Cricut is known for creating and innovating new products for crafters. With the launch of the new Cricut Maker 3 and Explore 3, you must have heard many things about new smart materials. For those just entering the world of craft-making, you may need to learn about smart materials. Smart materials are clever crafting materials that can be cut without a cutting mat on Maker 3, Explore 3, and Cricut Joy. These machines are designed to do matless cuts because they have a small inbuilt sensor that can read the presence of the smart material. There are three types of smart materials: Smart paper, smart iron-on, and smart vinyl. This blog will explain everything you need to know about smart vinyl. Visit at- cricut.com/setup
What is Smart Vinyl
Smart vinyl is the newest Cricut vinyl. The vinyl is compatible with Maker 3, Explore 3, and Cricut Joy. Since you don’t need a mat to cut these materials, you don’t have to waste time loading and unloading a Cricut machine. You can cut up to 30 ft in length smart vinyl on the Explore 3 and Maker 3 models. For the Cricut Joy, a smaller version of smart vinyl is available. There are two types of smart vinyl available that you can use with Maker 3, Explore 3, and Joy. You can use any of them for crafting, depending on your preference. Smart vinyl is available in various colors, finishes, and lengths.
Difference Between Smart Vinyl and Regular Vinyl
You can use smart vinyl for any project you usually use regular vinyl for. But it does have some key differences, such as that smart vinyl (13 inches) is slightly wider than normal vinyl (12 inches). Also, smart vinyl can be cut without a cutting mat in Maker 3, Explore 3, and Cricut Joy. Both permanent and removable smart vinyl has a matte finish.
Difference Between Smart Vinyl and Premium Vinyl
Premium vinyl is compatible with every cutting machine and can be used in any machine. Whereas smart vinyl is compatible with Maker 3, Explore 3, and Cricut Joy. Premium vinyl comes in more colors and varieties than smart vinyl. Unlike smart vinyl, which only comes in smart vinyl, premium vinyl has a matte and glossy finish. Smart vinyl is thicker than premium vinyl. As smart vinyl is a bit thicker, weeding and using transfer tape with smart vinyl is also tricky.
Difference Between Smart Vinyl and Smart Iron-on Vinyl
An iron-on vinyl version is also available of smart vinyl. Smart vinyl works like a sticker, whose adhesive backing sticks on hard and smooth surfaces like mugs, tumblers, coasters, and signs. Whereas to apply iron-on vinyl, heat and pressure are used. For this, iron or the Easy Press is used. Iron-on vinyl is used on objects with soft surfaces, such as clothing, pillow covers, and tote bags.
Difference Between Permanent and Removable Smart Vinyl
As mentioned earlier, smart vinyl is available in permanent and removable options. Permanent vinyl is used for projects you want to last for a long time, such as mugs, tumblers, coasters, and signs. Due to its durability, it’s an ideal option for outdoor use; it can withstand harsh weather. For projects that get wet often or need to be cleaned, permanent vinyl is an obvious choice. Removable vinyl is for temporary use and can be used on objects where you will eventually remove the decals, such as stencils and wall decals. You can also use them as a temporary labels on rented equipment.
Projects that you can make with Cricut Smart Vinyl
Smart vinyl is like regular vinyl, but you don’t require a mat to cut it; you can also make bigger cuts. Having a roll of smart vinyl is like having a giant sticker that you can use to create various projects. These are a few of those amazing projects.
Custom Wallpaper
You can make broader cuts with smart vinyl, so why not use this feature to beautify your home decor and aesthetic? By using smart removable vinyl, you can create stylish and expensive-looking wallpaper without a hefty price tag. Numerous designs and images are available on the Design Space app, which you can use to create custom wallpaper. It’s a simple project, but its results are far from ordinary.
Car decals
Car decals have been around for a long time, and you can stick them on your car’s windshield, bumper, hoods, and sides. Using them, you can transform your normal-looking car into something everyone likes to ogle. It will make your ride stand out from the rest of the vehicles. The vinyl decals surely amp up your rides to express your passion truly. Use permanent vinyl to make your car decals last long, as they can withstand harsh weather conditions.
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Privacy windows
Big windows are a great way to get fresh air and sunshine, but you can still adjust your privacy. This can be achieved by applying a vinyl decal on the windows; they will block enough visibility to onlookers and let sunlight pass through them. Use a removable smart vinyl if you get bored with the same design.
Outdoor Decor and everyday items
With Cricut Maker 3 or Explore 3, you can create projects to amplify your home decor, such as welcome signs, welcome mats, mailbox signs, etc. Once you get started, you can continue and add inspirational phrases or quotes to just about it.
FAQ
What supplies do you need to create projects with smart vinyl?
Smart vinyl is the same as regular vinyl. You can use it to create various projects. You need the following supplies to create projects.
- Cricut machine (Maker 3, Explore 3, and Cricut Joy)
- Weeding tools
- Cricut Scraper
- Transfer tape
How to make the smart vinyl stick to transfer tape?
As smart vinyl is thicker than regular vinyl, many crafters need help transferring it from the liner to the transfer tape. To make the vinyl stick to the transfer tape, burnish the front and back of the smart vinyl. Lastly, you need to crease, press and roll the liner away.
Can you use smart vinyl with older Cricut models?
You can use smart vinyl with older Cricut models like the original Cricut Maker and the older Explore model. But you need to trim the extra inch from the width of the smart vinyl to fit the cutting mat. To cut smart vinyl, use every day or premium vinyl settings.
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