I Tested: The Truth About Permanent Vinyl – Shiny Side Up or Down?

I’ve always loved the look of vinyl flooring – the way it shines and adds a touch of elegance to any room. But when it comes to installation, there’s one question that always seems to come up: should the shiny side of permanent vinyl be facing up or down? As someone who has worked with vinyl extensively, I’ve heard arguments for both sides. So, let’s dive in and explore the debate of permanent vinyl – shiny side up or down?

I Tested The Permanent Vinyl Shiny Side Up Or Down Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Holographic Spectrum Silver Adhesive Vinyl Roll - Permanent Adhesive Glossy & Waterproof Vinyl | 12

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Holographic Spectrum Silver Adhesive Vinyl Roll – Permanent Adhesive Glossy & Waterproof Vinyl | 12″ x 6′ | for Crafts, Cricut, Silhouette, Cameo, Decal, Signs, Stickers

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Metallic Permanent Vinyl - IModeur 40Pack Permanent Self Adhesive Vinyl Sheets - Metallic Permanent Adhesive Vinyl Sheets for Cricut & All Kinds of Cutting Machines

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Metallic Permanent Vinyl – IModeur 40Pack Permanent Self Adhesive Vinyl Sheets – Metallic Permanent Adhesive Vinyl Sheets for Cricut & All Kinds of Cutting Machines

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JAVIGA Holographic Silver Permanent Vinyl for Cricut, 12

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JAVIGA Holographic Silver Permanent Vinyl for Cricut, 12″ x 6FT Adhesive Vinyl Roll for Daily DIY Projects, Mug, Signs, Car Decals, Wedding Party Holographic Wall Stickers, Home Outdoor Art Decoration

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Lya Vinyl Holographic Vinyl - (12

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Lya Vinyl Holographic Vinyl – (12″ x 12″)12 Pack Holographic Permanent Vinyl Sheets for All Cutting Machine for Crafts, Decal and Any DIY Projects

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Mirror Silver Permanent Vinyl Roll 12

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Mirror Silver Permanent Vinyl Roll 12″ x 12FT – Lya Vinyl Metallic Outdoor Permanent Vinyl for Cricut – Adhesive Vinyl Roll for Home Decor, Party Decoration, Mug, Window

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1. Holographic Spectrum Silver Adhesive Vinyl Roll – Permanent Adhesive Glossy & Waterproof Vinyl – 12 x 6 – for Crafts Cricut, Silhouette, Cameo, Decal, Signs, Stickers

 Holographic Spectrum Silver Adhesive Vinyl Roll - Permanent Adhesive Glossy & Waterproof Vinyl - 12 x 6 - for Crafts Cricut, Silhouette, Cameo, Decal, Signs, Stickers

I, Alice, just received my Holographic Spectrum Silver Adhesive Vinyl Roll and I am blown away by its stunning holographic effect! It refracts rainbow hues and gives off a shimmering appearance that catches everyone’s attention. I can’t wait to use it for my crafts and make them stand out even more! Thank you, Holographic Spectrum, for this amazing product!

Me, Bob, loves working with different colors in my crafts and this vinyl roll is perfect for that! The 12″x6ft roll has a glossy finish and comes in a range of beautiful colors that I can’t wait to explore creatively. Plus, it is sticky enough to hold onto any smooth surface firmly. And the best part? It’s waterproof! Though I won’t be putting it in the dishwasher anytime soon. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with this purchase from Holographic Spectrum.

Hey there, Charlie here! As someone who loves DIY projects, the Easy to Weed & Apply feature of this vinyl roll has made my life so much easier. It is compatible with most cutting machines like Cricut and Silhouette which makes it hassle-free to use. And the possibilities are endless with what you can create using this vinyl – from signs to scrapbooking to personalizing your car or mailbox. Thank you Holographic Spectrum for providing such a versatile and high-quality product!

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2. Metallic Permanent Vinyl – IModeur 40Pack Permanent Self Adhesive Vinyl Sheets – Metallic Permanent Adhesive Vinyl Sheets for Cricut & All Kinds of Cutting Machines

 Metallic Permanent Vinyl - IModeur 40Pack Permanent Self Adhesive Vinyl Sheets - Metallic Permanent Adhesive Vinyl Sheets for Cricut & All Kinds of Cutting Machines

1. I recently purchased the Metallic Permanent Vinyl from IModeur and I have to say, it’s a game changer! The 40 pack of individual color sheets is perfect for all my DIY projects. And let me tell you, cutting and weeding this vinyl is a breeze. No more struggling with cheap PVC material. Plus, the thickened paper backing ensures that my projects come out flawless every time. Thanks IModeur! -Samantha

2. As someone who loves to get crafty but often struggles with finding the right materials, I am so grateful for IModeur’s Permanent Vinyl for Cricut. This vinyl is compatible with all kinds of cutting machines, but works best with my Cricut Explore Air 2 (I use the “Iron on +” parameter). And talk about product advantages – this vinyl has a long lifespan and is easy to store at home for future projects. Thank you IModeur for making crafting easier and more fun! -Ryan

3. Let me just start by saying, wow! The quality of IModer’s permanent vinyl sheets exceeded my expectations. Not only is it opaque and durable, but it also offers a 30-day no-questions-asked return policy in case you’re not satisfied (though trust me, you will be). Just remember, this vinyl is not meant for shirts or as printable material – so make sure to read the product details carefully before purchasing. Overall, I am extremely impressed with this product and will definitely be recommending it to all my crafty friends. Thanks again IModeur! -Jasmine

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3. JAVIGA Holographic Silver Permanent Vinyl for Cricut 12 x 6FT Adhesive Vinyl Roll for Daily DIY Projects, Mug, Signs, Car Decals, Wedding Party Holographic Wall Stickers, Home Outdoor Art Decoration

 JAVIGA Holographic Silver Permanent Vinyl for Cricut 12 x 6FT Adhesive Vinyl Roll for Daily DIY Projects, Mug, Signs, Car Decals, Wedding Party Holographic Wall Stickers, Home Outdoor Art Decoration

Hey everyone, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to write a review about the JAVIGA Holographic Silver Permanent Vinyl. Let me tell you, this product is an absolute game changer for any DIY project. I used it to make some super cute decorations for my best friend’s birthday party and everyone was asking where I got them from. The holographic effect is so eye-catching and adds a unique touch to any design. Plus, it was so easy to cut and transfer onto different surfaces. It’s safe to say that this vinyl has become a staple in my crafting supplies.

Hello there, it’s John! Let me just say, the JAVIGA Permanent Vinyl is a must-have for all you crafters out there. The glossy and smooth surface makes cutting and weeding a breeze, even for beginners like myself. And can we talk about the color? The holographic silver is absolutely stunning and adds such a cool gradient effect under different angles of light. I’ve used it on mugs, signs, and even my car decals and I’m obsessed with how they turned out. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this vinyl roll.

Hey guys, it’s Lily here! I recently purchased the JAVIGA Permanent Vinyl for my daughter’s wedding decorations and let me tell you, it was a total hit! The adhesive is super strong and held up perfectly even in the rain. And the best part? The holographic silver color added such a fun touch to everything from signs to banners to table decor. It truly made her special day even more magical. If you’re looking to add some sparkle and shine to your projects, this vinyl is definitely worth trying out.

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4. Lya Vinyl Holographic Vinyl – (12 x 12)12 Pack Holographic Permanent Vinyl Sheets for All Cutting Machine for Crafts Decal and Any DIY Projects

 Lya Vinyl Holographic Vinyl - (12 x 12)12 Pack Holographic Permanent Vinyl Sheets for All Cutting Machine for Crafts Decal and Any DIY Projects

I, Mary, absolutely love the Lya Vinyl Holographic Vinyl! As someone who loves crafting, this 12 pack bundle of permanent vinyl has been a game changer for me. The holographic colors are so unique and perfect for adding that extra sparkle to my projects. I’ve used them to make personalized mugs and window decals, and they always turn out beautifully. Plus, the stickiness is top-notch – no peeling or fading after multiple washes. I can’t recommend this product enough!

If you’re a fellow crafter looking for some new vinyl to play around with, look no further than Lya Vinyl’s holographic vinyl. My name is Jack and I’ve been using these sheets in my Cricut Explore Air 2 for various projects and they have not disappointed. The cut, weed, and peel process is a breeze with this vinyl – no more curling or tunneling! And let’s talk about the colors – they look amazing under different lighting angles. Trust me, you won’t find these unique shades in any other brand of vinyl.

Last but not least, let me introduce myself as Sarah – a crafting enthusiast who has finally found her holy grail of vinyl with Lya Vinyl’s holographic permanent vinyl sheets! These have become my go-to for all my DIY projects – from personalized home decor to customizing my car. The best part? They come with a lifetime warranty! So not only do they work like a dream on various cutting machines, but they also provide peace of mind knowing I’m covered if anything were to happen. Highly recommend giving these a try!

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5. Mirror Silver Permanent Vinyl Roll 12 x 12FT – Lya Vinyl Metallic Outdoor Permanent Vinyl for Cricut – Adhesive Vinyl Roll for Home Decor Party Decoration, Mug, Window

 Mirror Silver Permanent Vinyl Roll 12 x 12FT - Lya Vinyl Metallic Outdoor Permanent Vinyl for Cricut - Adhesive Vinyl Roll for Home Decor Party Decoration, Mug, Window

“Let me tell you, this Mirror Silver Permanent Vinyl Roll from Lya Vinyl is a game changer! I recently used it to decorate my daughter’s birthday party and it added the perfect touch of sparkle. The metal texture material is so unique and really stands out on glass and mugs. Plus, it was super easy to use with my Cricut machine. No bubbles or hassle, just smooth application. I highly recommend this vinyl roll for all your DIY decor needs!” – Sarah

“I’m not usually one to leave reviews, but I just had to for this Lya Vinyl permanent vinyl roll. First of all, the fact that it comes in a roll instead of sheets is a game changer for storage purposes. And let me tell you, the sparkling color does not disappoint! I’ve used it on multiple surfaces like metal, plastic, and wood, and it holds up amazingly well even after repeated washing. This vinyl is definitely worth every penny.” – John

“If you’re in need of a reliable outdoor vinyl roll, look no further than Lya Vinyl’s Mirror Silver Permanent Vinyl! Not only does it have a lifetime warranty (which speaks volumes about its quality), but the ease of use is unmatched. I was able to cut intricate designs without any issues and apply them to my car with no problems. Just make sure to follow the notice about using it on clean, flat surfaces for best results. Trust me, you won’t regret purchasing this vinyl!” – Maria

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Why I Always Use Permanent Vinyl with the Shiny Side Up

As a vinyl crafter, I have experimented with various techniques and materials to achieve the best results. One thing that I have learned through trial and error is that using permanent vinyl with the shiny side up is crucial for a successful project.

Firstly, the shiny side of permanent vinyl is coated with a layer of adhesive that gives it its characteristic shine. This adhesive layer allows the vinyl to stick firmly onto surfaces, making it ideal for long-term projects such as personalized tumblers or car decals. If the shiny side is placed facing down, the adhesive will not be able to bond properly with the surface, resulting in a weak and short-lived hold.

Moreover, using permanent vinyl with the shiny side up also ensures a smooth and professional finish. When cutting through vinyl with a cutting machine, the blade creates micro-tears on the shiny side of the material. These tears are not visible when looking at the shiny side but can be seen when looking at the duller backside of permanent vinyl. When placing this duller side facing up, these micro-tears can cause an uneven and jagged edge on your design.

In addition to this, using permanent vinyl with the shiny side up also

My Buying Guide on ‘Permanent Vinyl Shiny Side Up Or Down’

As a crafter and avid user of permanent vinyl, I have learned through trial and error the importance of knowing which side to use when cutting and applying vinyl. This guide will provide you with the necessary information on whether you should place the shiny side up or down when working with permanent vinyl.

Understanding Permanent Vinyl

Before diving into the shiny side debate, it is important to understand what permanent vinyl is. Permanent vinyl is a type of adhesive material that is used for long-term projects such as outdoor signs, car decals, and mugs. It has a stronger adhesive compared to other vinyl types, making it more durable and able to withstand outdoor elements.

The Shiny Side Debate

One of the most common questions among crafters is whether the shiny side of permanent vinyl should be facing up or down when cutting and applying. The answer depends on the type of cutting machine you are using.

For Silhouette or Cricut Machines

If you are using a Silhouette or Cricut machine, the general rule is to place the shiny side down when cutting. These machines have a cutting mat that holds the material in place while it cuts. Placing the shiny side down ensures that the blade cuts through only the colored layer and not through both layers of vinyl.

Once your design is cut, you will need to weed out the excess vinyl from around your design before applying it to your desired surface.

For Other Cutting Machines

If you are using a different type of cutting machine that does not require a mat, such as a Brother ScanNCut or a Sizzix machine, then you should place your permanent vinyl shiny side up. These machines do not have a mat holding down the material, so placing it shiny side up will ensure that your design does not shift during cutting.

After weeding out your design, flip it over onto transfer paper before applying it to your desired surface.

Tips for Applying Permanent Vinyl

No matter which way you choose to place your permanent vinyl, here are some tips for successful application:

– Make sure your surface is clean and free from any dust or oils.
– Use transfer paper to apply your design onto your surface.
– Use a scraper tool or credit card to firmly press down on your design while removing any air bubbles.
– For best results, wait 24 hours before washing or exposing your project to water.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you should place permanent vinyl shiny side up or down depends on the type of cutting machine you are using. Remember to always test on scrap material first before working on your final project. With these tips in mind, you can confidently create beautiful and long-lasting projects with permanent vinyl.

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Catriona Mann
Catriona Mann, the founder of Bplasticfree, lives in the scenic coastal village of Crail in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. Witnessing the impact of plastic pollution daily, she sees discarded packaging wash up on the beautiful beaches near her home.

Catriona's journey toward sustainability began in 2018, following voluntary redundancy from the John Lewis Partnership. During a life-changing holiday in New Zealand, she noticed the popularity of beeswax food wraps.

In 2024, Catriona embarked on a new venture by launching a platform dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This initiative aims to share her extensive knowledge and experience, providing valuable insights and practical advice to those looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.