How to Make a Layered Vinyl Decal

 

How to Make a Layered Vinyl Decal (Beginner-Friendly Tutorial)

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Layered vinyl decals look beautiful. Multicolored designs, shadows, outlines, and detailed graphics but they can also look intimidating if you’re new. Don’t worry. Once you understand how the pieces stack, it becomes a really simple process.

This tutorial walks you through every step, from choosing the design to applying the final decal.

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What You Need

• Cricut Explore or Maker machine

• StandardGrip (green) cutting mat

• Adhesive vinyl (several colors)

• Transfer tape

• Weeding tools

• Scraper or squeegee

• Scissors

• Your blank (cup, mug, laptop, etc.)

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STEP 1 : Choose a Layered Design

You can use:

• A pre-made layered SVG

• A simple design you create using shapes and text

• Any image broken into separate colors in Design Space

A layered design means each color is cut separately and stacked like stickers.

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STEP 2: Import or Build the Design in Cricut Design Space

• Upload your SVG or create your design.

• Look at the Layers Panel on the right, each color should be on its own layer.

• If needed, change colors so each piece cuts on the correct mat.

Tip:
If your design isn’t layered, right-click and use Ungroup to separate objects.

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STEP 3: Size Your Design

Once layered:

1. Select the entire design.

2. Resize it all at once so the layers stay proportional.

3. When happy with the size, click Make It.

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STEP 4: Cut Each Color

Cricut will show you several mats; one for each vinyl color.

For each mat:

1. Place the matching vinyl color on your green mat.

2. Smooth it down with your scraper.

3. Set your machine to Premium Vinyl (or let it auto-select).

4. Load the mat and press Go.

5. Repeat for each color.

Tip:
Leave extra space around each design on your vinyl. It helps during layering.

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STEP 5: Weed Each Layer

“Weeding” means pulling away the vinyl you don’t want.

Do this for each color:

• Remove the background vinyl.

• Use your tool to remove small centers (holes, letters, etc.).

• Keep each design piece on its own backing.

Tip:
Don't rush. Layered designs often have more detail.

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STEP 6: Prepare a Base Layer

Pick the bottom-most piece of your design, usually:

• the shadow

• background shape

• or the largest color

Lay that piece flat on your table.
This becomes your layering base.

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STEP 7: Apply Transfer Tape to the FIRST Layer Only

Cut a piece of transfer tape slightly larger than the design.

1. Peel the transfer tape off its backing.

2. Place it over your bottom layer of vinyl.

3. Scrape firmly from the center outward.

4. Peel the transfer tape up and your vinyl should lift with it.

You now have one layer stuck to the tape.

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STEP 8: Align the Next Layer

Now take your second vinyl color (still on its backing).

• Lay it flat on your table.

• Hover the transfer tape layer above it.

• Line it up carefully, using edges or registration marks if available.

Tip: Beginner-friendly method:
Use the transfer tape like a hinge, only touch one small corner first, then slowly lower the rest to avoid bubbles or misalignment.

When aligned:

1. Press the transfer tape down onto the second layer.

2. Scrape it firmly.

3. Peel the backing off the second layer and now two layers are stuck to one piece of transfer tape.

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STEP 9: Repeat for All Remaining Layers

You now have the basic flow:

• Hover

• Align

• Press

• Burnish

• Peel

Add each vinyl color one at a time until your whole decal is on the transfer tape.

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STEP 10: Prepare the Surface

Clean your blank with:

• Rubbing alcohol

• A lint-free cloth

Make sure it’s dry and smooth.

Dust and oils cause vinyl to lift later.

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STEP 11: Apply the Finished Layered Decal

1. Position the decal where you want it.

2. Press the center down first, then outward.

3. Scrape firmly with your scraper tool.

4. Slowly peel the transfer tape at a sharp angle, almost parallel to the surface.

If any part lifts:

• Lay the tape back down

• Scrape again

• Peel more slowly

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And You’re Done!

You just made and applied a layered vinyl decal, one of the core Cricut skills beginners often struggle with. If you liked this tutorial and found it useful and want to try your hand at something else check out our Christmas sweaters.