posted
I did a search for this topic but found nothing. Please help! I just applied this checkerboard graphics to the fender of a KW. (see picture) This is the before picture...this graphic was removed but you get the idea) I had problems making it lay down flat. There have got to be some tips you can share with me that will improve this application. As it stands now..I have to redo it. I made some horizontal cuts to make it lay down and this is unacceptable to my customer. This is two layers of vinyl. The white went down a lot easier. HELP!
-------------------- Judy Pate Signs By Judy Albany, Georgia USA 229-435-6824
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God. Posts: 2621 | From: Albany,GA,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Judy...That is a perfect candidate to sub out a digital print. (only one layer to apply) but if the other side is two layers I guess you'd have to do it the same way.
In this case I'd be slitting things in all the areas that can be slit. (Where the "rips" in the flag are). I'd probably apply the first layer dry, using a "middle" hinge (in this case, just below the headlight). Apply the bottom part of the graphic first, then when you flip over the top part, just peel off the backing from one "strip" at a time and apply one strip at a time.
I would definitely apply the second layer wet to be able to get the alignment right. In fact, since the white checkers are all seperate, I might cut them into "chunks" and apply one section at a time.
PS..Can you imagine applying a full vinyl wrap on a late model VW bug or a PT Cruiser??? I would LOVE to see someone doing THAT!
[ July 16, 2005, 07:49 PM: Message edited by: Dave Grundy ]
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
posted
Judy, tape in place. Then use the center hinge method. Remembet to make registration squares for multi colors. have fun. . . .John
-------------------- John Arnott El Cajon CA 619 596-9989 signgraphics1@aol.com http://www.signgraphics1.com Posts: 1443 | From: El Cajon CA usa | Registered: Dec 1998
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Judy, I'd cut both colors with registration marks.
I usually make a 1/2" square for registration.
Then I'd cut through the release liner on both layers removing the squares.
Set the top layer on a table and draw in the squares or put the squares you cut out onto the table there.
With the top layer registered to the marks on the table, put down app tape big enough to cover the bottom layer also. This app tape should be large enough to hinge onto the table.
Lift the app tape carefully not breaking the hinge, so that you've lifted the top layer and now you can register the bottom layer and drop the tape down so that you can pick up both layers already positioned, so there will not be a registration problem with the compound curve.
When you hinge the graphic to the fender, find where you can make slits that don't go through the graphic, but release the tension. Often we find that a heat gun in one hand and a squeegee in the other enables the vinyl to stretch and elongate. As long as both layers are together, the elongation will not be noticable.
Hope this helps.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6712 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I would do that using wet application, heat gun, and no transfer tape (peel the tape off before application, using water to release the adhesive.)
I'd also apply it with the two layers already assembled, and use paper towels in hand or wrapped around a squeegee to force air and fluid out without it getting stuck around the edges of the second layer.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6712 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Rick, thanks for writing that out. I think I understand it, but just double checking: the 'application tape hinges on the table' part, that's like lengthwise to the graphic, going off the edge of the vinyl, liner and all?
I usually think of hinging as masking tape across the middle, but that's what this is, I take it.
-------------------- James Donahue Donahue Sign Arts 1851 E. Union Valley Rd. Seymour TN. (865) 577-3365 brushman@nxs.net
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for lunch, Benjamin Franklin Posts: 2057 | From: 1033 W. Union Valley Rd. | Registered: Feb 2003
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I use stars on each end for registration. You can get it dead on that way. On a project I needed to duplicate same overlay many times with 100% accuracy I made a 2 part frame out of aluminum tubing,one fitting snuggly inside the other . Outer frame holds the first layer and inner frame the second. When youre done it takes only one layer of application tape and everything is lined up perfectly when you start applying.
-------------------- Gary Patrick AmericanAutoGraphics Oviedo,FL Posts: 77 | From: oviedo,fl usa | Registered: Mar 2000
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Thank you ..I'll certainly heed your advice. Both fenders were repaired and repainted so I have to do them both. The same graphic is on the side of the hood so I have to make it two layers to match. I like the idea of having one layer to apply so I will put them together before applying. I use the hinge method all the time but it didn't work as well near the front of the fender, that's where it bunches up. I'll let you know how it turns out! Thanks again! Judy
-------------------- Judy Pate Signs By Judy Albany, Georgia USA 229-435-6824
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God. Posts: 2621 | From: Albany,GA,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I would LOVE to see someone doing THAT! ![[Applause]](graemlins/applause.gif)
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