Stencil-Like Vinyl Transfer for Laptops
Intro: Stencil-Like Vinyl Transfer for Laptops
This instructable was submitted by Xerocraft Hackerspace in Tucson for the Instructables Sponsorship Program.
Stencil art is a popular and fun way to personalize your otherwise ordinary, uniform laptop. With this tutorial you can make your own customized vinyl transfers cheaply and easily.
For this project you'll need:
Clear Contact adhesive paper (www.contactbrand.com; sold by the foot or in rolls at hardware stores)
Black Contact adhesive paper
#11 exacto knife
Ruler (with a cutting edge)
Scissors
Tape
Printed image to convert to stencil
Recommended:
Rubbing alcohol
Paper towel
Hairdrier
Stencil art is a popular and fun way to personalize your otherwise ordinary, uniform laptop. With this tutorial you can make your own customized vinyl transfers cheaply and easily.
For this project you'll need:
Clear Contact adhesive paper (www.contactbrand.com; sold by the foot or in rolls at hardware stores)
Black Contact adhesive paper
#11 exacto knife
Ruler (with a cutting edge)
Scissors
Tape
Printed image to convert to stencil
Recommended:
Rubbing alcohol
Paper towel
Hairdrier
STEP 1: Choose Your Image
Print out the image you want to stencil. The best images to use are black and white with stark contrasts and not an incredible amount of detail. You can print it out on regular paper. Cut off any unneeded borders.
STEP 2: Cut the Contact Paper
Cut out one piece of black Contact paper and three pieces of clear Contact paper. Cut them out to a slightly larger size than the image.
Flip the black Contact over so that the wax paper side is up. Peel off the first square of clear Contact and adhere it to the wax paper side. Do the same with the second square of clear Contact (two layers are used to help hold the vinyl transfer together after you start cutting). Leave the third sheet of clear Contact aside for now. You'll need it later.
Flip the black Contact over so that the wax paper side is up. Peel off the first square of clear Contact and adhere it to the wax paper side. Do the same with the second square of clear Contact (two layers are used to help hold the vinyl transfer together after you start cutting). Leave the third sheet of clear Contact aside for now. You'll need it later.
STEP 3: Position Image Over Black Contact Paper
Tape the image directly to the black Contact paper. Tape the clear Contact paper to the cutting surface.
STEP 4: Cut Out the Stencil
With your brand new #11 exacto knife blade, CAREFULLY cut out the image. Go along the black lines.
MAKE SURE TO ONLY REMOVE THE WHITE PIECES (ALONG WITH THE UNDERLYING BLACK PIECES) FROM THE DECAL AS YOU CUT. The white pieces will be empty space on the laptop.
Take your time here. As you pick off the unwanted pieces using the tip of the exacto knife, make sure there are no small sinews that will cause wanted pieces of black Contact to come off with the unwanted pieces.
After you've cut out the last unwanted piece, cut along the perimeter of the image to free all of the black pieces from the border of the black Contact paper.
MAKE SURE TO ONLY REMOVE THE WHITE PIECES (ALONG WITH THE UNDERLYING BLACK PIECES) FROM THE DECAL AS YOU CUT. The white pieces will be empty space on the laptop.
Take your time here. As you pick off the unwanted pieces using the tip of the exacto knife, make sure there are no small sinews that will cause wanted pieces of black Contact to come off with the unwanted pieces.
After you've cut out the last unwanted piece, cut along the perimeter of the image to free all of the black pieces from the border of the black Contact paper.
STEP 5: Prime Your Stencil for Adhesion
Remember that third square of clear Contact I had you set aside earlier? Grab it, peel off the wax paper and set it down with the sticky side up. From end to end, lay the vinyl transfer against the clear Contact (stencil side down) and firmly press down. Push out any gaps and air bubbles.
Once the two pieces are firmly adhered, peel off the wax paper. The black Contact paper of the decal should stay stuck to the clear Contact.
NOTE: If you have trouble getting the black Contact to peel free from the wax paper, use the exacto knife to slowly pick the pieces free.
Once the two pieces are firmly adhered, peel off the wax paper. The black Contact paper of the decal should stay stuck to the clear Contact.
NOTE: If you have trouble getting the black Contact to peel free from the wax paper, use the exacto knife to slowly pick the pieces free.
STEP 6: Clean the Laptop Surface
Use rubbing alcohol to clean the surface where the transfer will go. This gets rid of substances that would hinder the Contact paper from sticking properly.
STEP 7: Apply the Stencil
Place the transfer over the cleaned spot of the laptop where you want it to go. Take your time to position it just right.
When you're happy, press down firmly on the black pieces of the decal for a few minutes. Blast it with a hairdryer to help with adhesion.
When you're happy, press down firmly on the black pieces of the decal for a few minutes. Blast it with a hairdryer to help with adhesion.
35 Comments
ac7ss 11 years ago
clazman 11 years ago
This Instructable is describing the steps for creating and applying a vinyl applique.
A stencil is a thin sheet of material, such as paper, plastic, or metal, with letters or a design cut from it. This sheet is then placed on the surface so that it becomes a “mask” for controlling the painting of said surface.
A decal is a film layer attached to a stiffer backing with a water-soluble adhesive. A design can be printed or painted on the film. The film with the design can be released from the backing by dipping in water. Once the film is released it can be slid from the backing onto the work piece.
What I am saying is that with multiple definitions the “dictionary” is being corrupted and useless The result is a compromise of basic communication. No one will be able to communicate with another since each individual will have a different meaning of a particular word.
cassp1 4 years ago
GoodAsh03 11 years ago
But I take you point. Thank you.
Jeremy
grenzenlos 6 years ago
Is this removable?
GoodAsh03 6 years ago
DH101 8 years ago
If you were unable to get the exact xacto knife, what would you suggest as a good replacement?
GoodAsh03 8 years ago
Just get as thin a blade as possible. The thinner it is, the easier it is to make small, precise cuts. If what you're cutting does not have a lot of detail you could cut it with a razor blade. But be careful.
lorleans 11 years ago
crewof502 11 years ago
mykiscool 11 years ago
pipsqueakboy 11 years ago
cattitude 11 years ago
And before I'll make one for my brother's laptop: doesn't the decal let loose if you only have those small tiny stripes left? Instead of one big sticker?
I never made a decal so sorry if I am obnoxious or ignorant. Also sorry for my possible lame English since I'm Dutch.
Thanks!
BarginsTech 11 years ago
I think one layer of clear paper facing sticky side up would be to catch the pieces being cut out of the black paper? otherwise it would be a puzzle right?
Also your english is perfectly fine :] Kudos!
ratedgee 11 years ago
fishbear 11 years ago
And an even less-expensive version here: http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3213
monsterlego 11 years ago
STEPcoach 11 years ago
MichielB 11 years ago
But why do you ad 2 clear contact papers to the back of the wax of the black contact paper?
Greetz!!
MarkinDetroit 11 years ago
I have the supplies, the instructions.... let's see how well the system works!!