Creating your own personalized items and products is fun, cost-saving, and sometimes even empowering. Bringing your own idea to life, with your own hands, is a feeling like no other. Modern crafting tools make creating your own designs easier than ever. Vinyl designs are a great example, and transfer tape is essential for a quality outcome. But, what info do you need to choose the best vinyl transfer tape for your projects? Are they all the same?
No, vinyl transfer tape is not all the same. Some are stickier than others, and some come rolls rather than sheets. Choosing the best vinyl transfer tape for your project depends on the type of material you’re working with, how much you’ll be making, and what your budget is.
There are many choices when it comes to transfer tape for vinyl. So, we’ve put together this post to help with some solid choices as well as some general info about the different types of transfer tape available and how to choose the right one for your project.
If you’re looking to put some awesome designs on your walls, T-Shirts, or any other products, you’ll need the best vinyl transfer tape to make sure your designs are accurate and easy to apply.
Whether you’re using a Cricut Joy, a Silhouette Portrait, or some other crafting machine, this guide should help with your transfer tape hunt!
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Things to Consider before Buying Vinyl Transfer Tape
It would seem that vinyl transfer tape is a pretty simple and straightforward thing that doesn’t require research and choices. However, there are actually quite a few different things to consider before choosing the right transfer tape for vinyl design projects.
Let’s take a look at a few of the more important things to keep in mind.
Versatility
Finding transfer tape or paper which can be used not only on walls but on windows, glasses and mugs, stickers, and ceramics will prevent you from being locked into one type of project. A versatile product will allow you to create more and have an easier time creating it.
You’ll also save money by finding a multi-use transfer tape since you’ll be able to purchase larger quantities and use it across many different types of applications.
No one wants to have to buy one type of transfer tape for vinyl projects and another for their other stickers and decals.
Clear Transfer Tape or with a Grid
You can find transfer tape in both clear options and also with a printed grid to help you with aligning a design. When you’re placing a design onto your final piece, sometimes having a grid to guide your alignment is absolutely necessary.
If your designs don’t require exact placement, however, sometimes a clear sheet of transfer tape is your best choice as it can be a little easier to see through. This is especially true with lighter colored vinyl or designs with small pieces.
Stickiness
Not all transfer tape makes and models are the same when it comes to stickiness or tack level. Depending on what material you are using for your designs, heavy stickiness can actually be a downside.
However, if you’re using something very heavy or vinyl with glitter, then something quite sticky is what you need.
Size
If you’re only transferring small stickers, decals, or other designs from a small machine, like a Cricut Joy for example, then you may not need a large, wide roll of transfer paper. In those cases, smaller sheets are often more handy and useful.
But, if you’re transferring large signs, or if you simply like to buy in bulk to save money, larger-sized rolls may be the way to go.
Quantity Required
This is a pretty self-explanatory point, and it’s also somewhat related to size. If you’re only creating a few small items, you won’t need yards and yards of transfer paper or tape. However, if you know you’ll be creating lots and lots of items, or if you’ll be making large designs, this is something to think about.
Also, when you get to the point where you start thinking about selling items on Etsy or anywhere else, ordering in large quantities is definitely the right choice.
Top 8 Best Vinyl Transfer Tape Reviews
What comes after you’ve done your homework? You finally get to make your purchase and start creating.
But, with so many brands available, it can be tough finding the perfect product quickly. So if you’re in a hurry, we’ve come up with what we feel are the top 8 models on the market for you to choose from.
1. Jh-Best Crafts12
Whether you are a professional or a beginner, JH Best Crafts is hands down the best transfer tape for vinyl. It ensures 100% value for every buck you decide to spend. The reason is backed up by tons of features this model has to offer.
Firstly, you are getting a 10 feet long roll; that’s 4 feet longer than what most brands offer in the market. This not only saves you money, but it also helps you finish your project work at a convincing fashion.
Saving money is one factor, but there are products that are time-saving as well. These are the models to go for.
This particular transfer roll comes along with Red-Grid square linings to make sure that your work is done flawlessly. Hence, when you are doing your job, you’ll be able to ensure that perfect alignment is maintained.
It inevitably makes sure that your transferring work is done effortlessly and in a lot easier manner.This application tape has been engineered to work in a wide variety of vinyl surfaces, which makes the model even more valuable.
You will be able to apply them for both outdoor and indoor purposes. It goes really well with substrates like Cricut Vinyl, Silhouette, Cameo, Provo Craft, and so much more.
So, from now on transferring to surfaces as smooth as ceramics, windows, glasses and so on, will just be a walk in the park for you.
The product is manufactured in the United States of America to ensure you with the highest of qualities there is.
You won’t be able to find another brand that provides such value, savings and makes work so much easier to do. Plus, if you don’t get the results that were expected, the brand has guaranteed a money-back policy.
Highlighted Features
- Four additional feet, making it a 12” x 10′ long roll
- Very easy to use due to the Red-Grid backing
- Can be used on different Adhesive vinyl
2. Craftopia Transfer Tape
Some consider Craftopia’s models one of the best transfer tapes for oracal 651. Because the transfer paper works with all sorts of outdoor/indoor adhesive vinyl. The list includes holographic vinyl, portrait vinyl, Pazzles, Provo Craft, Cricutvinyl and so on.
Moreover, the roll is extremely flexible to work with and has a solid grip which will allow you to gain superior precision.For perfect alignment, Craftopia offers clear 1-inch blue grid patterns to help you out in securing a perfect positioning of your designs.
Hence, from now on, you won’t have to worry about making any mistakes as you are getting a vibrant look through those clear transfer roll. Moreover, this allows you to make an easy and swift transfer from your vinyl designs.
The brand is said to make the lengthiest premium tapes in the market, which is approximately around 12 feet long. It also has an extra six feet; that’s something which a regular roll company doesn’t seem to provide.
Therefore, you are getting double the size at a very affordable rate which will allow you to cover larger projects quite easily. Also, due to its larger size, they are sturdy enough to withstand various transfers within a piece.
This USA-made product is one of the top-rated models in the market. It is pretty lenient to work with and boasts a wide size that most brands don’t offer. All of that comes at a very reasonable price range.
If it is still not enough for you, then Craftopia guarantees to give your money back. To put the cherry on top, with each purchase, the brand offers a tip squeegee which is of premium quality.
Highlighted Features
- Manufactured in the USA
- 12 Feet long tape
- See-through Blue-Grid pattern for easy positioning
- Can be applied on a variety of adhesive vinyl
3. Angel Crafts Transfer Paper
A premium quality application roll that boasts a 50 feet long paper. Yes, you saw it right. There are some tapes in a whole which cannot provide that amount of capacity and you are getting all of that within one swipe of Angel Crafts Transfer roll.
Moreover, this does end up saving you a ton of money as you don’t have to purchase a model over and over again.
One of the main dilemmas everyone faces is whether the vinyl will stick properly or not. At times your project work might get torn apart due to lack of rubber adhesive.
Hence, the brand ensures a balanced amount of glue so that you don’t end up making any faults during transfers. Flat paper means that you’ll easily be able to make transfers without creating any mess. There is a reason why people prefer wide papers more than broader ones.
This is because such flat rolls ensure a sense of leniency.And if you are someone who likes working with the Cricut application tape, then you’ll love working with Angel Crafts model as their attributes are almost the same.
Enhance your precision skills with the grid lines that have been provided. These patterns will help you out in ensuring you always get the alignment on point. So, you won’t have to worry about making misplacements from now on.
Another beneficial thing Angel Crafts has added is the free instruction manual. This will help out significantly in learning how to make transfers effortlessly.
Highlighted Features
- Red-Grid square-shaped patterns to help out in placement work
- 50 feet long per roll
- Formulated in quality adhesive
4. Frisco Craft 4336883150
This model, without any doubt, falls into the category of the best vinyl transfer tape. The first reason is because of its 50-foot-long roll. It has an added 20 feet more in length, a feat you won’t be able to find even amongst the well-known brands out there in the market.
Hence, with the usage of Frisco Craft’s application roll, you’ll easily be able to make those large orders done in due time and also save a great deal of money in return.
A major problem is solved through the usage of a special quality adhesive system that has been applied in these papers. This allows you to ensure that you get your work done most effectively. There won’t be any residues left on your designs.
The application tape from Frisco Craft is also a versatile model, which is another reason why it falls into the optimum category. It enables you to transfer in both indoor and outdoor projects as effectively as possible.
Pazzles, Provo Craft, Silhouette, Oracle, etc. are just a few surfaces from many where you do your transferring work on.
Whether it’s on your window glass, back of your car or even in ceramics, you’ll be able to transfer your favorite designs with the utmost comfort.
Above all, you’re getting this transfer roll which offers such a great value at a budget-friendly price. What more could you possibly ask for?
Highlighted Features
- Sticks precisely and leaves no residue behind
- Heavy-duty work can be done with ease with the 50-foot-long paper
- Works on both outdoor and indoor vinyl
5. YRYM HT Clear Vinyl
When you have the best vinyl transfer tape at your side, things don’t get any easier. This model is formulated in a specialized adhesive structure which ensures a balance in stickiness.
The glue is enough to lift your design work smoothly and place it to any surface you want to effortlessly.
Things get even more lenient because there is a clear red grid feature. These half inches square-shaped lines will allow you to make precise measurements and cuts.
Hence, instead of wasting any papers, you’ll be utilizing every inch of the roll to its optimum level.
Moreover, these tapes are tear-resistant, which means they’ll last for a long period.The model is user-friendly, especially for small projects. Due to its premium adhesive system, zero percentage of residue will be left behind.
Hence, from now on, you’ll be able to lift and transfer designs without creating any mess, and your project works will always be top-notch.Versatility is something which is achieved through flying colors with this model.
You won’t only be able to use the transfer roll-on outdoor adhesive vinyl, but you’ll also be able to utilize it on indoor ones.
Highlighted Features
- Tear-resistant
- Delivers wide application
- Red grid lines for maximum precision
- Can be applied on multiple surfaces
6. Angel Crafts Transfer Paper Tape
For all the beginners out there who wish to do their work like a professional, this model is the best one out there.
With the 8 feet long roll, you’ll be able to transfer a significant portion of your designs quite easily. Moreover, medium tack papers of this model are formulated in a rubber-based glue.
So, say goodbye to residues sticking around your project work.The creativity is all up to you; transferring of such creative illustrations is on this model. This product can also be used on multiple applicants.
Suppose you want to place your designs on woods, decals, walls, signs, or any other surfaces, the work can be done very neatly and efficiently.Peeling off is probably the most nerve-racking thing to do. Because in this stage, you either make or break the whole project.
However, it’s not your fault all the time; a low-quality paper could also lead to creating a mess of your work. Hence, this paper has been engineered in high-quality materials to ensure complete leniency.
If you are worried about making a mess of your design work, then you might as well leave that thought from now on.
To ensure picture-perfect alignment, you don’t have to get a scale all the time. Because a built-in grid pattern has been inserted in this model, so,
whether you want to make those seamless cuts or precise measurements, all you have to do is place the tape and see it through your eyes to do the rest of the job.
Highlighted Features
- Doesn’t rip off or tear your work
- Optimized in rubber-based adhesive
- Multi-media usage
7. Vinyl Ease 12″
This one is an all-clear transfer roll that brings together a blend of precision and leniency at its level best.
The reason is backed up by the fact that you can see through the tape without having to pressurize too hard just to get a little peek of your design. Hence, the peeling off process doesn’t get any easier.
Speaking of that, the paper is fortified in sturdy adhesive properties. So, all you have to do is put a gentle press on your favorite vinyl and smoothly peel off. The balance in the glue feature is done so seamlessly that you won’t feel that it is too sticky, nor will you feel it’s too dry.
One of the most highlighted parts about this application tape is the fact that it is over 100 feet long. With support from a 12-inch length, the roll’s usage goes beyond measures.
No matter which category of work you have in your pocket, with the utilization of this role, you will be able to get the job done and more.
Moreover, the tape goes well with a variety of vinyl surfaces which includes Cricut, Silhouette, Sign Plotters, Pazzles, etc.
Hence, you will have tons of options available for you to work on which minimalizes the overall cost.
All that you have to do is purchase this product, take out the plastic, read the given instruction sheet which provides all the mandatory steps and you are all good to go.
Highlighted Features
- Completely clear roll to work with
- Over a 100 feet long tape which will get your tasks finished in time
- Strong rubber-based adhesive vinyl applied
8. Expressions Vinyl
The last model to make it to this list is manufactured from a brand that you can solemnly put your trust in. And that is Expressions Vinyl.
So let’s start with the fact that this 12-inch roll has over a 100-foot-long reusable application tape. Such magnitude in capacity will get your heavy-duty production works very easily.
For nearly a decade, Expressions Vinyl has been specializing in delivering the maximum level performance in crafting vinyl.
It has been tested through the likes of Glitter Vinyl, Oracal 631, 651, and so much more. All of those tests were passed in flying colors so that you get to have all options on deck.
Versatility is completely ensured with the fact that the tape has been engineered to work on a variety of vinyl surfaces. Whether it is an outdoor project or an indoor project, you’ll easily be able to work your way through.
Moreover, after you’ve peeled off the design from your vinyl area, you’ll be able to smoothly transfer to any surfaces like windows, ceramics, sign stickers and more, without making any mess of the project.
Things don’t get any easier when your transfer roll is completely opaque. This will allow you to ensure the placement work is done flawlessly, which makes things so lenient and saves a lot of time.
Hence, you’ll be able to save yourself from the stressful process of peeling off and get things done very quickly.
Highlighted Features
- The reusable roll is over 100 feet long
- Can be used very easily, since the tape is fully transparent
- Extremely versatile
- Easy accessibility
How To use Vinyl Transfer Tape
Have you ever wondered how crafters get their designs from a Silhouette or Cricut machine and onto a final project surface? Or just wondered how they keep their designs straight and together?
It does look like a sticker that just needs to be pasted. However, things are not so easy, and it gets difficult when there are detailed designs involved. Thus comes the ‘’tape’’, which is more of a sticking material to take out the design from the vinyl.
All in all, transferring vinyl designs consists of a few simple steps.
Step 1
Firstly, you print your desired design on a vinyl surface. Then use your Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Explore to cut out the file from the surface. After that, you can use any weeding tool to remove any extra vinyl remaining.
Step 2
Once you’ve done that, grab a transfer roll. Make sure you cut it into a larger size than the design of yours. Then you place the sticky side on top of the vinyl.
Step 3
People mostly tend to use credit cards, but you can also use a burnishing tool or a scraper in the scenario. With the usage of the tool, gently press the roll onto your vinyl and stick it well.
After that, you slowly start peeling off the application tape that you’ve had on the vinyl. The design should start to peel up with the roll.
Step 4
Now choose any flat surface you would want to put the illustrations on.It could be a mug, a window, or a wall. Then you begin with any corner of the paper and firmly start to place the rest of it.
Again with the usage of any burnishing tool, scraper or a credit card, start pressing down the tape completely. After that, you slowly remove the transfer paper back up! The vinyl design should now be at your desired place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most commonly asked queries related to vinyl transfer tapes:
1. What is a Transfer Roll used for?
This product is a stapler of graphics designing. It is used for transferring your vinyl design to any surface you want to place it on.
2. Is a Cricut application tape reusable?
As long as it has the glue intact, you’ll be able to use the paper.
3. Will you be able to use transfer paper on a printable vinyl?
No, the paper cannot be used on such a vinyl surface.
4. What’s the difference between a transfer tape and transfer paper?
The paper provides the backing, and the tape is the sticky part.
5. Can you remove vinyl signs from any surface?
With the usage of heat, you’ll be able to remove the vinyl.
Best Vinyl Transfer Tape: Final Words
There are a ton of transfer rolls available in the market for you to choose from. Some arrive at an affordable range while others provide quality models with an increase in the price.
Ultimately, to get the best vinyl transfer tape, you have to give yourself a thought on the attributes that are fitting for your cause.