Updated By TeckWrap Craft On April 17, 2024
Smart Vinyl vs Regular Vinyl: A Beginner's Guide
Table of Contents
- What Is Vinyl?
- Two Types Of Vinyl
- Key Differences Between Smart Vinyl and Regular Vinyl
- Smart Vinyl Is Wider Than Regular Vinyl
- Smart Vinyl Does Not Need a Cutting Mat
- Smart Vinyl Needs Specific Cutting Machine
- Smart Vinyl Is Lighter than Regular Vinyl
- Smart Vinyl is More Costly
- Which One Should You Use?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Working on your next craft project but don’t know whether to use Smart or Regular Vinyl? Selecting the right material can be quite overwhelming, especially for beginners. With Smart Vinyl, you don’t need a cutting mat and can easily make many identical, continuous designs. With Regular Vinyl, you can only create designs as big as your cutting mat. This blog presents a detailed comparison between the two so you can make an informed decision about which is best for you.
What Is Vinyl?
Vinyl is a versatile synthetic material made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU). It is known for its durability, flexibility, and affordability. It is available in many different colors and finishes giving crafters a lot of choice to customize their projects creatively. A premium-grade vinyl film is eco-friendly and non-toxic and can be applied to everyday-use items such as drinkware and garments without apprehensions about health hazards.
Two Types Of Vinyl
There are different types of vinyl available on the market with distinct uses. These can be divided into two main categories that are:
1. Regular Adhesive Vinyl
This is standard adhesive vinyl that is used for a variety of crafting and DIY projects. It can be applied to any hard, smooth, clean, and dry surface. It is available in rolls or sheets of different sizes and has a range of colors and finishes. It can be further divided into two types: removable and permanent.
- Removable Vinyl: As the name suggests, this is an excellent craft vinyl for temporary designing. It has a low-tack adhesive that makes it best for indoor usage, seasonal decorations, and themed parties. You can also use it as a stencil to perfect painted designs. It comes off easily and does not damage the surface or leave residue behind.
- Permanent Vinyl: Permanent vinyl has a robust adhesive that forms a strong bond with the surface it is applied on. It is best for both indoor and outdoor installations. If you want a long-lasting design that can endure the harsh weather and still maintain its vibrancy without peeling or fading, this is the vinyl for you.
2. Smart Vinyl
Smart Vinyl is a special ‘smart’ material that does not need a cutting mat. It can be easily loaded into the machine directly from the roll. Since there is no mat, you are not bound to use a certain size of the design. It can be as long as you want according to the length of the Smart Vinyl roll. It works best with Cricut Explore 3 and Cricut Maker 3. It is also of two types as mentioned below:
- Smart Permanent Vinyl: This is an amazing crafting material designed for long-lasting applications. Its strong adhesive keeps it in place even in outdoor conditions so it is ideal for projects like signage, personalized mugs, car decals, and more. It is perfect for durable, professional-looking creations that stand the test of time.
- Smart Iron-on Vinyl: Smart Iron-On Vinyl is a heat-transfer material primarily designed for effortless application on compatible fabric including cotton, polyester, and their blends. Since it does not require a cutting mat, it makes the design process smooth. Its strong adhesive backing forms a secure bond that withstands repeated washing, making it ideal for creating custom clothing, tote bags, home decor items, and more.
Key Differences Between Smart Vinyl and Regular Vinyl
Both Smart and Regular Vinyl have some important differences that you should understand so you may choose the one that best suits your crafting needs. These are:
Smart Vinyl Is Wider Than Regular Vinyl
Smart Vinyl is up to 13 inches wide whereas Regular Vinyl is up to 12 inches only. The smallest width that you can get in Smart Vinyl is 5.5 inches which is not available in Regular Vinyl.
Smart Vinyl Does Not Need a Cutting Mat
Smart Vinyl can be loaded into the cutting machine without the need for a cutting mat. You may cut the design directly from the roll. We recommend getting a roll holder for easy handling. Wait for the machine to tell you when it’s time to load it. For Regular Vinyl, you will need a cutting mat.
Smart Vinyl Needs Specific Cutting Machine
Regular Vinyl is compatible with all automated cutting machines but if you are using Smart Vinyl that is 13 inches wide and want continuous matless cutting of the design, you will have to use a specific cutting machine engineered to cater to it such as Cricut Explore 3 or Maker 3. If you have any other model, you will have to cut Smart Vinyl to load it into the machine with a mat.
Smart Vinyl Can Be Used For Longer Designs
Smart Vinyl streamlines the crafting process and is ideal large or continuous projects. Regular vinyl is best suited for small-sized designs. You can only cut a pattern as big as your cutting mat.
Smart Vinyl is More Costly
If you have budget constraints, it is best to work with Regular Vinyl. Smart vs Regular Vinyl price is an important factor. Smart Vinyl is slightly more expensive than the regular one. While the latter requires the use of a cutting mat, this minor inconvenience is outweighed by its affordability, especially for smaller or one-time projects. If you prioritize time-saving and work efficiency over cost, opt for Smart Vinyl.
Which One Should You Use?
This is an important question whose answer depends on your project requirements and budget. Use Smart Vinyl if you have a compatible cutting machine and you want large, repeated designs such as for banners or bulk orders. It will offer convenience and efficiency. You will be able to create multiple patterns or letters in less time.
You can use Regular Vinyl if you want a budget-friendly setup and require designs that are according to the size of a cutting mat. If you are working on small-scale projects, this is the best option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
When deciding between Smart and Regular Vinyl, it’s important to consider your priorities and crafting needs. Smart Vinyl offers unmatched convenience for larger projects, making it ideal for efficiency-focused crafters. Regular Vinyl is budget-friendly and versatile, perfect for smaller designs. Both options deliver excellent results. For premium-quality Smart and Regular Vinyl, visit the TeckWrap Craft website today and get these shipped to your doorstep.
