I have just confirmed a job to place a business name on an awning hanging above the store. The awning is relatively new so cleanliness is not a problem but since I have never done this before, I am hoping that some of you will be able to pass along some "tips & tricks" to make the job go smoothly. I am especially wondering if I have to put some sort of backing behind the awning prior to trying to squeegee the vinyl. As always, thanks for your help. Posted by Elaine Beauchemin (Member # 136) on :
[ August 09, 2006, 05:30 AM: Message edited by: Bill Diaz ]
Posted by bruce ward (Member # 1289) on :
is it sunbrella? is it vinyl. if its sunbrella your not going to be sticking any vinyl to it. if its vinyl you'll be fine.
If youve never painted on one before I would suggest you find someone else in your area that has and help and watch them do it. It is tricky and Im sure you dont want to buy an awning
Posted by Ricky Jackson (Member # 5082) on :
Hi Jack, I just did one this week (in near 100 degree heat!). Hopefully your design doesn't include a reversed out panel like mine did; I designed the logo and did several other signs for them also. Overall it wasn't difficult. I had to get a buddy over with his ladder truck; I didn't want to work 12' high trying to put 12' of vinyl on just using a ladder. If it were just letters I could have done it but the reversed out panel presented a problem. I know this may sound crazy but trust me, it works: tape your graphics in place then, using the hinge method, lay the first half down and rub it with your hand from the center towards the edges. Don't worry about getting bubbles under it; that ain't gonna happen. Just use your fingers to work out any tunneling and get it as flat as possible. If the awning has pretty deep scallops you might want to warn the owner that it might not be perfect but you'll get it as close as possible; that'll let him know not to expect the same quality as window lettering. If you can put something behind it that's great but if you can't or if it's a pia don't worry about it; it'll still work fine without it. Once you have the vinyl all stuck down, squeegie it down and peel the tape off. It's not that big of a deal, really.
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Jack,
If the awning is Sunbrella or other canvas-type material, you're going to have some issues with getting vinyl to stick for any length of time if at all. I would recommend painting the lettering on instead. A "step-by-step" on how to do it using a vinyl mask can be found here.
If the awning material is the vinyl-type, just make sure the surface is clean and use a quality CAST vinyl material. I strongly suggest you don't use calendared.
.
Posted by Brent Logan (Member # 6587) on :
Glenn, why do you need to spray the back of the vinyl with Super 77?
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
The adhesive that is already on the vinyl won't stick well enough to the fabric when you try to remove the premask. Another adhesive you can use is the "flash-tack" fabric adhesive used to adhere garments to a screen printer's pallet.
The main reason why I use the Super 77 is because it is readily available at Lowes and other hardware stores.
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