You can easily print your vinyl stickers at home using a few simple tools. After designing the stickers on your computer using an image editing program, print them on self-adhesive vinyl film for the printer. Laminate the stickers to protect them from water and UV rays from the sun. Once finished, simply peel off the removable part of the stickers and they will be ready to use!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Creating your own design
Step 1. Check out the different vinyl sticker templates available for inspiration
Search online using keywords such as "vinyl sticker" or "vinyl sticker templates". Pay attention to what you like or dislike among the examples you see, always try to find stickers similar to the ones you want to make.
For example, if you want to make vinyl stickers to apply to your laptop case, look at the ones that other people have created for their computers. This will give you an idea of the size and colors your design should have
Step 2. Sketch your design on paper
Don't worry about drawing all the details. At this stage it is sufficient to get a basic idea of what your creation will look like before processing it on the computer. Make sure it is large enough to fit a sheet of 20.3x27.9cm in size.
- If this is your first time making vinyl stickers, opt for a simple design.
- If you have a hard time creating a design you like, try using graphics and images that you can find online instead.
Step 3. Create your design on your computer using an image editing program
If you don't have Photoshop or Illustrator, you can download a similar free program like GIMP. Recreate your draft using the software's drawing and editing tools, or scan and upload the sketch to use as a starting point. If you're making a colorful design, use bright, vibrant colors that stand out when printed.
Make sure your drawing resolution is at least 300 pixels per inch
Part 2 of 3: Printing the stickers
Step 1. Open a new document in your program, measuring 20, 3 x 27, 9 cm
If the program you are using does not allow you to specify dimensions when creating a new document, edit it once it is created. Look for the appropriate button in the software menu bar.
Step 2. Paste the design you created into the new document
If you want to make several stickers of the same design, paste your creation several times by arranging each copy next to each other. Make sure that none of the copies are in the margins of the template or they will not be printed on the paper.
Step 3. Click on the print preview to see what the final print looks like
If one of the copies of your design is cut off in the margin, move it away from the edge of the template. Make sure none of the copies overlap.
Step 4. Load an inkjet printer with the appropriate size adhesive sheets (20, 3 x 27, 9 cm)
Place the paper in the printer tray so that the print area (the non-adhesive side) matches the part on which the design will be printed. If you are unsure how to orient the sheets in the printer, run a test print to check.
- You can purchase this type of paper online or at an office supply store in your area.
- Use clear vinyl paper if you want the background of the stickers to be transparent.
Step 5. Print your design
Make sure the computer you are using is set to print to an inkjet printer. Locate the print button within the editing program interface. Click on the button and wait for the stickers to print.
Part 3 of 3: Laminating and Cutting the Stickers
Step 1. Apply a sheet of laminated paper to your stickers
Remove the removable part of the laminate sheet and align the top edge of the laminate with that of the sticky paper. Press on the laminate with your fingers so that it adheres to the vinyl film.
You can purchase laminated paper online or at an office supply store in your area
Step 2. Slowly peel off the remaining removable part of the laminate sheet
Press the laminate sheet onto the film as you go. Continue until you have peeled off all of the removable part and completely laminated the adhesive sheet.
To prevent air bubbles from forming, use the edge of a ruler to evenly press the laminate sheet onto the vinyl sheet
Step 3. Cut out the laminated stickers from the film
Use a ruler or utility knife to make precise cuts. If the design of the stickers has rounded edges, cut them out with scissors or make them have a square background. Once you have cut out all the stickers, discard the leftover scraps of paper.
Step 4. Peel off the removable part of the stickers to use them
The vinyl layer will be on the opposite side to the laminate, on the back of the design. Grab a corner of the removable part of the vinyl with two fingers and peel it all off. Place the sticker on a flat, dry surface.
