How to Use Vinyl on Canvas
Start with a stretched artists canvas in the size of your choice. Mine was a 16"x24" canvas. Look for these at craft stores like JoAnn or Michaels on sale or with a 40% off coupon.
Paint the front and sides your canvas using acrylic paint. I decided to get a little help. Let your paint dry.
Cut your vinyl and adhere it to transfer tape (see tutorial here). Decide on placement. Place vinyl on canvas and rub with your scraper (or your fingernails if you don't have one!). Remove transfer tape.
At least that is how I imagined it would work. I don't know if it was the kind of paint I used or the Silhouette brand vinyl, but I couldn't get the vinyl to stick well to the painted canvas. So I improvised. Here's my tip.
Just before sticking my vinyl down, I brushed on a light coat of Brushstroke Mod Podge (regular Mod Podge would work, too). Then I immediately rubbed my vinyl on top and peeled off the transfer tape. I did have to help it out in a couple of spots that it didn't stay put (because of the wet Mod Podge), but when it was finally all on the Mod Podge covered surface, it stuck.
My letters were a little harder to keep straight, but you do have a few seconds to make adjustments while the Mod Podge is still wet.
Then I covered the rest of the canvas with the Mod Podge for good measure. I did not cover the vinyl with it however.
Our friend Vanessa over at VandCo. created a similar (but more girly and grown-up) piece over here. You'll notice that she didn't have any trouble adhering her vinyl, so maybe it's my cheap paint. Either way, this is a great project. I've got one in mind for my bedroom, next!
If you haven't entered our Silhouette giveaway yet, seriously, what are you waiting for? Go here now.
Very cute idea. I wouldn't have thought to put it on canvas but that would make it a more permanent art piece that could be relocated easier!
ReplyDeleteWonderful way to make art prints for the walls.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
i made art for my bedroom using vinyl stickers and canvas!
ReplyDeletei also had problems getting the vinyl to stick. i ended up using super glue to stick down the parts that kept coming up!
but i loved the end results!
How fantastic are these!!??!! I love it! I can't draw a lick, but I can paint and put down that vinyl. I think your little helper did a great job too. Such a fun way to get a kidlet involved in decorating their own room! :>
ReplyDeleteI found that clear contact paper works just as well as transfer paper for craft projects - and its easier to see through and cheaper to boot :0)
ReplyDeleteOH, that's brilliant!!
ReplyDeleteI have some vinyl sitting here because I was waiting to paint my walls first...this is the PERFECT solution! THANKS!!!
hi-
ReplyDeletejust an fyi, I read on some canvas tutorial that you need to let the paint dry/cure for 48 hours for best results before applying vinyl. I have waited a day and have been fine.
Love the TREX art...my boys would have loved that when they were younger.
I am loving this new product. I have been wanting to do some designs on glass and was all set to order pre-manf designs until I luckily saw your post. I LOVE how your improvised and made the project work with the mod podge. I am constantly doing that.
ReplyDeletehttp://mel-designs.typepad.com/my-blog/2010/07/a-die-cut-bracelet-with-vintage-appeal.html
I have done quite a few projects where I put vinyl on painted canvas. Make sure the paint is COMPLETELY dry and maybe Mod podge the whole canvas (letting that dry completely too) before applying the vinyl. The smoother the surface the better the vinyl will stick, hence the Mod Podge on first. I hope that helps.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I love all of your projects.
Wow, Homemade Diva, your prints turned out absolutely beautiful! That's the look I was thinking of for my bedroom, too. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the ideas for the vinyl + canvas! I think I was too excited to finish my project--I should've waited a little longer!
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteI have had problems with the silhoutte vinyl sticking too!! I have had better luck with vinyl from http://www.expressionsvinyl.com/ WAY more tacky! I also solved my problems with mod podge, and I painted it over the top of the vinyl with no problems!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I think I like this look better than vinyl straight on the walls, gives it a more "finished" appearance, more dimension. I think I may have to go do something for my little guys' room now! Thanks for sharing this, I love your blog!!
ReplyDeleteOk, I'm curious (and a bit nosy), but why does your hubby not like the vinyl on the walls?
ReplyDeleteSo cute! I made some adorable artwork boards for my kids using vinyl. Couldn't get the vinyl to stay, I ended up using the negative of the vinyl and painting what the letters on the board. Thanks for the tip! I'm going to have to try it next time:)
ReplyDeleteIn my head, I thought vinyl would work this way too.
ReplyDeleteThat's how I ended up googling and finding your blog. (Mega-cute, btw!)
But I'm not too happy with the way my canvas/vinyl turned out...kinda wish I woulda just used scrapbook paper for my whole project.
Although, this post won't {completely} keep me from trying this out again.
What paint works best for the base? I used the Anitas all purpose acrylic from hobby lobby. I applied the mod poge and the letters still stick to transfer paper. Any other tips. Iv used the other "flat" canvas and its worked fine.
ReplyDeleteThanks..
I think any acrylic works fine--what I've learned is letting the paint cure a few days makes a lot of difference. Also, I've switched over to the Silhouette Premium indoor/outdoor vinyl, which is a little thicker and sticks a LOT better. :)
ReplyDeleteAfter letting the mod poge dry the transfer paper came off with less difficlty...
ReplyDeleteI bought canvas put acrylic paint on them and also laid impressions..I had a very difficult time getting the impressions to stick,. I am afraid they will continue to lift. Is there anything you might recommend to seal the vinyl to the canvas? We are a military family and move alot and i have about $400.00 tied up in the canvas and impressions. Any advice will help the help.
ReplyDelete