Are You Making DIY Decals? Compare Surface Safe vs. Vinyl
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Introduction to making DIY decals
I make a lot of stickers. I make them for my side hustle business as freebies to build traction and brand recognition—both at my vendor booth and when I ship orders. For the communities I host, I use them the same way; only instead of increasing profits, I’m focused on engagement and awareness. And that’s not even counting the stickers I make just for fun, like the ones I design for my adorable nieces. My secret to doing it better: DIY decals.
What I love about DIY decals is the freedom they offer. I can test out new designs before placing bulk orders for conventions or create limited runs of stickers for special events. I can also make a small batch for personal use. But I’ve learned through trial and error that not all decals are the same—choosing the right material is key.
Should you go with removable Surface Safe decals or long-lasting vinyl? Each has its advantages, depending on your project. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the differences so you can find the best option. I’ll also share free online tools that make designing and printing DIY decals easier than ever. Whether you’re making stickers for business, community events, or just for fun, the right choice can make all the difference.
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Choosing the right DIY decal for your project
The easiest way to decide on a DIY decal material is to ask yourself: What do I need it for? For me, decals are an essential part of my branding—whether I’m handing out freebies, customizing packaging, or setting up signage for an event. The right material makes all the difference.
Surface Safe®–a budget-friendly DIY solution
Surface Safe removable sheets are perfect when I need flexibility—whether it’s DIY decals for a specific convention, a seasonal craft fair, or labeling reusable packaging and storage bins. Since they peel off cleanly, I can update my branding as often as I like. I’ve also used Surface Safe sheets for testing designs for giveaway swag. I find it incredibly helpful to see a DIY decal on the actual item before I commit to the design. I also use them to make stickers for my nieces because kids don’t always put stickers where we want them to.
Because Surface Safe sheets are printable with both laser and inkjet printers, I can easily create them at home. And if I need something professionally printed, Avery WePrint® offers that option too. On top of those benefits, I think there are two important things to know about making DIY decals with Surface Safe:
- The polyester sheets are durable and water-resistant, and even though the adhesive is removable, the decals stay firmly in place until you peel them up!
- You can use them with any craft-cutting machine from brands like Cricut® and Silhouette®.
Avery vinyl decals–a range of options
On the other hand, DIY decals made with permanent adhesive vinyl are great for long-term branding. Like Surface Safe sheets, Avery vinyl sheets can be used with most craft cutting machines. I love using them to create logo stickers with unique shapes for water bottles, laptops, or product packaging. They also make high-quality freebies for swag bags or orders, helping boost brand recognition while giving my customers something they’ll actually use.
Now, it’s also important to note that Avery offers two types of vinyl decals, so you can choose the best fit for your project. For making DIY decals, you can order blank vinyl sheets with permanent adhesive by the sheet. However, if you want a removable vinyl option, those are only available through custom printing. When I’m ready to scale up a removable decal project for my business, I choose Avery WePrint removable vinyl decals. They’re my go-to after experimenting with Surface Safe materials. Here’s a quick comparison of Avery vinyl decal materials:
| Permanent Vinyl | Removable Vinyl |
|---|---|
| DIY printable sheets | Custom printing only |
| Matte finish | Glossy finish |
| Waterproof & UV-resistant | Waterproof |
| Oil-resistant | Oil-resistant |
| Resistant to abrasions & tears | Resistant to abrasions & tears |
| Freezer safe | Freezer & microwave safe |
Common questions about decals
It is possible to find vinyl decals in both removable and permanent varieties. For example, Avery printable vinyl sheets feature permanent adhesive and are generally designed for long-term use. Alternatively. Avery custom-printed glossy vinyl decals are easily removable, leaving no residue.
Some decals are removable, but the ease and cleanliness of removal depend on the adhesive used. Surface Safe decals, for example, are designed to peel off cleanly without residue.
Surface Safe decals and Avery custom-printed vinyl decals are a great removable option for temporary car signage. Permanent vinyl offers more durability but is harder to remove cleanly.
Yes, Avery printable Surface Safe and vinyl sheets as well as custom-printed vinyl sheets all work well with a Cricut. They also work with Silhouette and other craft-cutting machines, giving you design flexibility.
What are the best substrates for Surface Safe and vinyl DIY decals?
First things first, let’s discuss substrates. Think of a substrate as the surface you’re sticking something to. It’s just a fancy way of saying, “What are you applying this DIY decal, label, or sticker onto?” For example, if you’re putting a decal on a plastic storage bin, then plastic is the substrate. If you’re adding a wall decal to a painted wall, then indoor painted walls or drywall is the substrate.
Different materials stick better to different surfaces, which is why choosing the right decal or label depends on your substrate. Some adhesives work great on smooth glass but might not stick as well to rough wood. So, whenever you see the word “substrate,” just think: “Where am I sticking this?”
| Surface Safe | Permanent Vinyl |
| Indoor painted walls | Plastic |
| Drywall | Metal |
| Metal | Glass |
| Glass | Wood |
Avery 61512 Surface Safe DIY decals are the most affordable and convenient way to make removable decals and stickers for glass.
Making the smart choice for your DIY decals
No matter what kind of DIY decal you’re making—whether it’s for branding, giveaways, event signage, or just for fun—choosing the right material makes all the difference. I’ve learned through experience that Surface Safe and permanent vinyl decals both have their place in my toolkit.
Surface Safe decals are perfect when I need something removable, whether for testing designs, creating temporary event signage, or making stickers my nieces can put anywhere (and then easily peel off). On the other hand, permanent vinyl decals give me the durability I need for long-lasting branding on packaging, water bottles, or laptops.
What I love most about DIY decals is the creative freedom. I can print them at home for small projects or order custom-printed versions when I need a professional finish. And thanks to the range of materials and free design tools offered by Avery, I can experiment with new designs without a huge upfront investment.
So, whether you’re making decals for your business, your community, or just because you love stickers as much as I do, I hope this guide has helped you find the right fit. For more tips and tricks to help you tackle all of your creative projects, follow Avery on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
