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| A Beginners Guide to the Application of Computer-Cut Vinyl Lettering
| By:
Matthew Theobald | |
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Pen-marking method
Using a standard ballpoint pen mark a line on the substrate corresponding to the baseline of the text to be applied. Mark the line as lightly as possible - consider using a series of dots or short lines which will be less visible if there are issues when removing the line. If applying to a vehicle or acrylic use a chinagraph pencil of a similar colour to the vehicle paintwork; some types of paintwork can be stained by chinagraph or ink so it would make sense to test it first in a discreet area.
Remove the text or logo from the release paper liner and hold firmly at each end. Line up the baseline of the text with the line marked on the substrate while keeping the text just away from the surface - you should be able to see the line through the application tape.
Lightly press the extremities to the surface to secure the text or logo in place. Using a specialist applicator (available from your vinyl supplier) press firmly from the centre out towards the edges whilst moving from the fold line out towards the end of the lettering or logo. Repeat the process working towards the other end.
Lift a corner of the application tape and peel back while keeping it as flat to the surface as possible; doing this helps to prevent the vinyl being pulled off of the substrate and also stops any paint being removed when the application is onto a painted surface.
Clean off the line using methylated spirit for ballpoint pen or white spirit for chinagraph.
Hinge Method
Fold graphic in half and press a small fold into the bottom of the graphic. Place a piece of masking tape at each end of the graphic and secure to the substrate. Using a tape measure lift and replace the graphic until the fold mark is at the left to right centre mark.
Again, using a retractable tape measure lift one end of the graphic and move up or down until it is in the required position. Do the same to the other end and then re-check the first end as it will probly have moved.
When you are sure the graphic is in the correct position put a strip across the whole graphic somewhere near the middle and preferably with at least one edge lying in a gap between letters. This is known as the hinge.
Take a small piece of tape and apply to the substrate so that it butts up against the bottom of the application tape at the opposite end from the hinge. Remove the piece of tape, at that end, securing the graphic to the substrate and fold back the grahpic 180 degrees and press a sharp fold into it.
Peel back the release paper and tear it off at the fold line. Line up the edge of the application tape with the piece of masking tape used to mark its position. Using a specialist applicator (available from your vinyl supplier) press firmly from the centre out towards the edges whilst moving from the fold line out towards the end of the lettering or logo. Repeat the process working towards the other end.
Lift a corner of the application tape and peel back while keeping it as flat to the surface as possible; doing this helps to prevent the vinyl being pulled off of the substrate and also stops any paint being removed when the application is onto a painted surface. This method has the advantage of not needing any lines to mark the position and is therefore useful for applications to sensitive surfaces.
Where the graphic does not allow for a centre hinge, because of the lack of a suitable gap in which to create the fold, the hinge can be created at one end of the graphic or along the top or bottom.
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Matt Theobald has been involved in the design and production of exhibition stands for 2 decades and has run his large-format digital printing business in Maidenhead for the last 8 years.
http://www.exdisplay.co.uk |
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