Acrylic keychains have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially those adorned with vinyl designs. However, it’s important to ensure that the vinyl design is properly sealed onto the acrylic keychain to prevent peeling, fading, or other damage. In this article, we’ll discuss how to seal vinyl on acrylic keychains and provide step-by-step instructions on how to do it.
The importance of sealing vinyl on acrylic keychain cannot be overstated. Without proper sealing, the vinyl design is susceptible to damage from everyday wear and tear, exposure to water or sunlight, or handling. By sealing the vinyl onto the acrylic keychain, you can protect it and ensure that it lasts for a long time.
The process of sealing vinyl on acrylic keychains involves several steps, including preparing the vinyl design, applying the sealant, allowing it to dry and cure, and adding finishing touches. By following these steps carefully, you can create a beautiful and long-lasting acrylic keychain that you can enjoy for years to come.
1. Materials Needed
To seal vinyl on acrylic keychains, you will need the following materials:
- Acrylic keychain: This is the base of the keychain and can be purchased online or at a craft store.
- Vinyl design: This can be created using a cutting machine like a Cricut or Silhouette or can be purchased pre-made.
- Transfer tape: This is used to transfer the vinyl design from the backing to the acrylic keychain.
- Acrylic sealer: This is used to seal the vinyl onto the acrylic keychain and protect it from damage.
- Paintbrush: This is used to apply the acrylic sealer onto the vinyl design.
- Scissors: These are used to trim the transfer tape and excess vinyl from the keychain.
- Tweezers: These are used to remove any air bubbles or wrinkles from the vinyl design.
Recommendations:
Acrylic keychains, vinyl designs, transfer tape, and acrylic sealers can all be purchased online or at a local craft store. Some popular online stores to purchase these materials include Amazon, Etsy, and Michaels. When purchasing materials, it’s important to ensure that they are specifically designed for use with acrylic keychains and vinyl designs to ensure the best results.
2. Preparing the Vinyl Design
Creating a vinyl design for an acrylic keychain involves using a cutting machine like a Cricut or Silhouette, or purchasing a pre-made vinyl design. Here are the steps to prepare the vinyl design for the acrylic keychain.
· Design The Vinyl
Using a cutting machine or pre-made vinyl design, create the vinyl design that you want to use on your acrylic keychain.
· Resize The Vinyl
Measure the size of the acrylic keychain and ensure that the vinyl design is the correct size for the keychain. Use the software that comes with the cutting machine or resize the pre-made design to fit the keychain.
· Cut The Vinyl
Use the cutting machine to cut the vinyl design according to the size of the acrylic keychain.
· Weed The Vinyl
Remove any excess vinyl from around the design using a weeding tool or tweezers.
· Transfer The Vinyl
Cut a piece of transfer tape to fit over the vinyl design and use a scraper tool to press the transfer tape onto the vinyl. Then, carefully peel the backing off of the vinyl, leaving the vinyl design on the transfer tape.
· Apply The Vinyl
Place the transfer tape with the vinyl design onto the acrylic keychain and use a scraper tool to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles. Press firmly to ensure that the vinyl adheres to the keychain.
· Remove The Transfer Tape
Carefully peel off the transfer tape, leaving the vinyl design on the acrylic keychain.
Tips:
- Always measure the size of the acrylic keychain before designing the vinyl to ensure a perfect fit.
- Use a cutting mat when cutting the vinyl design to ensure accurate cuts.
- Apply the vinyl design to the acrylic keychain as soon as possible after cutting to ensure the vinyl does not lose its stickiness.
- Use tweezers to carefully remove any air bubbles or wrinkles in the vinyl design.
3. Applying the Sealant
After preparing the vinyl design and transferring it to the acrylic keychain, the next step is to apply the sealant. Here’s how to do it:
· Prepare The Sealant
Shake the can of acrylic sealer well before opening it. Then, pour a small amount of sealer into a bowl or container. Stir the sealer with a paintbrush to ensure it is well-mixed.
· Apply The Sealant
Dip the paintbrush into the sealer and apply a thin, even coat onto the vinyl design and the edges of the acrylic keychain. Be sure to apply the sealer in one direction to avoid bubbles or streaks.
· Allow The Sealer To Dry
After applying the first coat, allow the sealer to dry for the recommended time on the can. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes.
· Apply Additional Coats
Apply additional coats of sealer until the entire surface of the vinyl design and the edges of the acrylic keychain are fully covered.
4. Drying and Curing
Allowing the sealant to dry and cure is an important step in ensuring that the vinyl design on the acrylic keychain is fully protected. Here’s what you need to know:
Importance Of Drying And Curing
Allowing the sealant to dry and cure ensures that it is fully hardened and provides maximum protection for the vinyl design on the acrylic keychain. Failure to properly dry and cure the sealant can lead to smudging, peeling, or cracking of the vinyl design.
How Long To Let The Sealant Dry?
The recommended drying time for most acrylic sealers is around 24 hours. However, the drying time may vary depending on the brand of the sealer and the humidity and temperature of the room. Be sure to check the label on the can for specific instructions.
How To Properly Store The Acrylic Keychain During The Drying Process?
To avoid disturbing the sealant while it’s drying, it’s best to store the acrylic keychain in a clean, dry, and dust-free area. Place the keychain on a flat surface and avoid stacking anything on top of it. Also, keep the keychain away from any heat sources or direct sunlight. You can get custom keychains at Vograce.
