Today we are going to tackle the age-old question of “will Cricut vinyl stick to wood?” You may have had issues in the past or maybe you are planning a project and want to know if it will work or not. I have tips and tricks for you that will get you that perfect project every single time! We will talk also answer “will Cricut vinyl stick to painted wood?” as well as “will Cricut vinyl stick to stained wood?” Y’all enjoy and be sure to leave us any questions we don’t answer in the comment section below!
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What type of vinyl should I use?
First, you need to pick the type of vinyl to use for your project. You can use either sticky vinyl or iron-on to add to wood and both have their pros and cons. We will go over adding both to the wood below but here is a rundown of the types:
- Sticky vinyl: Be sure to use permanent vinyl when adding to wood instead of the removable version. This means that you will have more luck with getting it to stick once you start to peel back your transfer paper. This does also mean that your project will be permanent. If you are wanting to do something like a stencil, just be aware that the removable vinyl may not stick as well and you may have more issues removing your transfer tape.
- Iron-on vinyl: Yes you can use heat transfer vinyl on wood! It is permanent and does require some knowledge that I will go over below. But really it works like a dream and almost feels like it is painted on the surface once complete. But which of the iron-on products should you try? I have the best luck with EveryDay iron-on for wood.
What type of transfer tape should I use?
Yes, there are different types of transfer tape and it does make a difference! I think that for so many people that think the answer to will Cricut vinyl stick to wood is no, the problem may be the transfer tape. What is transfer tape? For sticky vinyl, transfer tape is what makes it easier to get from the backing paper to the wood surface with your design intact. You want to use the regular transfer tape as the strong grip version will definitely make your transition harder. Please note that the strong grip is really only for glitter vinyl.
Will Cricut vinyl stick to painted wood?
Want to make that grandma’s peeps project? Click here for the instructions!
The short answer is yes but you may want a longer explanation. First, how about some tips and tricks for getting vinyl to stick to painted wood.
- It will be more difficult for vinyl to stick to rough wood so sand your surface before beginning.
- Painting your wood is a great way to seal it and help the vinyl really stick. A standard acrylic paint works great.
- Wait 24 hours after you have painted the wood to stick on your design. This will ensure that the paint is cured.
- Get a squeegee! It will make your life easier as you can press the vinyl down before removing your transfer tape.
Then just start creating! I think you will find the permanent vinyl sticks great to painted wood surfaces of all types. You will be making all sorts of projects before you know it!
Want more projects on painted wood? Try the links below!
- Wooden pencil holder
- Cooking conversion chart
- Garden markers
- Whale painted dresser
- We’re nuts about you frame
- Baby sleeping sign
Will Cricut vinyl stick to stained wood?
Want to make that mason jar bathroom organizer? Click here for the instructions.
Next, we need to tackle stained wood! Yes, Cricut vinyl will stick to stained wood but there is one tip that may make your project a bit easier. SEALING! Stain can leave an oily residue that will make your vinyl lift from the surface. Seal with a waterbased Polycrylic then wait 24 hours. Your vinyl will stick better and stay on longer! This one tip may save you a ton of future frustration on those stained wood projects. I have also used a waterbased stain/sealer in one and that works great as well.
Want more projects on stained wood? Try the links below!
- Reversible wooden sign
- Change jar for the laundry room
- Double photo frame
- Split letter monogram plaque
- Decorative wood tray
- Backgammon tray
Will Cricut vinyl stick to raw wood?
Want to make that rustic wood slice? Click here for the instructions.
The same tips apply for sticking to a raw wood surface as the painted and stained above. Be sure to sand well and you might even seal the wood for additional success. The project above I just made sure the surface was smooth and stuck the vinyl right to the raw wood. It is still on there several months later with no issues at all.
Want more projects on raw wood? Try the links below!
- Cross stitch sign on wood
- Newborn footprint ornament
- Pineapple sign
- Wood disc ornaments
- Mermaid party cutlery
- Decorative pegboard
Will Cricut iron-on vinyl work on wood?
Want to make that wooden box centerpiece? Click here to get the instructions.
So far we have really talked about adding sticky vinyl to wood but there is another option you may never have considered. You can add iron-on to wood and get great results! The product actually conforms to the uneven surface better and almost looks like a perfectly painted piece of art. Here are a few tips and tricks for adding heat transfer vinyl to wood:
- As always, you will want to mirror your design and cut with the good (or shiny) side down on the mat.
- Use a pressing cloth or teflon sheet to help protect the wood around your design.
- Use the time and temperature for the brand of iron-on you are using.
I must say that this is fast becoming one of my favorite ways to add vinyl to wood! So, will Cricut vinyl stick to wood? Yes, and the iron-on version may be even better!
Want more projects with iron-on applied to wood? Try the links below!
- Farmhouse wreath with iron-on
- Mini garden sign
- Iron-on designs on a wood slice
- Shark week wall sign
- Wood wall art
- DIY farmhouse sign
Which is better? Sticky or iron-on vinyl?
So, now the only question is which is better? We have answered the question of will Cricut vinyl stick to wood, but should you use their sticky vinyl or iron-on version? The answer really is up to you. Here are a few key factors to consider:
- Cutting: Both are equally easy to cut but you do have to remember to mirror the iron-on before cutting.
- Weeding: Iron-on is way easier to weed for me then sticky vinyl but you can try both and see which you find to be easier.
- Transfer: This is where the iron-on really shines. The backing paper is attached so you can easily move your design to the wood with no other product required. With the sticky vinyl, you will need transfer tape as indicated above.
- Application: You may be scared to use an iron or heat press on wood but I am telling you that it is easy! Try it once with one of the projects above and I think you will be hooked. You can use a small mini iron for those small or tight places as well.
- Longevity: Have you ever had one of your kids pick the sticky vinyl right off of one of your projects? I can’t be the only one! Iron-on is actually almost impossible to pick off so it may help extend the longevity of your wood projects.
I hope this comparison helps you decide which material to use on all of your wood projects. So, will Cricut vinyl stick to wood? Yep. Will Cricut vinyl stick to painted wood? Yep. Will Cricut vinyl stick to stained wood? Yep. But you might just want to try iron-on instead of standard vinyl. Heat transfer vinyl might just open up a whole new world of wood crafts for you!
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Hi! Thanks for the above–I am making front porch signs–I painted with acrylic, then used vinyl and sealed with a polyurethane spray to be outdoors but now I read that can cause it to peel or crack. It said to spray the wood first for a base to stick to–but would the acrylic paint count as a base? I am so confused!!!
I would use a good outdoor paint then a vinyl rated for outdoor use. You shouldn’t need to spray if you do those steps.
Can you iron on over stain and sealer?
It should work fine! Use a teflon sheet or parchment paper to protect your iron.
If Ii am going to do iron on to a raw wood piece and it is going to be hung outside – should I seal it with a spray on or brush on polyurethane? Thank you!
Yes I think I would seal over the top of it.
What setting should I set my
Easy Press 2?
For how long?
Thank you and Merry Christmas
Stacie
Use the Cricut Heat Guide. Put in the type of material you are using and choose wood from the surfaces. It should give you the time and temperature.
I’m so silly..thank you
So much
Stacie
I did a wood project that was two layers. I used everyday iron-on vinyl. The first layer went down great with no problems. The second layer would not stick. I used the heat press until the vinyl started to bleed. Then I just stopped with the heat and and sealed it with a clear paint. the finish product turned out good enough. Do you know why this happened? I had a crazy idea for next time. Could I have used permanent vinyl as the bottom layer and use my iron-on top layer as a transfer so I have one heat press? Crazy idea with many potential problems. I would like to layer on wood again but with out all the problems.
Thank you
I would try pressing the first one minimally. Until it barely sticks and you can get the backing paper off. Then add then second and press for the full time. I did a video on a method I use which involves rubbing it with a scraper. It may be that it was not in contact with the wood enough. You can watch the video here: https://www.thecountrychiccottage.net/heat-transfer-vinyl-on-wood/
I want to iron on some names on a sign I bought that already has writing on it. Will the easy press mini do any damage to the writing that is already on the wood?
I would cover it with parchment or a teflon sheet when you press. I think that will protect it.
I have made a wood sign to hang outdoors now what should I use to seal it against the heat and cold. My sign look great and I want to make some for my family. I want to be sure I use the right sealer as one lives in Massachusetts and one lives in Florida I appreciate any help you can give me. June
Be sure you used a vinyl rated for outdoor use. Then you can go over it with a spray poly or outdoor Mod Podge.
Hi Angie! I just got a vintage ironing board that I want to paint and then add vinyl wording. Can I iron the vinyl wording onto the painted wood surface? Thank you for any tips you can give me to help me complete this project.
Yes you can! You can use adhesive vinyl or iron on. Either one will work!
Is there an iron vinyl for outdoors?
Not one specifically rated for outdoors, no.
I am brand new to the Cricut world. Trying to decide which type of vinyl to use for my projects. I am planning to make wooden signs but instead of leaving the vinyl on the project, I want to paint the words (like reverse weeding, I think I’ve heard it called). What is the best vinyl?
Try this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jx-ciACo0fc
If I’m wanting to use iron on on stain wood and I put the poly coat on before ironing my words on the stain wood will it mess it up?
Most likely. I think it would burn the poly.
The iron on was a disaster for me. Maybe they changed the product? I couldn’t find Cricut HTV just everyday iron on. I ended up having to use spray adhesive which left a weird residue on the wood that I then tried to paint over.. huge mess. The last part of my sign, I re-cut with regular permanent vinyl and it was perfect!
Hmmm… they haven’t changed it. Other than suggesting you wait until it is cool to peel it. Maybe that was the difference?
I wish I would have found this post sooner, very helpful!
I made the mistake of trying to apply my decal on pill based stained wood prior to applying the poly coat. The adhesive picked up some of the oil and wouldn’t adhere. Have you had any experience cleaning the sticky side and then vinyl still sticking after? Or would it be a better option to apply super glue or spray adhesive and apply that way?
I think I would just recut the vinyl and start over.
I just broke out my cricut the original one and learning it all over again for the fact that we are making a corn hole set for a friend for his birthday. We painted, sanded and now put vinyl lettering on it. We were going to seal it with poly seal but after reading the above I’m confused since I talked to crafters in the store as to what We were doing. We are going to put 3 coats of sealer on it to make sure it’s weather resident and smooth with sanding in between each coat.
I would seal over the top for a corn hole game definitely!
I made a bar sign for my sister but the Cheers on the bottom is such a fine script and lifted in a couple of spots. I sprayed the wood first with polyurethane clear coat satin and then applied my permanent vinyl. Should I spray over it now with the words now applied to prevent it from coming off and hopefully get the fine script in the cheers to stay against the wood?
You can try it for sure. Just make sure you do light coats so it doesn’t drip at all.
Have you ever done vinyl on a seat of a rocking chair? Do you have to cover it with something? Would like to do for a kids rocking chair
If it is a highly used surface you may need to seal it. I would start by sealing the surface of the rocking chair if it’s wood and make sure it is completely dry before applying the vinyl.
You can use a spary sealant on the top of the vinyl (I’d allow the vinyl to cure for 72 hours first) in light coats. That shouldn’t cause the vinyl to lift.
Hi Angie, I am wanting to put iron on vinyl on a child’s rocking chair seat. Should I do anything to prepare the seat? I read where you should do a coat of polyurathane first. Thoughts?
Why are you wanting to use Iron-on instead of regular vinyl?
I was just curious, due to me being indecisive, if I was to apply Black HTV vinyl to plain wood, then decided after I wanted to stain the wood, would I be able to apply stain over it after? Thanks.
You should be able to. You’d want to be careful to not be too heavy with the stain and really make sure your HTV is stuck down along all the edges so the stain doesn’t get under it and cause it to lift.
Hi there,
I have a ikea crate unpainted that is to be used for Dog toys. I have put sticky vinyl on with no issues at all. Do i need to put sealer over it ? Or will it be ok as is?
Yvonne
You do not have to put anything over it if it is permanent vinyl. Make sure you let it sit for 48-72 hours before using to allow the adhesive to adhere to the crate 🙂
My vinyl did not stick so now i need to get the sticky off, the vinyl came off but still sticky what do I do no, it is stained board?
You can try using rubbing alcohol, it usually removes the sticky residue. If the residue doesn’t come off with the rubbing alcohol you may need to sand the wood down which would require re-staining the wood.