Best Transfer Tape For Vinyl: The Most Powerful Buying Guide You Need to Read!
Vinyl Transfer Tapes are a big part of any vinyl crafts project. But not many people are aware of what they are and how they can simplify the process of transferring your vinyl to different surfaces with ease.
Let’s see what these tapes can do for your project and how to choose the best Vinyl Transfer Tape. So, without further ado, let’s go through this simple guide to select the right tape for your vinyl projects.
Best choice
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Top 5 best Vinyl Transfer Tape
1. YRYM HT Clear Vinyl Transfer Tape
This clear vinyl transfer tape by YRYM HT reduces the mess made when using transfer tapes. The special adhesive composition balances the stickiness and makes it easy to manage the design. What's more, is that the tape features half-inch red grids to help you position the tape accurately. With the help of these grids, you can make precise cuts and waste as little paper as possible. The premium adhesive used in this transfer tape makes sure that zero residues are left behind during transfers.
2. Jh-Best Crafts Transfer Paper Tape
This is a versatile vinyl transfer tape from Jh-Best Crafts. It can be used with a wide variety of vinyl and ensures an easy application on smooth surfaces like windows, walls, and signs. Superior material is used to manufacture this product and can handle any type of project whether indoor or outdoor.
3. Craftopia Clear Vinyl Transfer Tape
The Craftopia Clear vinyl transfer tape comes with an easy-to-use 1” blue-grid square. This gives you control during application and prevents you from misplacing the vinyl decal. The adhesive paper backing works with all indoor and outdoor vinyl and is proudly made in the USA.
4. Angel Crafts Transfer Paper
This premium quality transfer tape makes transferring vinyl designs easier and quicker. You end up saving a lot of money as this transfer paper roll comes with a 50-feet long paper. Available in white and clear variants, you can select the color you feel more comfortable to use. The adhesive-paper composition is phenomenal and ensures that your project does not tear apart due to the lack of rubber adhesive.
5. Frisco Craft C-370 Transfer Tape for Vinyl 12" x 50 Feet
You’ve seen 50-feet long rolls, but Frisco takes it to the next level with an added 20 feet length of transfer tape to the roll. This transfer tape roll offers a great value for money and helps you deliver larger orders in record time without buying a second role for quite some time.
What Is Vinyl Transfer Tape?
Transfer tapes are rolls or sheets with removable adhesive on one side. You can select from two basic types of transfer tapes made from plastic or paper films.
Vinyl Transfer Tapes are available in different shapes and sizes to suit the scale of different Vinyl decals. However, the purpose of the plethora of transfer tapes available in the market is the same—to allow you to transfer Vinyl decals from their paper backing to your final project.
Simple Tips For Using Vinyl Transfer Tapes
After cutting and weeding the vinyl graphics or decals, they must be transferred to a substrate. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to use transfer tape.
And that’s it!
You can now position the vinyl on any flat surface by simply peeling away the transfer tape.
This method works for both Cricut and Silhouette Vinyl projects. However, for the process to work seamlessly, you’ll need to pick the right tape for your project.
Factors To Select The Correct Vinyl Transfer Tape
Before buying any product, you must consider different factors and compare different options. This ensures that you don’t end up with a low-quality product or overpay for it. The same is the case when buying a vinyl transfer tape. There are certain things that you must consider before buying a transfer tape, they are discussed below.
Versatility
When you buy a vinyl transfer tape you are not thinking about using it for multiple applications. Even if they intend to use it on different surfaces, people use the same transfer tape. However, not all transfer tapes are versatile and cannot be used on different products. Therefore, buy a transfer tape that can be used on glasses, walls, ceramics, and clothes without compromising the final vinyl. If a product works well on one surface, it does not guarantee that it gets the same result on different surfaces. A versatile vinyl transfer tape ensures that you get the maximum value out of the product.
Cost
Of course, whether you can fit the cost of the transfer tape in your budget is also a determining factor. Compare the cost and reviews of different models rather than settling for the first option you see. You may get the same (or even better) product for a lower price. A higher price doesn’t necessarily ensure a better-quality product, so stay alert and do not overpay.
Size and Quantity
The size of the surface plays a critical role in the decision-making process. This determines the quantity of transfer tape that you’ll require for the project. Whether a sheet will suffice, or do you need an entire roll are determining factors here.
Similarly, the quantity also depends on the number of orders. If you own a well-established business, then you’ll need more tape to fulfill all the orders. For startups, a small quantity is enough. If you are too confused in this field, you can consult frequent transfer tape users to get a clear idea. But in simple terms, the work that you do and products that you sell determine the amount of transfer tape you’ll need.
Color
When it comes to design, the color of your Vinyl plays an important role. Most consumers opt for black signages or standard color combinations. However, there is a huge market of color options for you to select from. Make sure that you select the right color or colors by viewing different shades. Also, select a Transfer tape that does not mess with the different layers of colors that you include in the Final Vinyl.
Knowing which combinations look good together and you can find this out with a few trials and errors. But if you wish to avoid this, you can simply refer to a color chart to make solid choices.
Washable
If you want the designs to last longer, especially on fabrics, they must endure constant wear and tear. Fair warning–not many products in the market check this field. But our top picks are sure to blow your mind with their better than average endurance.
Pressure and Timing
Transfer tapes require different amounts of pressure to thoroughly transfer the decal onto the surface. The wrong amount of pressure can result in blemishes or residues when peeling off the vinyl decal. While some tapes require only a soft rub using your palm, some may require a professional machine or ironing. Therefore, it is necessary to know how much pressure to apply when using a vinyl transfer tape.
Another considerable factor is the transfer time. How long does the tape take to completely transfer the Vinyl onto a surface? The general time for proper application is 10 minutes but it may vary for different models.
Finishing
Finally, the finish that you want is also necessary. Do you want a matte or glossy finish? There are other finishes you can choose from too, but these are two of the more widely used alternatives. Depending on the finish, the longevity of your project will also vary. For example, a matte finish generally lasts for 3 years but a glossy finish will last up to 6 years.
You must also weigh in the location of the project. For indoor projects, we suggest a matte finish and for outdoors nothing beats a glossy finish.
Top 5 Best Vinyl Transfer Tape Reviews
Now let’s use the factors mentioned below to help you select the most fitting vinyl transfer tape from the options given above for your vinyl project. Here are five of the leading best transfer tapes for vinyl that transfer projects effortlessly and without any fuss.
1. Jh-Best Crafts Transfer Paper Tape
This is a versatile vinyl transfer tape from Jh-Best Crafts. It can be used with a wide variety of vinyl and ensures an easy application on smooth surfaces like windows, walls, and signs. Superior material is used to manufacture this product and can handle any type of project whether indoor or outdoor.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Whether you are a professional or a novice, the Jh-Best Crafts transfer tape is one of the leading vinyl transfer tapes in the market. It ensures maximum coverage of projects as it is 4 feet longer than the generic transfer tapes. The red grids help you perfectly align the vinyl and get the work done flawlessly. This model by Jh-Best Crafts is very versatile as it works with a wide variety of surfaces and is made in the USA rather than using cheap imports.
2. Angel Crafts Transfer Paper
This premium quality transfer tape makes transferring vinyl designs easier and quicker. You end up saving a lot of money as this transfer paper roll comes with a 50-feet long paper. Available in white and clear variants, you can select the color you feel more comfortable to use. The adhesive-paper composition is phenomenal and ensures that your project does not tear apart due to the lack of rubber adhesive.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
This product is formulated with a quality adhesive to give you the best results without ripping apart the vinyl. Every roll is 50-feet long which gives you maximum value for the price that you pay. The red and blue gridlines for the white and clear transfer paper variants help in the alignment without worrying about misplacements.
3. Craftopia Clear Vinyl Transfer Tape
The Craftopia Clear vinyl transfer tape comes with an easy-to-use 1” blue-grid square. This gives you control during application and prevents you from misplacing the vinyl decal. The adhesive paper backing works with all indoor and outdoor vinyl and is proudly made in the USA.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
The Craftopia clear vinyl tape is manufactured in the USA and is 12 feet long. It ensures easy positioning thanks it see-through blue grid pattern. It can be applied to a variety of adhesive vinyl and boasts a size wider than any other brand. You get a tip squeegee to flatten the surface during application and get rid of any bubbles to get a burnished end-result.
4. Frisco Craft Transfer Roll
You’ve seen 50-feet long rolls, but Frisco takes it to the next level with an added 20 feet length of transfer tape to the roll. This transfer tape roll offers a great value for money and helps you deliver larger orders in record time without buying a second role for quite some time.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
For the price, Frisco Craft’s Transfer Tape works wonders while transferring the vinyl to different surfaces. The premium materials used to manufacture this product let you perform heavy-duty work with ease.
The added 20-feet length can be used optimally and finish more projects before you need to buy a new vinyl transfer roll. It is budget-friendly, sticks to the surface perfectly, and still comes with a moneyback guarantee. What more could you ask for?
5. YRYM HT Clear Vinyl Transfer Tape
This clear vinyl transfer tape by YRYM HT reduces the mess made when using transfer tapes. The special adhesive composition balances the stickiness and makes it easy to manage the design. What's more, is that the tape features half-inch red grids to help you position the tape accurately. With the help of these grids, you can make precise cuts and waste as little paper as possible. The premium adhesive used in this transfer tape makes sure that zero residues are left behind during transfers.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
This medium tack transfer tape is sticky enough to lift and transfer your project easily but not so sticky that it creates a mess. It is user-friendly and supports a wide variety of applications such as Cameo, Silhouette, Cricut Vinyl, and Oracal Vinyl. The see-through red grids make it easier to measure, cut, and position the tape onto any surface. It leaves behind no residue, doesn’t rip your projects, and is tear-resistant. Its only drawback is perhaps that it cannot be used for glitter vinyl projects.
Factors to Consider When Buying Vinyl Transfer Tape
You have created a fantastic design in Photoshop, printed it on vinyl paper, and now it is time to transfer that design onto your favorite coffee mug. To do that, you need a piece of vinyl transfer tape.
Vinyl transfer tapes come in rolls, and there are many types available in the market. Consider the following points before you buy one so that you end up with the best product.
Versatile
The first and foremost thing you must look for in a vinyl transfer tape is versatility. The tape must work on most surfaces; otherwise, it is just a waste of money. Versatile vinyl transfer tapes work on ceramic surfaces, walls, wood surfaces, metal surfaces and any other smooth surface.
Tip: The only foolproof way to find out whether a vinyl transfer tape is versatile or not is by trial and error method. Use it on as many surfaces as possible and look at the results before deciding which to use.
Endurance
You would want to buy only those vinyl transfer tapes that can endure multiple washes. The reason is as clear as day; you want to make the most of your designs. If the design comes off after one or two washes, then the transfer tape is of low quality, and you have just wasted your money in buying it.
Go through the ratings and reviews of the tapes before buying them. Look for what people are saying about its endurance in the customer review section before making a decision.
Transfer Time
Most vinyl transfer tapes take around 10 minutes to transfer the design onto the surface. But there is no hard and fast rule that every vinyl transfer tape will take the same amount of time. Some will take longer than 10 minutes while others can do the job in less time than 10 minutes.
It is important to know the transfer time of the tape for you to get the best results. If you peel too early, then the design won’t come off the sticker properly. Also, knowing about the transfer time gives you an insight into how well the vinyl transfer tape is performing.
Pressure
It requires pressure to transfer the design from the vinyl paper to the tape. Different types of vinyl transfer tapes require different amounts of pressure. Some of them just need a firm press of your palms, others need the push of the application tool, while some only work after machine pressing.
Find out what amount of pressure is required and whether you have the resources to apply that kind of pressure before buying a vinyl transfer tape.
Size and quantity of the print
It would take a much larger sized tape to transfer a design that covers the entire hood of your car than it would take to cover your coffee mug. There is no fixed size and quantity of vinyl transfer tapes. Consider the size of your design and how many transfers you have to do before buying the tapes.
Design
There are two types of designs found on vinyl transfer tapes. They are plain and gridded. The plain tapes are transparent (translucent if it is transfer paper), while the gridded ones have grid patterns on them.
The plain one is easy to use as you can see the decal through them and know where to place it. The grids on the gridded ones help you in alignment. Whether you will work with the plain one or the gridded ones is entirely up to you. Use the ones you are most comfortable using.
Cost
Finally, you have to consider the price of the vinyl transfer tape before buying it. You have to strike a balance between quality and price. Needless to say that low-quality tapes are inexpensive, but they will not give satisfactory results. Branded ones are of high-quality, but they are dear on the pockets. You have to find a vinyl transfer tape of acceptable quality and doesn’t cost much.
Characteristics Of A Good Vinyl Transfer Tape
You have an idea about what to keep in mind while buying a vinyl transfer tape. Continuing that conversation, let us discuss the characteristics that set apart a good quality vinyl transfer tape from a bad one:
Understanding Tack Levels
Tack level is the most important phenomenon associated with vinyl transfer tapes. It determines the outcome of your graphic.
Tack level refers to two bonds. The first is the bond between the transfer tape and the vinyl paper upon which the graphic is, and the second bond is between the vinyl graphic on the tape and the surface upon which you will print it. How strong or weak these bonds are will determine whether your project will turn out to be good or bad.
There are three tack levels, and they are as follows:
High Tack Level
Transfer tapes with high tack levels have the stickiest adhesives. They are meant for high tack vinyl papers, so if you are using these papers in your project, then you have to buy high tack transfer tapes.
Such tapes work best when used for projects like:
High tack transfer tapes work best on polished or slightly oily surfaces.
Medium Tack Level
Medium tack transfer tapes have average stickiness, and because of that, they can be used for a variety of projects. You are most likely to work with medium tack transfer tapes and medium tack vinyl papers.
The work best in projects like:
Medium tack transfer tapes work best on almost all surfaces.
Low Tack Level
Low tack transfer tapes have minimum stickiness and can be used with low tack vinyl papers. The projects they work best on are:
Understanding tack levels is essential to your project. You will need to balance the bonds; otherwise application will go wrong. The bond between the vinyl paper and the transfer tape cannot be too strong. If it is then you will find it difficult to peel off the tape after application. You would also want the bond between the vinyl and the tape to be stronger than the bond between the tape and its back covering. Otherwise, the graphic won’t peel off with the tape.
So keep tack levels in mind when you go to buy vinyl transfer tapes. It can make or break your project.
Frequently Asked Questions by Buyers
These are the most common questions that buyers ask regarding vinyl transfer tapes. We have answered them for your benefit:
1. Are vinyl transfer tapes and vinyl transfer papers the same?
They are not the same product, but they serve the same purpose. Vinyl transfer tapes are made of plastic, while vinyl transfer papers are made of paper. The former is transparent, and the latter is translucent. Vinyl transfer tapes are stickier than vinyl transfer papers. It does not matter which type you use for transferring your graphic.
2. Can I use vinyl transfer tapes to print on my t-shirt?
No, you cannot. You need heat transfer papers and a heat press for t-shirt printing. You can only use vinyl transfer tapes on smooth and firm surfaces.
3. Can you reuse a piece of transfer tape?
Yes, you can, but it is not recommended that you do it. The adhesive will erode with each use, and there will come a time when the transfer tape won’t work correctly.
4. Why is the vinyl design not sticking to the transfer tape?
There are two reasons behind this problem. The first is that the transfer tape is of low- quality, and the second is that the vinyl paper's tack levels and the transfer tape do not match. In the case of heavy vinyl papers like glittery ones, you need a transfer paper with high tackiness to pull out the design.
5. Why is the vinyl design not coming off the transfer tape?
This can happen if your transfer tape is too sticky or you haven’t allowed the transfer tape to rest on the surface. After application, allow the tape to rest on the surface for at least 10 minutes. Let it bond with the surface, and then peel it off.
Uses of vinyl transfer tapes
Vinyl art is used in a variety of places. They are used in both art projects and the professional sphere. Irrespective of wherever they are used, vinyl art needs vinyl transfer tapes. Let us look at the different ways vinyl art, and consequently transfer tapes, are used:
Wall Décor
Vinyl wall décor is popular and rightly so. They give a new personality to the walls. Merely painting those graphics will not have the same effect as the vinyl prints. If the vinyl wall décor is small and printed on textured vinyl paper, then use transfer tapes with high tackiness. If the décor is large, then consider using low tack transfer tapes.
Lettering
Vinyl lettering is an effective and economical way to advertise your small business. Small businesses do not have the budget for large electric banners to create awareness of their brands. Vinyl lettering can help solve this drawback if you are smart and creative.
Use medium-sized to large-sized vinyl letterings on shop windows and the back windshield of your car to advertise your shop. Make sure to use bold, neon or glittery vinyl paper so that the letterings attract people's attention.
Use clear vinyl transfer tape for this job and always match the vinyl paper's tackiness with the transfer tape before using.
Personalizing and DIY
People mostly use vinyl art for personalization and DIY craft projects. They use it to put their names or a unique quote on coffee mugs, wine glasses, diary covers and other personal items.
Transfer tapes of medium tackiness work best in such projects.
How to Ensure that I Get the Best Transfer Tape?
The best transfer tape for you is the one that suits your project. There is a step-by-step process that will help you find the best vinyl transfer tape. Let us have a look at them:
Step 1: Find out what surface you are going to put the graphic on. Is it on wood? Glass? Ceramic? Wall? Diary cover? There are vinyl transfer tapes that work best on particular surfaces. Once you have decided which surface to put the graphic on, half your job is done.
Step 2: Determine the size of the decal and the type of vinyl paper you will use. This will help you choose the appropriate tack level of the transfer paper. Small-sized decal and textured vinyl paper need high-tack transfer tape. Large-sized decal and plain vinyl paper need low to medium tack transfer tape.
Step 3: Decide what type of transfer tape you prefer. Both transfer paper and transfer tape will work fine, but transfer tape is stickier than transfer paper. So, if you are squeamish of sticky hands, then we recommend that you use transfer paper.
Step 4: Understand what design you are comfortable with. Clear transfer tapes are recommended if you are a beginner in vinyl art. Gridded would be best if you need help in aligning the print. This is entirely dependent on your preference and comfort.
Once you have gone through the steps above, it is just a matter of going to the store and picking up a transfer tape within your budget.
