Related Search: sign design, vinyl graphics, vinyl letters, custom signage, applying vinyl letters

sign design, vinyl graphics, vinyl letters, custom signage, applying vinyl letters

Applying Large Vinyl Lettering and Graphics

When you order vinyl letters and graphics from The Sign Chef, you'll also receive a free installation kit. In this step–by–step guide, we'll show you our goof–proof, do–it–yourself application methods which will save you lots of money – there's no need to hire a professional when you don't need a professional!

What happens if I do make a mistake on my vinyl letters?

If you still feel that feel like you may not be able to get it right the first time, we offer our Goof Proof Guarantee. For an additional 25% of your total cost, we’ll send replacement letters and logos for those you mess up.  And, the shipping is free.

So let's get this show on the road!

You will need:

• Your graphic
• One or two inch masking tape
• A tape measure
• Paper towels or a rag
• Your free installation kit

First, let's take a look at your graphics, which are comprised of three layers:

Step 1: Clean the area you plan to apply your graphic twice The first thing you'll do is remove any dirt or buildup from the window using the deep cleaner you'll find in your free installation kit. Then, clean the area for a second time using the application fluid that also comes in your installation kit.

*If you're applying your large graphic to a vehicle, clean the area with soap and water before using the deep cleaner and application fluid.

*If you're applying your large graphic to a wall, such as sheet rock, you don't need the deep cleaner or application fluid. Simply dry clean the area with a rag to remove dust.

Step 2: Tape up your graphic and make sure it's centered First, tape your graphic to the area in the approximate place you'd like it to be. The plastic side should be against the area. You don't need to be exact. Tape the top corners in place using small pieces of masking tape.

Use a tape measure to find the middle of the are just above your graphic. Place a small piece of masking tape in the middle and draw a line where you've determined the exact center to be. Now find the center of your graphic and place a small piece of tape in the center at the top of your graphic, again drawing a line where you have found the exact center to be. Line them up.

Now to ensure your graphic is as level as it is centered, measure from the edge of the actual vinyl letters (not the backing) to the bottom of the area on which you're placing your large graphic. Do this on both sides. Correct the placement if necessary.

Step 3: Hinge the vinyl Hinging the vinyl simply means placing tape along the top of it. Attach your masking tape across the top of the whole graphic (backing and all) so half of it is on the window and half of it is on the graphic. You should be able to lift up, or hinge, the graphic from the top.

It's a good idea to cut your large graphic to make things a little easier. Do this AFTER you have hinged your graphic so you only have to measure once.

Step 4: Apply your graphic Now it's time to actually apply your graphic. Holding the bottom of the graphic, hinge it up. Put your other hand underneath where the plastic is and pull about half the plastic from the top down while you use the squeegee in your installation kit to firmly and steadily press on the graphic, starting from the center and working your way out.

Keep going until you've removed the plastic completely. Wait 30 minutes before you remove the backing.

Step 5: Remove the backing Remove slowly, pulling down and away. If small bubbles appear, smooth them immediately with your finger. If you find that part of the graphic isn't sticking, squeegee that area again.

*If you're applying your large graphic to a wall, use the felt squeegee in your installation kit to press down the vinyl letters (once the backing is removed) onto the surface of the wall. This guarantees no air is imprisoned between the letters and the textured wall.

And you're done! That wasn't so hard, now was it?

To see our how–to video for applying large vinyl graphics, click here.