Making coasters with a Cricut might sound like a good time, but it's actually rather difficult. To get the best results from your coasters, there are a few things you should do.
Designs Being Transferred
A Cricut Project Making your own unique coasters using Infusible Ink is a fun and easy project. Permanent and simple to remove, the ink is incorporated into the coaster. The coaster is blank and ready for your own writing or artwork to be placed upon it. Using Infusible Ink, this is one of the simplest do-it-yourself tasks you can undertake.
You'll need Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets and Cricut Ink Transfer Pens to make your own coasters. These supplies are readily available at any arts and crafts retailer. Pressing these requires a Cricut EasyPress 2, which they were made for.
Cricut Infusible Ink is applied differently than sublimation transfers but operates on the same idea. Not even water can remove this ink's permanence. Neither does it attach to surfaces nor does it peel off. However, before you begin working on your project with Cricut Infusible Ink, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The Cricut EasyPress must be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before use. Putting a sheet of white cardstock paper on the mat can also keep ink from bleeding through.
Vinyl Coating and Sealing
Sealant applied to vinyl can improve the appearance and durability of stickers. In the realm of sealants, you may pick from a few different options, some of which are undoubtedly superior than others. There is a spray adhesive and a polyurethane sealer among these.
Applying a sealer over your decals is the first and most evident step you can take to preserve them. Applying a clear coat over the decals will do this. This will keep the glue from corroding, extending the life of the vinyl coaster.
Selecting a suitable sealer for your vinyl coasters is the next step. Your project will be exposed to the weather for a long time, so picking the right sealant is crucial. There are several sealants available, and some of them are even non-toxic and simple to apply.
It is recommended that you use a polyurethane vinyl sealer to protect your vinyl coasters. In a similar vein to polycrylic, these sealants come in convenient spray cans. You may also find brush-on polyurethane sealer.
Cleaning
Making unique coasters using a Cricut machine is one thing. To what extent, though, can their new condition be maintained? Now you don't have to worry about your new inventions becoming stale after a few years since we've got the inside scoop on how to achieve just that. There is good news, though; there are several strategies you may employ to keep your coasters in pristine shape.
To begin, a spotless canvas is ideal. A excellent first step is to use a moist cloth or alcohol wipes. Vinegar and water is effective in removing bigger stains. After the coaster's surface is spotless, you may apply the vinyl. The self-adhesive vinyl must be trimmed with the sticky side up. Be cautious when you're sticking the vinyl to the coaster's base. If you push down on the coaster in a uniform layer, you will not create any ridges that might trap your fingers.
Using a Cricut to produce your own coasters is an excellent idea since it makes the project feel like a game. Although many online resources provide pre-made coasters for purchase, creating your own and personalizing it is a far more interesting experience.
A Purchase of Cutting Files
When making your own vinyl coasters, purchasing Cricut cut files is an absolute must. In the first place, you'll need to choose on a style for your coasters. Many different cut files are available, but sometimes you have to go a bit deeper to locate the one you need.
Stickers may be made from your own pictures or from graphics in Cricut's online Design Space. The decision to use borders in your image is likewise yours to choose. If this is the case, go to the Layers tab, and then click Flatten.
PDF, JPG, AI, EPS, DXF, and PNG are some of the supported file formats. Before you download or use any of them, be sure you read their license agreements.
Cricut's goods are reliable, and their customer service is second to none. They have also created a blog in which they share helpful hints and news about upcoming releases. When you purchase a machine, you'll automatically be signed up for a free trial subscription. When you subscribe to Cricut Access, you have access to a wealth of pictures, fonts, and other cuts.
