How to Make Acrylic Keychains: Step-by-Step Guide

Love DIY? Then acrylic keychains are a fun and simple craft project that you should definitely try. These custom keychains work great as gifts or even as a small business idea.

Unlike resin keychains, making acrylic keychains at home is simple and is actually a better choice if you're working with kids, especially considering all the safety instructions and tools you'd normally need to make resin keychains.

In this guide, you'll learn two popular ways to make acrylic keychains at home. The first method uses a cutting machine such as a Silhouette Cameo or Cricut. Don't have one? No problem. The second method uses printable vinyl and does not require a cutting machine at all.

Materials and Tools You'll Need

Here are all the materials and tools you'll need to make acrylic keychains.

Cutting Machine vs. Printable Vinyl Method: Which One Is Right for You?

Both methods have their pros and cons, suit different skill levels, and require different equipment. So, here's a quick comparison to help you decide the right method before we dive into the step-by-step guide on how to make acrylic keychains.

How to Make Acrylic Keychains With a Cutting Machine

The cutting machine method is perfect for creating clean, professional-looking acrylic keychains with crisp lines and layered vinyl designs. Follow these steps to cut, transfer and apply your design to an acrylic blank.

Step 1: Create Your Design

Open your design software and either draw your own artwork or upload one you already have. If you're not sure which software to use, simply use Canva. It's free and easy to use, and there are tons of tutorials on it online.

Keep the design simple at first, as it makes cutting easier. Also, don't forget to leave a little space where the keyring will go.

Step 2: Cut the Vinyl

Load your permanent vinyl into the cutting machine. Set the appropriate blade depth and settings based on the vinyl.

Upload your design to the machine's designing software and make sure it is sized to fit your acrylic blank before cutting. Then let the machine cut out your design.

Step 3: Remove the Excess Vinyl

With your weeding tool, remove any extra vinyl that is not part of your design, especially the small pieces inside letters.

Take your time during this step since it determines how sharp your final design looks.

Step 4: Apply the Transfer Tape

Cut a piece of transfer tape slightly bigger than your design. Peel off the backing from the tape and place it over your cut vinyl design. Press down firmly and smooth out any air bubbles with a craft scraper or an old gift card.

Step 5: Prepare the Acrylic Blank

Acrylic blanks come with a protective film. Take it off and wipe the blank with a microfiber cloth to remove dust, oil, fingerprints, etc.

A clean surface is important because it helps the vinyl stick better and last longer.

Step 6: Transfer the Design to the Acrylic

Peel the backing paper off the vinyl design, leaving the cut design attached to the transfer tape.

Now gently line up the design on your acrylic blank and press it down. Smooth it out with a craft scraper or a card if needed, but be gentle. You can now slowly peel off the transfer tape, leaving the vinyl design on the acrylic.

Step 7: Attach the Keychain Hardware

Using your pliers, attach a jump ring through the hole, then connect it to your preferred keychain hardware, such as a clasp, keyring or chain. That's it; your custom acrylic keychain is now ready.

How to Make Acrylic Keychains Without a Cutting Machine

No cutting machine? No problem. This method uses printable vinyl sticker paper and a regular printer. It's easy, cost-efficient, and perfect for creating vibrant, colorful acrylic keychains.

Step 1: Design and Print Your Artwork

Go to a design tool of your choice. Canva is great if you're new to designing. Then create your design and print it onto printable vinyl sticker paper.

Make sure you're using the right sticker paper for your printer and the correct print settings. It's worth double-checking.

Step 2: Protect the Design with Clear Laminate

Once the ink is fully dry, place a sheet of clear self-adhesive laminate over the printed design. Press down evenly and smooth out any bubbles.

This layer protects your artwork.

Step 3: Cut Out the Design

Using scissors or a craft knife, carefully cut out the design.

You have two options:

1. Cut around the design.

2. Trace the acrylic blank onto the design and cut around the outline.

If the design is too complex, we recommend the second option instead. It's easier this way.

Step 4: Prepare the Acrylic Blank

Take off the protective film and wipe down your acrylic blank with a microfiber cloth. Once again, a clean blank ensures the vinyl sticks properly and lasts longer.

Step 5: Apply the Printed Design

Peel the backing off your printed and laminated design. Line it up carefully on the acrylic blank, then press it down from the center to get rid of air bubbles.

Step 6: Attach the Keychain Hardware

Just like in the first method, use your pliers to attach a jump ring through the hole, then connect it to your preferred keychain hardware, such as a clasp, keyring or chain. Your handmade acrylic keychain is now ready!

DIY Is Great, But It Has Its Limits

We all love DIY, and we actually encourage people to bring out their creative side. However, making multiple acrylic keychains while keeping them consistent can be difficult.

Moreover, for people without a cutting machine or a printer, there are not many customization options, and this project may not be cost-effective.

That's where Vograce can help!

Vograce Custom Acrylic Keychains

With Vograce, making custom acrylic keychains is as easy as 1-2-3. All you need to do is submit your design and we will take care of everything else.

Simply upload your artwork and choose from various customization options, and our team will handle the entire production process with professional-grade equipment and materials.

With our hassle-free customization experience, you can choose from different shapes, sizes, materials and finishes to match your exact vision.

Whether you are making acrylic keychains for personal use, gifting or anything else, Vograce makes the entire process easier.