Make a Large Vinyl Wall Decal - How to Cut Larger Than Mat on a Cricut!

Jennifer Maker・2 minutes read

Jennifer Maker demonstrates making large wall decals and decorations using a cutting machine like the Cricut Explorer Air, emphasizing the use of removable vinyl to prevent wall damage. She provides detailed instructions on scaling up designs in Cricut Design Space, dividing them into mat-sized pieces for cutting, and efficiently arranging and cutting vinyl on mats to minimize waste.

Insights

  • Jennifer Maker showcases how to create large wall decals exceeding standard mat sizes using tools like the Cricut Explorer Air and a 12x24 inch mat, emphasizing the importance of removable vinyl to prevent wall damage upon removal.
  • Detailed instructions on scaling up designs in Cricut Design Space, efficiently arranging vinyl on mats, and assembling intricate pieces using transfer tape ensure a smooth process for creating and applying large wall decorations, with tips on weeding excess vinyl and fixing imperfections for a flawless finish.

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Recent questions

  • How can I create large wall decals?

    To create large wall decals, you can use a cutting machine like the Cricut Explorer Air and removable vinyl to prevent wall damage upon removal. Essential tools include transfer tape, scissors, scraper, weeding tools, and tape. Designs too big for one mat need to be divided into mat-sized pieces for cutting. Jennifer Maker provides free designs on her blog for wall decor, and you can scale up designs in Cricut Design Space for large wall decals. Ensure to efficiently arrange and cut vinyl on mats to minimize waste, and label vinyl for easy identification.

  • What size mat is recommended for larger projects?

    A 12x24 inch mat is recommended for easier handling of larger projects when creating wall decals or decorations that exceed the standard cutting mat size. This larger mat allows you to work on bigger designs without the limitations of a smaller mat size, providing more flexibility and space for your projects.

  • How do I differentiate between removable and permanent vinyl?

    You can differentiate between removable and permanent vinyl by texture or labeling. Removable vinyl typically has a smoother texture compared to permanent vinyl, which may have a slightly rougher feel. Additionally, manufacturers often label the vinyl rolls as either removable or permanent, making it easy to identify the type of vinyl you are using for your projects.

  • What is the process for applying large decals to the wall?

    To apply large decals to the wall, start by assembling the design on transfer tape, ensuring it is smooth and wrinkle-free. Position the decal on the wall using a ruler and level to ensure it is centered and straight. Smooth the decal onto the wall with a second pair of hands, starting from the center outward. Remove the transfer tape slowly and gently, using a scraper tool to eliminate any air bubbles for a clean application.

  • Can I use cardstock instead of vinyl for large designs?

    Yes, you can use cardstock instead of vinyl for large designs by following a similar process of piecing together the design. Just like with vinyl, you can use a cutting machine to cut out the cardstock pieces and assemble them using transfer tape. This method allows you to create intricate and detailed designs on a larger scale, perfect for creating unique wall decorations or decals.

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Summary

00:00

Creating Large Wall Decals with Cricut

  • Jennifer Maker demonstrates making large wall decals and decorations that exceed the standard cutting mat size.
  • Using a cutting machine like the Cricut Explorer Air, she shows how to create vinyl wall decor larger than a 12x12 mat.
  • Stressing the importance of using removable vinyl to prevent wall damage upon removal.
  • Essential tools include transfer tape, scissors, scraper, weeding tools, and tape.
  • A 12x24 inch mat is recommended for easier handling of larger projects.
  • Designs too big for one mat need to be divided into mat-sized pieces for cutting.
  • Jennifer provides a free unicorn design on her blog for wall decor.
  • Instructions on scaling up designs in Cricut Design Space for large wall decals.
  • Detailed steps on separating and resizing design elements to fit mat sizes.
  • Tips on efficiently arranging and cutting vinyl on mats to minimize waste.

13:33

Vinyl Cutting Tips for Beginners

  • Vinyl needed is 7 by 4 inches, cut using grid on mat for simplicity.
  • Label vinyl for easy identification, use painters tape to secure wrapper.
  • Differentiate between removable and permanent vinyl by texture or labeling.
  • Load vinyl into machine, ensuring it's pressed against rollers.
  • Utilize multiple mats to prepare and cut layers efficiently.
  • Smooth out wrinkles in vinyl before cutting to ensure clean results.
  • Weed excess vinyl using tools like weeding tool, scissors, and craft knife.
  • Tape down vinyl for easier handling during weeding and cutting.
  • Fix wrinkles in vinyl by lifting and smoothing gently.
  • Layer and assemble vinyl pieces before applying to the desired surface.

33:50

"Unicorn Rainbow Wall Decal Application Tips"

  • To begin, assemble the unicorn rainbow baselayer by joining the pieces of transfer tape at the joint.
  • Fold the pieces of transfer tape together at the joint to avoid cutting them to the edge.
  • Carefully position the pieces of transfer tape to join them seamlessly without any visible seams.
  • Ensure the unicorn design is smooth and wrinkle-free by adjusting and fixing any imperfections.
  • Layer the unicorn design onto the wall without using transfer tape for easier application.
  • Cut the transfer tape to the desired width and overlap it slightly to form one large piece.
  • Secure the decal by taping the backing to create one cohesive layer before applying it to the wall.
  • Position the decal on the wall using a ruler and level to ensure it is centered and straight.
  • Smooth the decal onto the wall with a second pair of hands, starting from the center outward.
  • Remove the transfer tape slowly and gently, using a scraper tool to eliminate any air bubbles.

58:39

"Vinyl or Cardstock: Wall Art Tips"

  • Prior to applying the color to the wall, the purple color is placed on transfer tape, ensuring it is centered by measuring 18.5 inches in height and 31 inches in width, with 6.25 inches on each side for alignment.
  • Removable matte vinyl is recommended for the project to enhance visibility of the design, avoiding glossy vinyl which may reflect light and obscure the image.
  • For single-color projects, vinyl can be directly applied to the wall without pre-layering, adjusting as needed during installation.
  • The process can also be replicated with cardstock instead of vinyl, using the same method of piecing together larger designs, as demonstrated with the Cricut Cardstock Sorbet sampler.
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