You can print your own vinyl stickers at home using a few simple tools. First of all, you need to design the sticker on your computer using an image manipulation program, then print it on vinyl paper. Laminate the sticker to protect it from water and ultraviolet rays from the sun. When you're done, peel off the back of the sticker to apply it!
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Part 1 of 3: Designing
Step 1. Check out other vinyl sticker designs for inspiration
Search for vinyl sticker designs on the internet. Pay attention to the designs you like and don't like. Try to find a sticker that is similar to the one you are going to make.
For example, if you want to make a vinyl sticker to attach to a laptop case, take a look at the stickers other people have made for their computers. That way, you can estimate the size and color of the sticker design to be made
Step 2. Sketch the design on paper
Don't worry about the design details just yet. You only need a basic view of the design before trying to create it on a computer. Make sure the design is small enough to fit on 20 x 28 cm paper.
- If this is your first time making vinyl stickers, we recommend choosing a simple design.
- If you have trouble finding a design, just use a finished image from the internet.
Step 3. Create the design on the computer using an image manipulation program
If you don't have Photoshop or Illustrator, use a free program like GIMP. Recreate the sketch and work further. If you're creating a color design, use dark, bright colors that will stand out when printed.
Make sure the design resolution is at least 300 pixels per 2.5 cm
Part 2 of 3: Printing Stickers
Step 1. Open a new 20 x 28 cm document in an image manipulation program
If the software you are using does not allow you to resize the new document, edit it after opening the document. Look for the size button in the software menu bar.
Step 2. Paste the created design in a new document
If you want multiple stickers of the same design, paste the design a few times and arrange the copies into multiple lines. Make sure that no copy is in the margins of the template so that the design is not cut off and can be printed entirely on the paper.
Step 3. Click the print preview button to see how the sticker will be printed
If any of the design copies are cut off at the margins, move them away from the edges of the template. Make sure there are no overlapping copies.
Step 4. Load 20 x 28 cm vinyl paper into the printer
Place the paper in the printer's paper tray, and position it so that the image prints on the non-adhesive side of the paper. If you don't know it yet, do a test print with used paper.
- You can buy vinyl paper online or at a stationary store.
- Use clear vinyl if you want the sticker background to be transparent.
Step 5. Print the design from the image manipulation program onto the vinyl paper
Make sure the computer you are using is set to print to the printer. Find and click the “print” button in the program. Wait while the machine prints your sticker and take it when it's done.
Part 3 of 3: Laminating and Cutting Stickers
Step 1. Place the over-laminate sheet over the sticker
Peel off the over-laminate backing and align the top edge of the laminate with the top edge of the vinyl. Press the laminate against the vinyl with your finger so that it sticks.
You can buy over-laminate online or at a stationary store
Step 2. Gently peel off the entire back of the over-laminate
Press the laminate onto the vinyl paper while peeling. Continue until the entire over-laminate back is removed and the vinyl is fully laminated.
To prevent air bubbles, press the laminate onto the vinyl paper using the edge of the ruler
Step 3. Cut the laminated sticker from the vinyl sheet
Use a ruler and craft knife to make straight cuts. If your sticker design is round, use scissors to cut it out, or give it a square background. Once all the stickers are cut, throw the rest in the trash.
Step 4. Peel the back of the sticker before pasting
The vinyl back is the reverse side of the over-laminate, on the back of the sticker design. Grab the corners of the back of the vinyl with two fingers and peel it off the sticker completely. Stick the sticker on a dry and flat surface.
