Would it be possible to run a sheet of vinyl through a plotter, using a pen, instead of a knife, and draw the artwork on first, then airbrush colors precisely where I wanted, then send it back through for cutting the vinyl? This isn't the typical color blend up through a line of copy. I have an old Camm 1 model 24 inch Roland, so the closest I'll get to registration is to make a little mark on the edge of the vinyl to position it at the cutter strip, or some other place.
Posted by Mark Matyjakowski (Member # 294) on :
Maybe set your start/stop point to be the same before plotting... plot with the pen (if it will write on vinyl?) then switch the tool to a knife without moving the vinyl and re-plot... weed it after you paint
Posted by James Donahue (Member # 3624) on :
So you're saying to paint it after I cut? I thought it had to be cut after painting, but I've only done it a handful of times. After posting the question, I realized it might be better to use layers. On layer two I would do an offset outline, and use that for the pen. That way, if the alignment isn't perfect when I put the vinyl back into the machine for cutting, the pen line won't be in the graphics anywhere. Of course, this assumes I'll be taking it out between steps, maybe not. As far as pens goes,I have felt tip, as well as mechanical, even a ball point. Something ought to work, considering that I'll be scruffing the surface of the vinyl. By now everybody's saying, sure is a lot of long windedness, just try it why don't you? OK Ok, I'll see waht I can do...
Posted by David Thompson (Member # 2395) on :
Why can't you cut it, paint it, then weed it?
[ September 24, 2009, 09:29 PM: Message edited by: David Thompson ]
Posted by James Donahue (Member # 3624) on :
Maybe you can, but the paint is fast drying, and I thought that it would lay over the cuts, and lift paint off the edges of the graphics. A search here would probably clear it up. I'll see what I can find...in a while.
Posted by James Donahue (Member # 3624) on :
I found a thread, it looks like cut first, paint after. I was sure I heard the other way...Oh well.
Posted by R T Thomas (Member # 355) on :
Cut it, use a pounce bag on it. The dust will show the lines for you. Wipe well with alcohol then paint. I have used all sorts of paint from one shot to acrylics w/clear coat with no problems. I do usually scuff with an ultrafine pad before dusting.
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
I agree with RT except I scuff before cutting. Keeps sharp corners from lifting while scuffing. I've airbrushed with several different types of paint on pre-cut vinyl and never had the paint lift when it is weeded. If it were to lift, your paint adhesion would not be good enough to last in the first place.
[ September 24, 2009, 11:26 PM: Message edited by: Dave Sherby ]
Posted by David Thompson (Member # 2395) on :
quote:Originally posted by James Donahue: Maybe you can, but the paint is fast drying, and I thought that it would lay over the cuts, and lift paint off the edges of the graphics. A search here would probably clear it up. I'll see what I can find...in a while.
Light thin coats will help prevent this.
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
If your using Base Clear Automotive paint, then there should not be a problem at all. I used this system with Fantastic results... the only time there was a problem was when the base paint was'nt layed over a properly prepared surface and the entire basecoat lifted... now that's a pain.
Here's a sample doing the reverse, I cut a pattern on the plotter, layed it down on the fairing, Airbrushed the flames, then removed the Vynil, this shot is before clear coat.
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Posted by William DeBekker (Member # 3848) on :
James without a ARMS System it would be difficult but not impossible.
Try making a template and put registration marks all around it. When you load your vinyl move it over a little and create your 0,0 point. Now do your pen plot.
After you paint and reload the vinyl move your knife back to the 0,0 point you created earlier. Advance your vinyl to you second point to see if you vinyl is straight. If your lined up go back to you 0,0 Set origin and cut.. You can get very close this way..
I had to do this for a few days when my Plotters ARMS was broken and I need to get some prints contoured cut. I did add a 1/8 bleed to account for human error but it got the job done.
Posted by Gregg Parkes (Member # 7710) on :
Simple. Scuff the vinyl - lightly. Wipe with alchohol. Plot with knife. Paint. - light coats. Weed. Overcoat with clear - the clear will not stick to the liner.
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