By Savannah Sher | Published Sep 23, 2022 12:47 PM

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Crafting with vinyl has become increasingly popular since the introduction of accessible home cutting machines like the Cricut. When used with adhesive vinyl, transfer tape allows crafters to transfer their designs smoothly onto a wide variety of surfaces.

Buying vinyl transfer tape online, however, can feel a bit overwhelming because so many options are available at a wide range of prices. This article breaks down what to look for when shopping for the best transfer tapes for vinyl and discusses the key considerations to keep in mind while evaluating products. Use this guide for tips on choosing the ideal options, and explore our curated picks for some of the best transfer tapes for arts-and-crafts projects.

Although it’s easy to assume that all types of transfer tape offer similar performance, several factors affect their functionality. Keep reading to learn about the important features to consider when choosing good transfer tape for vinyl.

Transfer tape comes in two basic formats: clear tape or more opaque paper. For beginners, clear tape is the best choice because it allows users to see their designs while transferring them. Opaque transfer paper makes it trickier for crafters to place their designs precisely.

Most types of transfer paper feature grid lines to facilitate measuring. Although many people find these grids add convenience, some may prefer gridless paper for simpler, freestyle measurements.

When shopping for transfer tape, shoppers will notice products labeled as either “medium tack” or “high tack.” This refers to how sticky the transfer tape feels. Medium tack is the most versatile option and is suitable for standard adhesive vinyl. High-tack—also known as strong grip—transfer tape is necessary when working with textured vinyl and glitter vinyl because it provides a stronger adhesive to the vinyl’s surface. Strong-grip transfer tape also comes in handy when transferring a design to an uneven or textured surface.

Transfer-tape size is a primary consideration because it affects the size of the project a crafter can complete. Transfer tape is sold primarily in rolls but is also available in sheets. The standard width for transfer tape is 12 inches, which is compatible with most home cutting machines. Narrower transfer tape will measure from 6 to 10 inches in width. Wide transfer tape may be necessary for larger designs and is typically available in widths up to 24 inches.

The length of a roll of transfer tape is also important to consider because it dictates how much tape is included and whether it is enough to finish a large project. Length also affects the product’s value.

All the factors listed above come together to determine whether a specific type of transfer tape is right for a given project or a versatile choice to have on hand. Choose a transfer tape based on the types of projects completed most frequently. The most widely applicable type of transfer tape is clear medium-tack tape measuring 12 inches in width.

Crafters who often work with glitter or apply vinyl to uneven surfaces might opt for a high-tack transfer tape. For large or small projects, shoppers might consider tape with a different width.

Now armed with more knowledge about transfer tape, it’s time to start shopping. The following are the top picks for the best transfer tape for your next crafting project.

This YRYM clear vinyl transfer tape measures 50 feet long by 12 inches wide, providing plenty of material for crafting projects. It is translucent and features a half-inch square grid, which makes it easy to ensure designs are applied with proper alignment. The tape won’t leave any residue behind and peels away cleanly from vinyl due to its medium tack.

This transfer tape works well for applying adhesive vinyl on both indoor and outdoor projects; however, it isn’t suitable for heat-transfer vinyl and won’t be the best choice for glitter vinyl, holographic vinyl, and other textured vinyl styles.

Get the YRYM HT transfer tape for vinyl on Amazon.

This transfer tape from HTVRONT provides excellent value, measuring 120 feet long by 12 inches wide. Along with including a high quantity of tape, the product offers top quality with clear tape that’s effective and easy to work with. It features a half-inch square grid, so accurately applying designs to a project surface is a breeze.

The tape’s medium tack ensures it will adhere to most types of vinyl while still peeling easily when it’s time to remove it. Purchase includes a convenient scraper tool, which is helpful for burnishing the transfer tape onto the vinyl. Similar to all medium-tack transfer tapes, this one isn’t suitable for textured vinyl.

Get the HTVRONT 12-inch by 120-inch transfer tape for vinyl on Amazon.

Most types of transfer tape on the market include grid lines to facilitate easy alignment. Some crafters, however, may find these grids distracting, especially when applying vinyl at an unconventional angle. This paper transfer tape from Vinyl Ease is opaque and doesn’t include grid lines, which is ideal for projects where straight alignment isn’t a top priority.

The tape is 12 inches wide, and the roll is 100 feet long, providing enough tape for many future crafting projects. It has a medium tack, a good stickiness for standard vinyl but unsuitable for glitter and holographic vinyl.

Get the Vinyl Ease transfer tape for vinyl on Amazon.

Most transfer tape comes in rolls, but tape in sheets is sometimes easier to work with, depending on the size of the project, and might not require any cutting. This transfer tape comes in 12-inch by 12-inch sheets in packs of 20 or 50 total. The tape is translucent and features half-inch blue grid lines, so aligning a design is a breeze.

The Selizo tape has a medium tack, which is suitable for most types of standard vinyl intended for either indoor or outdoor use. Because it offers a medium level of adhesion, however, it’s not ideal for glitter or holographic vinyl.

Get the Selizo transfer tape for vinyl on Amazon.

Smaller projects call for narrower transfer tape, and this product from HTVRONT measures 6 inches wide, making it a great option. Although the roll is narrow, it’s 50 feet long, providing plenty of tape for multiple crafting projects. Like the brand’s standard-width transfer tape, this one is translucent with a half-inch square grid printed in red lines for accurate placement of lettering, for example.

The medium-tack tape provides just the right level of adhesion for standard vinyl but isn’t sticky enough for applying glitter or holographic vinyl. It releases easily and won’t tear the vinyl or leave any residue behind.

Get the HTVRONT 6-inch transfer tape for vinyl on Amazon.

Glitter vinyl adds pizzazz to a variety of crafting projects, but standard transfer tape isn’t suitable for applying it. Crafters will require a high-tack tape in order to transfer glitter or holographic vinyl, which can adhere to the textured surface. Cricut’s StrongGrip Transfer Tape is one of the best high-tack options on the market, with its translucent finish and convenient grid lines.

While removing this transfer tape may be a bit trickier because of its high level of adhesion, the product will apply textured vinyl smoothly and ensure it stays in place. It’s important to note that the brand’s high-tack transfer paper is available only in a 4-foot length, making the price per square foot quite high.

Get the Cricut transfer tape for vinyl on Amazon.

VVivid’s Vinyl Transfer Tape is a clear, medium-tack option with subtle grid lines. One of the best things about this transfer tape is that it’s available in a variety of sizes and formats. Shoppers can choose from 12-inch-long by 12-inch-wide sheets in varying amounts (35, 50, or 55) or rolls of varying widths and lengths, including narrow 6-inch options. Prices and value vary depending on the format chosen.

Since this transfer tape is slightly thicker, it’s a great choice for applying stickers and decals to uneven or curved surfaces. The tape is crafted with ultraviolet-absorbing properties, allowing it to hold up in storage for as many as 4 years before being used.

Get the VVivid transfer tape for vinyl on Amazon.

After reviewing this guide, crafters now know more about purchasing and using the best transfer tape for their projects. We recommend YRYM HT transfer tape for vinyl as our top pick because it performs well and offers excellent ease of use. For those on a budget, the HTVRONT 12-inch by 120–inch transfer tape for vinyl offers excellent performance at a value price point.

Years of experience covering home goods and crafting supplies, as well as extensive product research, went into creating this guide. We explored more than 25 transfer-tape options and weighed several practical considerations before making our recommendations.

Here are some tips to ensure the vinyl transferring process goes smoothly every time.

It helps to know more about the best transfer tapes for vinyl, but crafters still might have questions about how to select and use it. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding transfer tape for vinyl.

Although most transfer tape for vinyl is similar, it can vary in its opacity, size, and tack.

We recommend the YRYM HT transfer tape for vinyl as our top pick for most projects because of its versatility. Those who have only small projects to complete with decals might prefer to work with our narrow pick, the HTVRONT 6-Inch transfer tape for vinyl.

To apply transfer tape to vinyl, remove the liner and stick the tape to one corner of the design. Use a scraper or credit card to smooth (or burnish) the transfer tape onto the design so that it covers all the vinyl. Then flip the vinyl over and burnish the back side to ensure the transfer tape adheres perfectly.

Although transfer tape is the best option for transferring vinyl to a wide variety of surfaces, there are some alternative options. Some crafters recommend using masking tape, contact paper, or even shelf liner if transfer tape is not available.

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