I have to letter a Car trailer - The customer brings it over and there are about 50 rivets that I have to cover. Actually they aren't even flat rivet heads they are replaceable panels with allen key holes in the middle of each screw. I realize I should tent the rivets and then release the air? Normally I use a hairdryer for my vinyl, but this trailer is making me nervous! Today in the sun I stepped back and there are so many buckles in the panels??? Any suggestions? Should I remove the rivets and replace them after the vinyl? I realize it has to be a dry application because of the moisture catching behind the vinyl around the rivets. Any help would be a blessing. Thanks So Much! Amy
We've done lots of trailers like that, we take out the rivets any time possible. It's a little more challenging when you can't remove them but it can be done!
Lisa Lisa Lisa . . . Do you remove all the rivets that are going to effect your design & do the entire design and then replace them. I thought that was the way to go. They are small in size so I don't think they will effect the look of the design very much. After you apply the vinyl what process do you take to punch the hole or do you just screw the rivets back in without punching holes? I really appreciate everyones feedback! This is great!
Yes we take out the rivets that will be entirely covered, they don't take away from the design. We don't punch the vinyl, just put the rivet back in. I'd rather do that than taking butane to the design.
ive never removed the rivets.. first make sure you have a cast vinyl.. not calendered.. .
we use a rivet brush and heat. you can use either a torch or a heat gun.
i dont know if a hair dryer gets hot enuff.
Hello everyone I am new to this forum, but I agree with Mystysue. I use cast vinyl, a good heat gun and a rivet brush...Don't get over zealous or you will have problems..
rivet brush works well... the people have to realize that a rivet is going to stick out a little... from a few feet back the designs look fine... or you can make a design that goes around the rivets...
Vinyl Over Rivets 
