Layering Vinyl with Parchment Paper

Today, we’re going to show you a really handy Cricut hack that you can use when creating layered vinyl projects. In it, you use parchment paper to help line things up. This post on Layering Vinyl with Parchment Paper will show you how it’s done.

Getting layered vinyl projects lined up just right can be tricky without some Cricut tips to make it easier. This is one way to take some of the guess-work out of working with your Cricut machine and have success every time.

Layering Vinyl with Parchment Paper

We have seen a similar technique used to position adhesive vinyl on a tumbler, but it works really well for layering too. Applying a layered cut file with five different colors such as the one we’re using in our demonstration can be quite challenging, but this Cricut tip will make it much easier. It will help you line up your design layers and get it perfectly centered on your craft blank.

Supplies we used:

• Cricut machine
• Cutting mat
• Adhesive vinyl in 5 colors
• Transfer tape
• Weeding tools
• Parchment paper
• Blank – we’re using a wooden sign from Woodpile at Hobby Lobby
• Rubbing alcohol and paper towel

Step-by-step tutorial:

Cut out and weed your design.

First layer:

We like to start with the largest layer of our vinyl design. Place it on the cutting mat to begin the layering process. Apply a piece of transfer tape to this entire layer. We find it best to use Cricut transfer tape for this project. Burnish well.

Flip the mat upside down and remove the mat away from the design.

Burnish from the back and remove the backing.

Place this layer onto a piece of parchment paper. We used the taco method, laying down the center of the design first and slowly moving out to allow the sides to lay down onto the paper as well.

When applying the layer to the piece of parchment paper, be sure to overlap it so that there is a strip of adhesive exposed at the top. This is needed for the next step.

Second layer:

Lay down the next layer on the cutting mat. Be sure to use some backing paper (saved from the previous layer) to partially cover the cutting mat and help protect it and the parchment paper from sticking to each other.

Lay the first layer over the second one and secure with that adhesive strip you left at the top. Lift up the layer and begin pulling away the parchment paper. Don’t forget to burnish.

Flip the mat over and remove the mat from your design. Burnish from the back.

Now you have two layers on the piece of parchment paper.

Third layer:

Repeat the same steps with the next layer.

Final layer:

Once again, follow the same steps to add the final layer to the parchment paper. Remember to burnish well so all the layers are well-adhered.

Applying design to the sign:

Clean the surface of the sign well with rubbing alcohol on a paper towel. This will remove any dirt, debris, and fingerprints that could get in the way of the vinyl sticking properly.

Apply the parchment-backed design to the sign, using that strip of adhesive to stick it in place.

Begin pulling away the parchment paper.

It really helps to peel back the parchment with one hand while you burnish with the other. This will ensure you have a beautifully adhered design with no bubbles or wrinkles.

Continue peeling back the parchment until the design is fully adhered to the sign.

Once completely adhered and burnished, peel back the transfer tape.

Wasn’t that easy? Enjoy your beautiful layered vinyl design! What will you make next?