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. 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. When the vinyl is to be applied to perspex or paintwork, try to use a marking colour that is similar to the substrate colour; 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. Next, using a vinyl applicator and starting from the centre of the graphic, press outward from the centre, up and down, working your way towards one end. 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.
Working with one end at a time move the graphic until it's baseline is the correct distance from the edge of the panel - you can use a tape measure or ruler to check this. 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. Next, using a vinyl applicator and starting from the centre of the graphic, press outward from the centre, up and down, working your way towards one end. 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 working in the exhibition and display industry for over 20 years. Having been involved in the design and build of exhibition stands throughout Europe and having specialised for a number of years in large-format digital print he has a wealth of experience in this arena.
http://www.exdisplay.co.uk
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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