How to Use Iron-On Vinyl on Metal

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Learn how to use iron-on heat transfer vinyl to make a cute metal sign in this quick and easy Cricut project tutorial + SVG file! Iron-on isn’t just for clothing! Create all kinds of fun home decor pieces with this creative technique!

How to Use Iron-On Heat Transfer Vinyl on Metal

our family is just the right mix of chaos and love sign
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Did you know that you can use iron-on (also known as heat transfer vinyl) on a multitude of different surfaces including metal? That’s right! Iron-on isn’t just for fabric! In fact, using iron-on on wood, metal, and paper projects are some of my favorites because the strong bond and the thinness of the material works great for home decor projects.

Supplies Needed to Make a Metal Sign with Iron-On Vinyl

magnetic board and spray painted metal

I started by spray painting my metal board with Rust-Oleum 2x paint in Ocean Mist, and I allowed it to dry completely and cure for 24 hours before proceeding to the next step.

cricut easypress on display

If you don’t have a Cricut EasyPress and EasyPress Mat in your crafting arsenal yet, you’re missing out! I find myself reaching for it ALL THE TIME (even for regular ironing ha!) – it’s an absolute MUST-have for iron-on projects! The EasyPress has a 9″ square heating surface that heats with completely even temperature across the entire surface, so you can be assured that your entire design is getting the same amount of heat and pressure with each pass. It’s a total game changer when it comes to iron-on!

metal sign being made with cricut

I used my Cricut Maker to cut out the top portion of the text from iron-on heat transfer vinyl, weeded the excess, and used the EasyPress to iron the design on to the metal. Note: the metal sign gets HOT, so use extra caution when using iron-on with metal! I set the temperature to 300 degrees and pressed for 40 seconds, allowed it to cool for a few minutes, and repeated the process once more before peeling off the plastic carrier sheet while the iron-on was still warm. When using metal bases, a hot/warm-peel works best, but again, please BE CAREFUL!

chaos and love sign with easypress

Next, I cut the word “LOVE” from Cricut Patterned Iron-On and used the EasyPress at 300 degrees/40 seconds to iron it on. Allow the patterned iron-on to cool completely (this takes a few minutes since the metal gets hot!) before peeling off the plastic carrier.

patterned iron on on metal

I just love the way that the iron-on looks on metal! It’s so sleek and low-profile compared to adhesive vinyl!

chaos and love metal family sign and ribbon

Now, you could totally just nail the metal sign directly to the wall using the holes, but I wanted to fancy things up a bit, so I threaded a length of grosgrain ribbon through the top two holes and made a decorative hanging bow.

our family is just the right mix of chaos and love sign

Easy peasy and super cute! I love this combination of plain and patterned iron-on!

Get the Chaos & Love SVG to Make Your Own Home Decor!

Image of text that says Heidi

Check Out These Other Cricut Ideas!

Pin this metal sign tutorial for later!

how to use iron on vinyl on metal
chaos and love svg cut file

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3 Comments

    1. Mine held up just fine, but you do want to small test area before pressing for the entire length of time because some high-moisture paints CAN bubble up on metal once the heat is applied.

  1. Perfect! Thank you for the instructions. Your project turned out beautifully!
    Im attempting my first HTV on metal right now.