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using transfer tape on cardboard hack

How To Transfer Vinyl Onto Cardboard Without Tearing The Surface

July 14, 2021 · In: Cricut Education, Cricut Projects

Learn how to apply vinyl using transfer paper onto cardboard without tearing the surface and ruining the cardboard with this easy hack.

Raise your hand if you love the Target Dollar Spot. I’m just going to assume that your hand is held high, and if it’s not, you’ve probably never been to a Target. The Dollar Spot is the section right at the front door and has all kinds of fun random things that range from $1-$5. There’s home decor items, organizing solutions, holiday items, small gifts, toys, school supplies, and electronic accessories.

target dollar spot desk organizer

Cardboard Paper Holder Labeling Fail

One day while I was browsing the Dollar Spot, I found these cardboard paper/magazine holders for $1 each. I knew they’d be perfect to hold all my printed Organized-ish Binder Kits and other paper supplies in my Studio, so I scooped up a whole bunch of them.

I hurried home, broke out my Cricut Maker, and cut labels for each paper holder with white vinyl. After applying the first one with transfer tape, the cardboard surface on the holder spine ripped off all over. Epic Fail…

So I did what any DIY blogger does. I experimented. And I found the best hack that actually worked. So next time you need to apply vinyl labels onto a cardboard surface, here’s what you need to do.

Vinyl Transfer Hack For Cardboard Surfaces

To apply vinyl onto cardboard surfaces, you’ll start by making your labels just like you would for any other project. Once your Cricut machine has cut all the words or images, weed any excess vinyl and trim as needed.

But before you put the transfer tape onto your weeded vinyl, stick the transfer tape piece onto your pants first. Smooth it over your pants (or shirt, shorts, dress, whatever) then peel it off. Do it a second time, then apply it onto your vinyl label.

Burnish really well with a scraper tool, then pull the transfer tape from the vinyl backing to remove your labels.

Apply the transfer tape onto your cardboard surface and remove as usual. Now the cardboard won’t pull off, and your labels still stick.

Why This Works

Most clothing has fine lint fibers (that’s why your lint trap in the dryer gets fuzzy after every use). Those lint fibers stick onto the transfer tape when you smooth it over your pants, especially jeans or cotton materials, and make it a little less sticky.

It’s still sticky enough to grab onto the vinyl labels, because you burnish it on tightly. But it doesn’t have that tape-like grip to yank off the top layer of that sensitive cardboard.

Give it a try next time you need to dress up some cardboard and let me know what you think! It’s SUCH a game changer!

using transfer tape on cardboard hack

Material Resources

If you’re loving this project and want to replicate it on your own cardboard paper holders, here’s the exact materials and fonts I used:

  • Cricut Maker
  • Standard Grip Mat
  • Cricut Removable Vinyl in White
  • Cricut Transfer Tape
  • Weeding Tool
  • Scraper Tool
  • Portable Trimmer
  • Don Juan font from Cricut Design Space
  • Cardboard File Folders from Target Dollar Spot (Ikea sells these too, also for $1)

More Cricut Hacks

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for quick Cricut crafting hacks like this one, along with video tutorials to see the process in action. And while you’re there, shoot me a DM and say hi. I would love to meet you!

By: Lela Burris · In: Cricut Education, Cricut Projects · Tagged: craft room, cricut vinyl, office, transfer tape, vinyl

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Comments

  1. Naomi Misle says

    December 21, 2022 at 5:48 am

    Thank you for the great tip! Actually had not realized that transfer tape can lift a cardstock surface. Really appreciate the info!

    Reply
    • Brad Gandy says

      December 21, 2022 at 8:43 am

      It’s such a great trick, Naomi! Glad we could help you learn something new.

      Reply

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My name is Lela, (say it like LEE-luh) and I'm so glad you stopped by my blog! Whether you're into organizing, home improvement, crafts, or you just think my pets are cute, you'll find all kinds of inspo here.

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Bin Clips are perfect for fabric bins and woven ba Bin Clips are perfect for fabric bins and woven baskets. I found these at Target, but Amazon has a larger variety to choose from. They come with a card inside you can write on, but I used a Cricut Joy and Writable Vinyl to make these cute label stickers. 🙌🏼
Do you have a running “too small” bin in your Do you have a running “too small” bin in your kid’s room?
Kids grow out of clothes SO quickly, and the ones that don’t fit often get left in the closet or drawers until we have time to deal with them.
To cut down on clutter, add a “too small” bin to their room. It saves you time and keeps their clothing that still fits tidy and easy to find. 🙌🏼
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Decanting is great for items you buy in bulk to cut down on cost and packaging waste, as well as to keep some foods fresher for longer. But DON’T fall for the pretty organizing videos of every single thing moved into different jars.
I have seen some people decanting lotion, peanut butter, and even toothpaste, and I’m here to prove it’s a complete waste of your time and money. ✨What’s the weirdest decanting video you’ve ever seen?✨
Fill in the blank: It’s the […] for me 🤩 A Fill in the blank: It’s the […] for me 🤩
And it’s ALWAYS the ✨hidden trash✨ for me!

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