Note: This article applies to Cricut Foil Transfer System with Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker machines. For Cricut Joy Foil Transfer System Troubleshooting click here.
Why is my foil ripping?
If your Foil Transfer Sheet is ripping, check the following:
- Make sure you're using the correct tip. The software tells you which tip to insert and sends unique pressure commands to the machine based on the Linetype you chose. Using a different tip may result in ripping of Foil Transfer Sheet and possibly base material. If you need to use a different tip for that part of the design, return to the Canvas and change the Linetype first.
- Ensure you've selected the correct material setting for your base material (i.e. cardstock, vellum, faux leather).
- If you're using the right tip and material setting but the foil is ripping, the pressure may still be too high. Try choosing Less from the pressure dropdown on the cut screen.
Correct tip, correct setting, still too much pressure - Foil should be smooth, taut, and taped to your material on all sides. If not securely taped to your base material, or if there are wrinkles/ripples in the foil, it can rip during transfer.
- Use full tape strip or long pieces of tape to secure the entire edge of the foil transfer sheet.
- Tape may not stick well to mat adhesive, causing the foil to wrinkle or slip during transfer. If your foil transfer sheet must be the same size as your base material, or larger, place other pieces of material around your base material on the mat and tape to that instead.
- Ensure tape does not cover any portion of the design area. If the tool crosses over tape during transfer the tape and foil transfer sheet may tear.
- If your project has a Cut step the software will prompt you to remove the foil before cutting. Leaving the foil in place for the Cut step will result in tearing.
I accidentally stuck foil to my mat; is my mat ruined?
The mat will not lose much stickiness, but it will not be possible to salvage the Foil Transfer Sheet or remove the foil particles from the mat adhesive. You can continue to use the mat, but some foil particles may cling to materials that are subsequently placed on the mat. To prevent this issue, trim Foil Transfer Sheet so it covers the design area of your base material and includes an allowance along all sides for tape — tape should not cover any portion of the design area.
My design didn't transfer properly; there are breaks in the lines, or the paths of my design are out of place.
These issues can usually be resolved by the following:
- Make sure your Foil Transfer Sheet is taut. If the sheet is not drawn tightly over the material, it may slip or get dragged by the Foil Transfer Tool rather than being held in place during transfer. Use full tape strip or long pieces of tape to secure the entire edge of the foil transfer sheet.
✔ X - Position tape so it doesn't cover any portion of the design. Areas of the design covered by tape will not transfer properly.