April 2025 Blog Post

Hi everyone!

Spring is such a popular time for crafting — between warmer weather, Easter, Mother’s Day and craft fairs, there’s no shortage of reasons to create. Every year around this time I start getting a ton of repeat questions about sublimation and Cricut crafting, especially from beginners. So in this month's blog I am answering six of the most common questions I hear every spring!

Sublimation Questions

1. Will sublimation ink fade on outdoor items? Sublimation ink is sensitive to sunlight and UV rays, which can definitely cause fading over time. Outdoor items like wind spinners can still be beautiful options, but keep in mind they will likely get sun exposure. To help preserve the design, you can use a UV-protective spray over the sublimated surface. It won’t prevent all fading, but it can help extend the life of your project.

2. Does humidity affect my prints? Yes, it definitely can. High humidity can cause your printed sublimation paper to absorb moisture from the air, which might lead to blurry or washed-out transfers - it can even cause ghosting. Try to store your sublimation paper in the box and cellophane wrapping that it came in. Never put it into your printer. Use one sheet at a time. If you discarded the original packaging, keep it in an airtight container and keep your workspace dry. A small dehumidifier can really help in the spring! 😂 I swear I make videos about this all the time—you all should know this by now!

3. Can I print sublimation images now and press them days later? Absolutely. As long as you store the prints properly — in a dry, cool, dark space — they'll be just fine. Just be sure the paper stays flat and doesn’t absorb moisture. If you need to stack them, place a sheet of butcher paper or plain copy paper between each one to prevent any unwanted ink transfer. Avoid stacking them without a barrier in between.

Cricut Questions

4. Which type of vinyl should I use outdoors? When crafting for outdoor use, permanent adhesive vinyl is the way to go. I recommend Oracal 651 — it’s weather-resistant and holds up well against the elements. Avoid removable vinyl or anything labeled for indoor use only.

5. Do I need to put anything over the vinyl so it’s safe for outdoor use? If you are using an outdoor vinyl, like Oracal 651, it will hold up to the elements as it is made for outdoor use. You NEVER want to put a spray or coating on top of the vinyl — this prevents the vinyl from breathing properly and can cause it to dry out and crack. However, you do want to put a coat of polypropylene under the vinyl and on top of materials like painted wood signs. This helps protect the surface and reduces fading of the paint.

6. Does the way you store vinyl make it last longer? Yes! Vinyl should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and humidity can cause the adhesive to degrade over time. If you have the space, storing rolls vertically or in a vinyl organizer can really help extend the shelf life. It's also good to know that even when stored properly, most vinyl has a shelf life of approximately 1 to 2 years.

Not sure if your vinyl is past its prime? One way to tell is by checking if the backing paper starts to yellow or curl. Another sign is if the vinyl becomes brittle or doesn’t stick as well when applied. Always test a small piece before committing to a full project with older vinyl.

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Whether you're crafting for fun, making gifts or you have a business, I hope these answers help you feel more confident this spring. Got a question I didn’t cover? Feel free to reach out to me via messenger or via e-mail — You know I’m always here to help.

Happy Crafting! ✂️

Dawn