A Beginners Guide to the Application of Computer-Cut Vinyl Lettering

By: Matthew Theobald Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Set out below you will find two common techniques for the successful application of self-adhesive vinyl lettering

Using a standard ballpoint pen mark a line on the substrate corresponding to the baseline of the text to be applied. Keep the line light so as not to cause an impression on the substrate. If applying to a vehicle or acrylic use a chinagraph pencil of a similar colour to the vehicle paintwork; it is advisable to do a test as some formulations of paint can be stained.

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.

Peel back the application tape working from one corner and keeping the tape at an acute angle; 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.

Depending on what you have used to create the line it can be removed using meths, lighter fuel or alcohol spirit - make sure to test that it will not damage the substrate.

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.

Once the text or logo has been positioned apply a strip of masking tape at right angles to the length of the graphic - ideally with one edge falling between letters so that the graphic can be folded along that line without creasing the vinyl itself. This is known as the hinge.

Next line up a piece of masking tape with the application tape at one end of the graphic. 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.

Peel back the application tape working from one corner and keeping the tape at an acute angle; 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.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Matt 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. www.exdisplay.co.uk