyl on curved surfaces. You'll be surprised how your options for substrate will exponentially expand once you master this skill.

But how do we exactly decorate uneven and curved objects with vinyl?

Many crafters find this application quite challenging since most of us are used to working with flat surfaces, but there's no need to pull back, for there's always a way to make things simple. That's why we're here to show you an effortless way to transfer vinyl on any curved and uneven surfaces smoothly.

How do you get the vinyl to stick on uneven surfaces?

Applying vinyl on uneven surfaces can be a struggle, especially if you need the right tool and knowledge. Putting vinyl designs on substrates with ridges or lumpy parts without the proper technique can only lead to a wrinkled or creased outcome. So, to avoid the pain of an unpolished result here's a simple guide made just for you.

Suppose you've been a long-time vinyl fanatic. In that case, you'll have zero problems preparing your design, as it's the same. The only thing that's different here is your way of transferring the design on your substrate. Let's start with the list of supplies and tools needed for this project.

Adhesive Vinyl
Transfer Tape
Weeding Tool
Squeegee/Scraper
Wax Paper

Once you've completed everything listed above, you can take the next steps. So, here's how you get vinyl to stick to uneven surfaces:

As I've mentioned above, creating and printing your design into vinyl is similar to when you do it for a flat-surfaced substrate. However, suppose you're planning to apply a complex design. In that case, you need to break it into smaller components, then print it separately. This way, you'll be less prone to wrinkling and more precise in positioning each design element. Remember that we're dealing with ridges and lumps here, so attempting to apply an entire image (especially a detailed one) in just one splash is a NO-GO. Your best chance here is to do it piece by piece.
After you've printed your design on the vinyl, apply each of them with transfer tape. Wait to remove the backing sheet. Lay out every piece first to see if all the elements are complete.
Before applying the vinyl, ensure that the substrate is appropriately fixed and positioned sturdily. You don't want it to roll or move around every time you put a decal on it. Also, you'll have a picture of the design as your guide.
When choosing the first piece to apply, always go with the middle part, whether it's the top or bottom section. It would be best if you started with the middle since you need something that can serve as your reference for the other pieces.
Once you've applied your first piece, wait to proceed with the second one. Apply a wax paper bigger than the size of your transfer tape first, but leave a small space at the side so you can still stick it wherever you want. The purpose of wax paper is to prevent the transfer tape from sticking to other vinyl that's already been applied. Also, with wax paper, you'll be able to move and reposition the piece more easily. Once you've locked its position, hold down the transfer tape sticking on the surface, then peel off the wax paper and complete the vinyl application. You can use a squeegee or a scraper for bigger substrates, but if you're covering a tiny space, just use your finger to press on the vinyl firmly. If the edges are lifting, reapply the transfer tape and gently rub it using your fingers.
Repeat this process until you've transferred all elements of the design. That's it! You've conquered a new territory, well, in this case, a new surface.

See? Sticking vinyl on uneven surfaces is relatively easy. I imagine all the possibilities now running through your mind. But I'll stop you from there because there's still more that I want to share with you.

Indeed, Vinyl's versatility rival's only a few craft materials. So, it would only be fitting that you also become a crafter adept at many vinyl techniques. Now let's further expand your versatility by learning how to apply vinyl on curved ornaments.

How do you attach the vinyl to curved ornaments?

Unlike uneven surfaces, attaching a vinyl decal to curved objects is less tricky since the surface here is basically flat. The only challenging part, in this case, is the arched structure of the substrate. Such objects require a different application technique called the Self-Hinge Method to ensure an easy and wrinkle-free vinyl transfer.

Don't worry! The self-hinge method may sound like a highly-technical process. Still, in reality, it's a simple yet effective trick to decorate curved ornaments. We've provided comprehensive step-by-step instructions below to give you a complete picture. So, read on and learn how to execute the self-hinge method:

1. Prepping Vinyl Designs

Curved ornaments or objects usually have a small area to cover. That's why when planning for the design, ensure you've measured the area first, so you don't end up printing an oversized image. After creating your layout, print it on your vinyl, then weed out the excess parts.

2. Apply a Transfer Tape

Once your vinyl decal is prepared, apply a transfer tape, then burnish it using a squeegee or a scraper tool. This extra step ensures that your vinyl will have a firmer hold onto the transfer tape against the backing sheet.

3. Peel off the Backing Sheet

Slowly remove the backing paper, but wait to throw it away since you're going to use it to hinge the vinyl.

4. Reapply the Backing Sheet

This step is primarily the beginning of the self-hinge method. Horizontally cut the backing paper in half. Next, reapply the backing sheet to the vinyl but leave a small gap in the middle, so the sticky part of the transfer tape is still exposed. Set aside for a while.

5. Fix your Substrate

Since curved ornaments can't hold still on their own, you need to stabilize them using sturdy things. Once you've got it stabled, you're ready to apply the vinyl design. You can sandwich it using bean bags or rolls of towels or anything as long as they can stop the curved substrate from rolling away.

6. Transfer the Vinyl Design

Place your vinyl design in the middle of the curved surface (or anywhere you want to apply it). Use the exposed transfer tape in the mid portion of the vinyl so it sticks and holds its position. At this point, you'll have two flaps on both sides. Now, gently fold the vinyl so you can easily remove the backing sheet. As you remove the vinyl backing, firmly press the transfer tape while carefully ensuring that no bubbles or wrinkles are formed. Once done with the first side, repeat this process on the other side. Use a squeegee or a scraper tool to burnish all over the vinyl design. If you're confident that the vinyl already got a good grip, then start peeling off the transfer tape. Do not rush when removing the transfer tape, start the process from one corner, then slowly peel away. When a portion of the vinyl is still lifting, reapply the transfer tape then firmly press again on that area.

The self-hinge method can be a bit intimidating at first, especially if you don't know what it is about. But as you can see, applying this method is just a walk in the park. And if in any case, you stumble as you try this technique, worry not, for making mistakes is a natural part of crafting. Suppose you're also into stickers other than vinyl decals. You may also want to learn how to apply them smoothly on round surfaces.

How do you put stickers on a round surface?

Stickers are one of the easiest crafting projects to make. Applying it is super easy, but decorating a round surface with stickers? Now that's a different story. To ensure a wrinkle, crease, and bubble-free application, you're required to accomplish the following:

Make sure that the surface is clean and free from any dirt. Use rubbing alcohol but avoid window cleaning compounds as they may leave a residue that can affect the adhesive power of the stickers.
Apply the stickers starting from left to right or vice versa. In this manner, the sticker is smoothly laid out on the surface. Though the success of this process is highly dependent on how curvy the surface is, if you do it carefully, you have a high chance of getting a polished outcome.

Now that you got the tricks in smoothly applying vinyl and stickers on round and uneven surfaces, I'm sure you'll have double the fun this time than before. Remember, there's nothing in the vinyl world that can't be mastered; everything is learnable. And as long as we're here, you'll have a crafting buddy willing to share all the tips and tricks you need. Happy Crafting!