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Moo Spot Prints · January 23rd, 2007

I've got a plotter that's working great for making t-shirt transfers and I'd like to play with making some car decals. I was browsing the signwarehouse site and found their vinyl. Uh oh... what kind should I get? There's a LOT of choices!!

Is anybody making decals or know where the decal makers hang out?

I want to know:

1. What grade/thickness/gloss is best suited for window applications. I'm guessing Intermediate to premium (5-10 years). Are the major brands pretty much equivalent?

2. What does conforming/not conforming really mean?

MotoskinGraphix · January 23rd, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moo Spot Prints


	I've got a plotter that's working great for making t-shirt transfers and I'd like to play with making some car decals. I was browsing the signwarehouse site and found their vinyl. Uh oh... what kind should I get? There's a LOT of choices!! Is anybody making decals or know where the decal makers hang out? I want to know: 1. What grade/thickness/gloss is best suited for window applications. I'm guessing Intermediate to premium (5-10 years). Are the major brands pretty much equivalent? 2. What does conforming/not conforming really mean?

Oracle 651 or 3M Interm. usually 3-5yr outdoor life depending on environment.
2 to 2.5 mil.
Conform means to conform to complex curves such as fender rolls rivets etc.

Vtec44 · January 23rd, 2007

Intermediate grade (5-year) is the most common. Conforming is how flexible it is when putting on an irregular surface. I think 2.5mm is the common thickness for calendar-type vinyl. We have been using Oracal 651 for over 3 years now, they're great.

Vtec44 · January 23rd, 2007

doh, David "quick fingers" graphix

Moo Spot Prints · January 23rd, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vtec44


	doh, David "quick fingers" graphix

Patience grasshopper. Someday you'll snatch that pebble.

MotoskinGraphix · January 23rd, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vtec44


	doh, David "quick fingers" graphix

Congradulations on the new DTG...I am envious!!!!

Moo Spot Prints · January 23rd, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by MotoskinGraphix


	Conform means to conform to complex curves such as fender rolls rivets etc.

Ok, that's exactly what the web sites say... I didn't understand the first time either.

Does that mean that it's a little stretchy and you can push it around and make it stick so that it ends up looking like a catwoman suit whereas non-conforming is more like a wetsuit?

MotoskinGraphix · January 23rd, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moo Spot Prints


	Ok, that's exactly what the web sites say... I didn't understand the first time either. Does that mean that it's a little stretchy and you can push it around and make it stick so that it ends up looking like a catwoman suit whereas non-conforming is more like a wetsuit?

You would be surprised where that vinyl will go with a bit of water and a heat gun. For stickers just stick with the 651...it will do everything you need it to do.

Moo Spot Prints · January 23rd, 2007

Ok, then since I've got you guys here... One more question...

Backing tape. There's 6 choices at the sign warehouse. Is the basic stuff good enough?

MotoskinGraphix · January 23rd, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moo Spot Prints


	Ok, then since I've got you guys here... One more question... Backing tape. There's 6 choices at the sign warehouse. Is the basic stuff good enough?

I think you mean transfer tape correct?

Moo Spot Prints · January 23rd, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by MotoskinGraphix


	I think you mean transfer tape correct?

yeah, the application tape. Sorry, yet another set of terms to learn.

MotoskinGraphix · January 23rd, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moo Spot Prints


	yeah, the application tape. Sorry, yet another set of terms to learn.

R tape is pretty good for fullside auto graphics. The clear tape is good for smaller decals so the customer can see what they are buying. I wouldnt purchase anything hi tack if you want to use a wet application tECHNIQUE. i THINK EVERYONE IN THE VINYL BUSINESS HAS A FAVORITE TAPE SO YOU MIGHT TRY THOSE AND SAMPLE SOME OTHERS AS YOU MOVE ALONG YOUR PATH. sAME GOES WITH THE VINYL.

OOPS...SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS...MUST HAVE HIT THE BUTTON.

Moo Spot Prints · January 23rd, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by MotoskinGraphix


	R tape is pretty good for fullside auto graphics. The clear tape is good for smaller decals so the customer can see what they are buying. I wouldnt purchase anything hi tack if you want to use a wet application tECHNIQUE. i THINK EVERYONE IN THE VINYL BUSINESS HAS A FAVORITE TAPE SO YOU MIGHT TRY THOSE AND SAMPLE SOME OTHERS AS YOU MOVE ALONG YOUR PATH. sAME GOES WITH THE VINYL. OOPS...SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS...MUST HAVE HIT THE BUTTON.

Watch those caps. People might confuse you for a nOOb... regardless of the shirt color!

I'm just going to do window stickers for now. Didn't even think about getting the clear stuff. Thanks for the help!

MotoskinGraphix · January 23rd, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moo Spot Prints


	Watch those caps. People might confuse you for a nOOb... regardless of the shirt color! I'm just going to do window stickers for now. Didn't even think about getting the clear stuff. Thanks for the help!

The clear stuff is great for overlays because it allows you to see what the hell you are overlaying. I would use the clear for stickers.

bobabuee · January 23rd, 2007

dont use sign warehouse brand tape it roally sucks , use r- tape want learn about signmaking ,graphics try here :

best site to learn all around good people too .

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