Vinyl projects are my absolute favorite Cricut Maker crafts. But when you first start, it can be incredibly confusing to sort through all of the material types. In this post, we will cover the difference between Oracal 631 vs 651 vinyl.
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What is Oracal Vinyl?
Oracal is a specific brand of vinyl made by the ORAFOL company.
It is not the only brand out there, but it is common enough that at first, you might just think it’s the only choice.
When I first bought my Cricut and I didn’t want to spend on Cricut-brand vinyl, Oracal seemed like the only way to go.
The more I researched, the more it seemed like there were two types of adhesive vinyl: 631 and 651.
I’ll be honest. I thought that was the “type” of vinyl across all brands – as in, you could also find a Cricut-brand 631 and a Cricut-brand 651 vinyl.
Not the case.
In the same way that people might refer to a Kleenex© but are asking for any brand of tissue you have, many Cricut crafters may ask about 631 or 651 vinyl as short-hand, but do not truly know (or care) which specific company it is made by.
What is Oracal 631?
The Oracal 631 vinyl most closely resembles the “temporary” or “removable” feature of competitor brands.
In the Oracal brand, the adhesive is clear and water-based. This make feature makes it ideal for temporary projects without leaving damage or residue upon removal.
What colors does Oracal 631 come in?
Different resellers may have varied options in-stock, but the Oracal website currently lists 60 matte (non-glossy) color options.
Where and how can I use Oracal 631?
Though there are no rules about putting Oracal 631 on an object outside, because it is water-based and removable, it is primarily made to be used indoors.
Even though this vinyl is considered temporary, it can still stick strongly and last upwards of three years.
Often, Oracal 631 is used indoors on drywall to make quotes and wall décor for the home.
You could also try using Oracal 631 on other surfaces you may want just a short-term decal without long-term effects.
I have used temporary vinyl on phone cases, mirrors, and windows on my car and house.
What is Oracal 651?
Similarly to the temporary Oracal above, Oracal 651 is a specific brand name for a vinyl that others in the market might call Permanent.
Historically, there were two main differencs between Oracal 651 vs 631. The first, of course, is the strength of the adhesive.
The 651 vinyl has a clear, solvent-based permanent adhesive. It is much stronger, longer lasting, and durable than the 631.
Even though it is considered permanent, it is beneficial to know that it CAN still be removed. Certain surfaces may just make it harder, leave residue, or require some extra Goo-b-Gone to refresh.
The second of the two main differences between Oracal 651 vs 631 is the surface finish – and therefore the color options.
What colors does Oracal 651 come in?
It used to hold true that Oracal 631 vinyl all had matte finish, while the Oracal 651 all had glossy finishes. Perhaps black and white colors may have had both options across the brands, but that was it.
Today, the vinyl has become popular enough that Orafol boasts 59 glossy colors and 56 matte colors to choose from for the 651 line.
The expansion has not carried over to the 631 line, so if you need a glossy vinyl from Oracal, it remains a differentiator.
Where and how can I use Oracal 631?
Because the Oracal 651 is rated a permanent and outdoor-worthy vinyl, there is a wide array of places it can be used. Most often, Cricut crafters will use any brand of permanent vinyl to customize tumblers, planters, signs, ornaments and more.
The company’s website says colored vinyls will last at least four years. Black and white last an extra year.
But even that does not mean the vinyl will fall right off in five years. I have had gifts that have been covered with vinyl decals for decades. Especially if they are low-use items and kept indoors, you can feel confident the designs should last beyond expectation.
