knifemaker3

Hey all,
I've been working on a couple of sign jobs the last couple of days.

One was a 2 color chrome on top of black.

The other was a simple four lines of text on 18x24 corplast.

Been having trouble keeping everything running straight. What is the best method?

I've been laying out lines and trying to match but always have them wind up running off.

Help! Yes I've not done very much signage with the vinyl. Mostly rta window decals.

Thanks!
Craig

 

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theflowerboxx

Tape measure and a stabilo pen

 

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astromark

Okay, Chani has been pushing me to share this. I've been reluctant because I didn't want everyone to know my secrets.
Anyway, I have attached a pic showing my method. I will try to talk it out to make sense.
The wireframe view is showing the two colors of vinyl as they would look after being cut and weeded. The filled image is the same thing, just showing the colors. You cut and weed the first(bottom) layer as mormal. But, for the second layer, you ALSO cut the first layer(outline).
This gives you the outer edge of the first layer on your second layer. This will allow you to line up the second layer perfectly with the previously applied first layer. You leave the second layer vinyl(around the outside edge) to give you your first layer edges. I know this is probably not the best explanation, but if you study the pics, hopefully it will make sense.

Attached Images

LAYERED VINYL.jpg (114.4 KB, 30 views)

 

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knifemaker3

Thanks Mark and David. I don't have any trouble getting the design laid out, but even when I use the hinge method when I apply the vinly to either the substrate, or in the case of multiple colors to the design, when I go to squegee it down I can't keep the design running straight with my layout lines.

I've thought on it this morning and I think I need to change where I'm locating my hinges in the designs. Maybe run them horizontal instead of vertical and revamp completely how I've been doing it. Also, I think I need to put my hinge line to line up on a little farther out from the design. I've been putting my layout lines by running one vertical on the left of the design and one horizontal on top both right next to the outside edge of the design.

Like I said, this is new to me as I've only done 1 color rta window decals before and simple 1 color vehicle graphics that were easy to line up!

Thanks! I'll get this figured out yet!

 

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EkkoGraphics

I use vertical hinges...Top to bottom.

I measure the substrate, and mark the center a few times down. I then mark the center of each piece of vinyl that I have taped and cut and ready to apply. Usually for lettering this is each line of text.

I use a metal T-square and a metal 3' yardstick when placing. I place the T-square vertically (top to bottom), make sure the T is square against the substrate, then I sqaure up my metal yardstick against it with the top part of the yardstick flush with the position I want the lettering or graphic on.

I then use the center marks to align the vinyl horizontally and place the vinyl under the yardstick so that the bottom of the letter or graphic is aligned with it. Once I have that, I take a piece of 1/2 masking tape and place it just to the left (or right if your left handed) of the center of the vinyl making sure it extends out the height of the vinyl and transfer tape. Once I have it in place, i can move my yardstick.

Then you simply pull the backing off the right(left) side, use your xacto or other knife to cut the backing away, lift the vinyl and transfer tape up and use a squeegee to pus the vinyl onto the substrate while holding with the other hand.

once that is done..I lift up the other side, pull of the backing paper and squeegee in the same way...always straight!


Of course if your edges of your substrate are not straight neither will the graphics be straight. Sometimes you just gotta eye it!

 

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