When it comes to working with clear vinyl, J&O Fabric’s has the scoop on how to maximize its creative use. From its traditional application as window insulation, table coverings, and puzzle protectors, to more fashionable uses as accented fashion pumps, transparent bags and cute rain capes, clear vinyl can offer diverse DIY options with minimal effort and construction.
Ranging from 4 – 60 gauge, the higher the number, the thicker the clear vinyl. All the gauges are waterproof, durable, and can withstand very hot and cold temperatures. Clear vinyl also provides some UV protection and is non-yellowing.
Wondering what kinds of creative DIY craft and home projects you can complete with selected light, mid and heavier gauge vinyl? Check out our guideline for each below.
Lightweight gauge: 4 gauge, 6 gauge, 8 gauge
4 Gauge Clear Vinyl – lightest in weight, flexible, and ideal for all sorts of projects around the home. Use it to protect table tops, as reusable pattern pieces, ID wallets, picture frames and as a cover for electronic gadgets.
6 Gauge Clear Vinyl – both durable and flexible, this versatile plastic is ideal for everyday household use and is a practical choice for all sorts of projects.
8 Gauge Clear Vinyl- offers both durability and flexibility. It’s ideal for tablecloths, shower curtains, bags, furniture coverings, green houses, and enclosed screen porches.
Photo courtesy: Element5 Digital
Mediumweight gauge: 10 gauge, 12 gauge, 16 gauge, 20 gauge
10 Gauge Clear Vinyl – mid-weight, durable, flexible, and waterproof material. Integrate it into craft projects as a protective plastic liner. It’s ideal for enclosing and insulating screen porches, patios, and greenhouses.
12 Gauge Clear Vinyl – is great for covering tablecloths, making desk protectors, lining drawers, covering furniture, and enclosing and insulating screen porches, patios, and greenhouses. 12 gauge is also used for reusable pattern pieces, shower curtains, clear vinyl bags, bag liners and can even be made into clothing accessories.
16 Gauge Clear Vinyl – much like the 12 gauge, 16 gauze is great for covering tablecloths, making desk protectors, lining drawers, covering furniture, and enclosing and insulating screen porches, patios, and greenhouses. 16 gauge vinyl is also used for the same projects as the 12 gauge.
20 Gauge Clear Vinyl -is shatterproof, stain resistant and can withstand hot and cold temperatures. It’s ideal for everyday household use and is a practical choice for all sorts of mid-weight DIY projects.
image courtesy: lucas craig
Heavyweight gauge: 30 gauge, 40 gauge, 60 gauge, 80 gauge
30 Gauge Clear Vinyl Perfect for boat windows and protective coverings for outdoor gear, clear 30 gauge vinyl lets the light in and keeps the weather out. Use it as insulation for home storm windows, in tents, or to enclose and insulate screen porches, patios and greenhouses.
40 Gauge Clear Vinyl Similar to 30 gauge vinyl, this versatile plastic is ideal for both household and outdoor use and is a practical choice for all sorts of heavy-duty DIY projects.
60 Gauge Clear Vinyl is the second thickest vinyl, making it extremely durable and heavy duty. It is shatterproof, stain resistant and can withstand hot and cold temperatures. Perfect for pet doors, boat, ATV, home and car windows, 60 gauge clear vinyl lets the light in and keeps the weather out.
80 Gauge Clear Vinyl is the thickest vinyl gauge making it extremely durable and heavy duty. Like the 60 gauge, it is shatterproof, stain resistant and can withstand hot and cold temperatures. Use it like the 40 and 60 gauge vinyl to make storm windows for your home or to enclose and insulate screen porches, patios and green houses.
A Special Note About Storm Windows and Weatherization
Protecting homes from money draining drafts is one of the main reasons why DIYers buy clear vinyl, especially this time of year. It provides protection from drafts, yet it is very clear and won’t obstruct your view. It can also withstand cold temperatures and is waterproof. All gauges will do the job and can be used in different circumstances. For storm windows and frames, lower gauges are more popular. Consider thicknesses that range from 6-16 gauge. This is especially true if you’re using a screen window and spline to hold it in because the vinyl has to be thin enough to work with the spline. For roll up porch protectors, medium gauges like 16 and 20 work well. If you want more heavy duty protection, the higher gauges are the better option. 30 and 40 gauge vinyl are the best for extremely low temperatures. Since the higher gauges are stiff, they are better for when you want a more sturdy vinyl. Simply staple or nail to porch or patio posts. Once secured, attach thin strips of wood over the staples to hold the vinyl tight and provide a more finished look. For a removable covering, use adhesive backed velcro.
Clear Vinyl Cutting, Sewing and Cleaning Tips
Cutting
- While the lightweight gauges can be cut with a rotary cutter, all others can be cut with scissors or a utility knife.
Sewing
- Most gauges can be sewn with a regular sewing machine and polyester thread. For outdoor use, bonded nylon thread works best because it is strong and weather resistant.
- Universal needles work well on 4-12 gauge. Use size 16 or 18 when using nylon thread.
- Keep in mind, sewing will create small holes making the vinyl not 100% waterproof. Place a sheet of tissue paper in between your machine’s presser foot and the vinyl to prevent stagnation as you sew.
- A regular sewing foot is ok, but a Teflon or roller foot works best.
Cleaning
- Rinse and pat dry with a soft cotton cloth or microfiber cloth.
- Clear vinyl will become more brittle the colder it gets and sometimes crack if not handled with care. Check the manufacturers ‘cold crack temperature’ listing on your purchase to determine. The cold crack temperature is usually 0° F for all gauges up to the 30 gauge.
courtesy: Charmed by Ashley
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Check out our collection of clear vinyl here .
