Using sublimation to make car decals.

In this video, I explain all the steps to create a car decal using adhesive vinyl, thermal laminating film, and a sublimation print.

[@denisej.527]

Thank you for sharing. Video was prefect. The cut setting worked great. The little paper pouch was a good 💡 as well.🙂

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Awesome!!! I'm glad you liked the video & it worked for you!!

[@waxinfluence]

Nice tutorial hun thanks that’s exactly what i was looking for.

[@leahbelle_420]

Thank you for your tutorial!! I looked all over Google and I was so confused and you explained everything!

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Thank you!!! I'm glad I could help!

[@RoweCountryCrafts]

Great Tutorial. Thanks so much for breaking it down. Now I got to go make one I’ve been promising to my daughter LOL

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

You're welcome!! Let me know how it turns out!

[@Lganme]

Thank you. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

That's awesome!! You're welcome!

[@DavidYouhas]

Thanks for the video. Newby maybe silly question... am I sublimating the thermal lamination side or the vinyl sticker side? I believe the thermal lamination ends up on the away side (of outside window) of the whole decal, then the vinyl sticker and then sticky back side of vinyl sticks on outside of car window. I am just not understanding which side the sublimation is penetrating - the thermal lamination or vinyl sticker. Thanks

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

You are sublimating on the thermal film then applying that to the white sticky vinyl.

[@DavidYouhas]

@@ThatROUGHTLife thanks for the reply! I found an easy way to get lamination adhered perfectly flat to permanent vinyl. Maybe a “that’s obvious” but I was having problems getting it flat using heat press so I tried running both laminate and vinyl through A4 laminator and got perfect results every time. Thanks again I love your videos - very helpful.

[@jeangrandy8672]

@@DavidYouhasI’ve been thinking of getting a laminator, which one did you get and can you just laminate the car decal on one side? Thanks 😊

[@mjje6975]

How does the backing come off to peel to stick , I absolutely love the video !

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

You just remove the backing from the vinyl (651) and apply to the car.

[@tazzelady]

the cricut has trouble reading registration marks on shiny material. To fix this, just cover registration lines with clear matt tape. (so now its not shiny.) hope that helps

[@kathyd6812]

Very helpful, thank you for the information. Keep up the good work! 🙂

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Thank you!!! I filmed another tutorial. I just need to edit it.

[@coltmom3964]

If you laminate both sides of the 651, how do you peel the back of the sticker? Or do you just laminate the one side (shiny side)?

[@wilstarkey4418]

Good try Good effort.

[@kelliemeyers5937]

do you have to use transfer tape to get it from the backing to the car

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

I didn't use it, but you could if you wanted to.

[@Janice-wq3yb]

how well does this hold up on a car in the elements? does the sun fade it or will rain make the laminate come loose from the vinyl? I have been looking for some way to make car decals and what I have tried so far has failed. this looks like a great way to make them..

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

The laminate did not separate for mine. The sun did fade it. Mine lasted just over a year. Look in the comments. A viewer mentioned a product that can be used to help keep it from fading. I hope this helps.

[@Janice-wq3yb]

@@ThatROUGHTLife Yes it does help. thank you so very much for the quick response and for the video tutorial

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

@Janice-wq3yb You're very welcome!

[@HarvestingFaith]

Just to clarify, you're applying laminate to vinyl, then applying the sublimation to the laminate?

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Yes, that's it!

[@HarvestingFaith]

​@@ThatROUGHTLifeand I'm assuming it has to be THERMAL laminate? Just tried regular aaand didn't go so great 😂

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

@HarvestingFaith yes, thermal laminate. Oh goodness. I hope you got a good laugh out of it.

[@jeangrandy8672]

What temperature did you press these at?

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

I do 400°

[@brittanybyrd8467]

Alrighty - I got kinda lost and would appreciate your feedback. Am I placing my printed sublimated image in the pouch and pressing at 400 degrees for 1 minute? Or am I placing the 651 in the thermal pouch and pressing? Or is it both? I got everything else from there, it's just that bit that's a tad confusing.

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Place the 651 in the pouch with the laminate film on top. That will adhere the film to the vinyl.

[@AdrienneandFriends]

Is the oracal 651 just permanent white vinyl? Or is it a special vinyl?

[@AdrienneandFriends]

Like is it transparent adhesive vinyl? Or the regular permanent white?

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

@@AdrienneandFriends It is the regular adhesive vinyl you use for other car decals.

[@ikeegorotak2013]

Is it cold laminated or hot laminated ?

[@EJ3.16]

Thank you for this tutorial but I’m wondering is any issues with the Sun for this sublimation decal????

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

The one I did for this video has faded, but it lasted a while.

[@EJ3.16]

@@ThatROUGHTLife okay thank you for replying I believe there’s a special spray to put on it right so it can last under the sun did you know which it’s????

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

@Ed Jmz I'm not sure. I'm sure Google knows! I will check it out and try it.

[@sal2032]

Frog Juice uv spray. You can get it on Amazon.

[@EJ3.16]

@@sal2032 thank you appreciate it...👍🏻

[@channettecoetzee8827]

Quick question. How long did it last in the sun on your car?

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Hey! I don't have any exact answer, but I would say about a year or year and a half.

[@channettecoetzee8827]

@@ThatROUGHTLife Thank you.

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

You're welcome

[@rebaeaton4021]

I used white oracle 651 and the white disappeared when I pulled the back off 🤦🏼‍♀️ is this normal??

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

I've never experienced that.

[@terrenaarlene]

When you laminate it. Do you put the vinyl in between the laminate or just laminate the non sticky side?

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

I place the laminate on top of the vinyl.

[@TheDwilliams1000]

Will the adhesive vinyl still stick after that heat is applied

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Yes

[@tonyawheat361]

Can Siser permanent vinyl be used with the same results?

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Yes

[@KarenAbbyBlackburn]

is it possible to do this without a sublimation printer?

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Unfortunately, no. The sublimation ink heats up and transfers to polyester fabric. Traditional ink doesn't.

[@DavidYouhas]

Thanks for the video! What sublimation printer are you using or would you recommend? I’m interested in making car decals and cups. Thanks

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Thank you!!! I have an Epson Ecotank 8550.

[@salvationranch2984]

Maybe I'm just up to early watching videos but I have a question. If you laminate the 651, how can it stick to the car? Did you only put it on the top of the 651 or did you put it in the pocket.

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

It goes on top of the 651

[@jeangrandy8672]

@@ThatROUGHTLifeit looked like you placed it in the pouch??

[@amandacollins2721]

Did you use clear or white 651

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

I used white

[@billiebrown6263]

How does the sublimation on the vinyl hold up to weather and uv light on vehicle windows?

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Mine has been on about a year and is fading. I will probably just make them for personal use since I can remake it myself when I want to replace it.

[@billiebrown6263]

@@ThatROUGHTLife have you tried to add another layer of laminate on your final project to see if that helps?

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

@@billiebrown6263 I haven't, but I will!

[@hiromimotojima]

Why can't we use print and cut feature of cricut? If you print including registration marks, then press vinyl, laminate and sublimation paper for 60 seconds, then cut with Cricut, would not that be easier? Is there a reason you press laminate and sub paper separately?

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

I'm sure you could. I just don't use Cricut and I don't like to do print and cut.

[@msterrakful]

I follow the steps but the image is coming out on the sticky side. Any tips

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

I'm not sure.

[@katilujan517]

Hello! I tried this and it worked great, but I do have some air bubbles, any tips to help that? thank you

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Try adding a little pressure on the heat press.

[@RainorShine1]

Is there a matte finish as im not crazy with the shine.

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

I'm not sure. I am subbing on top of laminate so there will automatically be shine. You could try matte vinyl, but I don't know if it would make a difference.

[@RainorShine1]

@@ThatROUGHTLife clear vinyl will leave a fog behind.

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

@@RainorShine1 I have noticed that.

[@lorifretheim8686]

Can I use any type of vinyl or does it have to be especially for decals

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

You need car decal vinyl for this project.

[@lorifretheim8686]

@@ThatROUGHTLife Orcal white 651 adhesive vinyl?

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

@@lorifretheim8686 yes

[@Pherine1]

Love the video but you did'nt tell us how to apply it to your car window?

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Hey! Sorry about that!! Just remove the backing and apply the decal. It's super easy. You may want to clean the area first.

[@Desiree-rq8yn]

I’m struggling to know which side of thermal paper to use?

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

I struggle with that also. I buy the thermal pouches for 8.5x11 paper. That was it is connected on one side. The inside of the sheet is the thermal part. If I cut some off one side, I keep some attached so I know which side is still the inside. If that makes any sense.

[@beccaboo9960]

So y laminate? Only for the shine or is that the only way for the sublimation to stay with out wash off? Just got my sublimation printer and now waiting on ink before i can try anything my self.

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

The sublimation ink shows up better and brighter on the laminate film.

[@beccaboo9960]

Oh ok thank you for the information!

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

You're welcome! Be sure to subscribe and look out for more videos and tutorials!!

[@sunnybunny222]

Thanks for sharing. I liked your video but i feel like you left out a lot. i would like to have seen ALL the steps. i would rather have seen the work instead of you telling about the work...imagine camera facing down on the project. never the less, it is a good video. and i really do appreciate you making it.

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Thank you and thanks for the tips!

[@coltmom3964]

What temperature for the one minute?

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

350°

[@meghanayres6557]

Is there any hack or anything for getting the backing off without accidentally seperating the thermal and vinyl layer?

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Just peel very carefully and try different areas.

[@candicase7341]

I reviewed 3 times did u laminate the oracle in press at 400 for 60 sec 1st just can't catch if u said 60 sec then cool

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Yes. Press the laminate on the vinyl for 60 seconds, let it cool, then cut.

[@flacacolon8949]

Are they weather proof ?

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Yes, as long as you cut it big enough. I wouldn't go any smaller than 5 inches wide or tall.

[@joelowen5661]

What is the program your using?

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Silhouette Studio

[@MaryAnnTPB]

Sounds awesome! I’m thinking of laminating the uncut vinyl before sending to machine to cut, hoping to skip a step of cutting again after laminating..

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Let me know!

[@lacheledavis9117]

Did it work.

[@zragevii4705]

Was this successful?

[@keksfabrik]

Some comments/tips: 1. use a laminating machine if you have, on the press it will often bubble 2. use the thinnest laminating film you can get, 50mic, maybe less 3. laminating only one side (front) of the vinyl 4. the white vinyl is only needed to get the sticky back, you can use other colors too, but of course without white background 5. the sublimation does only work good on the laminating film (polyester), not the vinyl itself 6. sublimation is only good for indoor use, outdoor it will fade really quick from sunlight 7. uv protection coating can help with (6) a little, but if you want long lasting decals, just use colored vinyl with your cutter alone 8. you can do transparent decals from transparent vinyl without laminating film, the sublimation will be inside the glue of the vinyl 9. if you sublimate the white vinyl directly, the image will be in the glue too. you can use this for windows from the back (inside)

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Thank you SO MUCH for the tips!!!

[@MrShawnee1]

How long will they last on a car or outdoor? Thank you

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

I can't give a 100% accurate timeline,, but I put mine on my car for a few months and it has held up perfectly so far.

[@zragevii4705]

@@ThatROUGHTLife just for curiosity, is that sticker still looking good?

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

@@zragevii4705 it is looking ok. The black has faded some

[@lynettestarr5671]

When I go to laminate the vinyl, I'm doing shiny side up but my paper sticks even after letting it cool for several minutes. Am I doing something wrong? If I try to peel it up, the vinyl wants to come with it. I'm using the same laminating sheets that you're using too.

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Is the laminate sticking or the copy paper?

[@lynettestarr5671]

@@ThatROUGHTLife I managed to get the laminate sheet to sub, but the laminate sheet itself didn't stick to the vinyl. My copy paper did stick to my vinyl though. Hopefully that makes sense?

[@lynettestarr5671]

@@ThatROUGHTLife So I'm basically ending up with a clear decal that sticks to nothing now. 🤔

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Press the laminate onto the white vinyl. It should stick if you press it for 60 seconds. Try adding more pressure. After that, cut the decal outline, then sub the image on top.

[@lynettestarr5671]

@@ThatROUGHTLife I am pressing the laminate to the white vinyl. It just peels off the vinyl and looks bubbly. :/ I'm trying it again with some more pressure though, so we will see 🤞

[@joelowen5661]

How long does the stickers last on a car?

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Sticker lasts as long as a regular decal with Oracal 651 adhesive vinyl. Sublimation will fade. Check the comment thread about uv spray on Amazon to help protect from fading

[@jennylowe4486]

I wonder if you sub on the vinyl then laminate if it will not fade as bad. @@ThatROUGHTLife

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

@@jennylowe4486 I need to try that.

[@touringnotboring6200]

But where is the sticky side as it’s back to front ?

[@kelenmartins1455]

Would’ve been more if a precise tutorial if you provided the temperature you used. All the rest was good

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

I appreciate the input!!! I had the heat press set at 400°

[@tazzelady]

@@ThatROUGHTLife yes, that was in the video

[@crystalporter4344]

She said it around 4 minutes into the video.

[@FUNNYMANERICWHITE]

Thanks

[@habanero6332]

I do not understand why you laminate first instead of after.

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

The sublimation ink will adhere to the laminate not the vinyl. I feel like it would be easier to laminate a piece of white vinyl first, then cut it and sublimate it

[@habanero6332]

@@ThatROUGHTLife I see thank you.

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

You're welcome

[@tabathawhitaker5378]

I found this video very confusing, if you showed what you were doing and explain it like you are teaching someone that's never done it it would be more helpful

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

Thank you for the input! I appreciate the tips!

[@btmbyashlie]

What program are you using where you can print the offset without having to use the lines? I am using Cricut Design Space for my Cricut maker and I am having trouble with that part. I have successfully made stickers using your video, but can't figure out how to get them to cut nicely.

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

I use Silhouette Studio. I started with the OG Cricut maybe 12 years ago. Once I upgraded to Silhouette, I haven't turned back. Lol

[@stephaniecouillard7982]

I followed this method twice and both times it did not work.

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

I'm sorry it didn't work for you. I'm working on getting a new method for everyone

[@stephaniecouillard7982]

I look forward to trying any new ways you may think of.

[@heatherm9124]

Not understanding 😞

[@ThatROUGHTLife]

It can be tricky!!