posted
I am truly upset about this Stabilo crisis. Am I crazy? I have white, black, and blue stabilos. Every one leaves noticeable scratches on vinyl as well as colored aluminum. Is anyone experiencing this problem? I have heard about the Pentel Sign Pen. However, supposedly the Ochre won't show up on dark blue. I have a repeat customer who regularly needs 18X24's covered in Dark Blue vinyl. Help!!!
[ December 06, 2006, 01:26 PM: Message edited by: Sarah F.Evans ]
-------------------- Sarah F. Evans Appalachian Signs and Design 186 Parkside Road Boone, North Carolina 28607 Posts: 97 | From: Boone, NC | Registered: Dec 2006
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posted
I use stabillos to make my measurements. As I said, I am making 18X24's that are covered with dark blue vinyl. When I make my marks, the stabilo leaves scratches.
Thanks for the reply everyone!
-------------------- Sarah F. Evans Appalachian Signs and Design 186 Parkside Road Boone, North Carolina 28607 Posts: 97 | From: Boone, NC | Registered: Dec 2006
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posted
I just can not picture what you could be using a stabillo or any other marking device for the job you are describing...if the substrate is covered there should be no marking necessary...if you are applying a graphic that for explanation purposes lets say the top of the lettering needs to be one inch from the top of the substrate place the graphic on the substrate measure down to the top of your lettering to ensure accuracy apply a hinge and apply...still no need for a stabillo...there is more than one way to skin a cat, if what you are doing is producing results that do not meet your quality standards change it
Posts: 445 | From: Slidell, LA | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
Sarah, We threw our Stabillos out years ago. Now we place blue painters masking tape anywhere a mark has to be made on any surface. We measure and place an ink pen mark on the tape. Then if we need a base line, we run another strip of blue masking tape between the marks, the blue tape is now the base line to set our graphics down. The blue tape releases cleanly and there are no marks to clean off, saving time and no scratches.
If you have to use your Stabillos, then start using the blue tape!
posted
On the very rare occasions when I need to put marks on a surface or on vinyl, I use china markers. Any stationary store carries them and I just have a white one and a black one.
-------------------- 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
I used Stabillo's for years with no problems, then a few years back I stated noticing they scratched clear coats on new cars. We switched to Staedlers with pretty good results, although I heard they had gotten hard to find.
-------------------- George Perkins Millington,TN. goatwell@bigriver.net
"I started out with nothing and still have most of it left"
posted
I know it may be "gross" to some, but after I had a problem with blue stabilo marks on a white trailer, I just dab it on my tongue (briefly) and its alot softer. It won't scratch then!
Unfortunately they aren't flavored, at least not the colors i've tried.
-------------------- Eric Houser Eric Houser Signs Richmond, Va Posts: 74 | From: Richmond, Va | Registered: Feb 2004
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yep you're right the oche colored sign pens work on everything but the darkest of colors.I keep a white stabilo around for that and very gently mark my lines (never scratched yet)
Another answer would be tomark your measurement on each end of the panel then use some masking tape for a line (be carefull not to stretch it as it will curve)
-------------------- "Werks fer me...it'll werk fer you"
posted
I use them quite a bit, but only the white, yellow, or blue. Seems the black and especially the red are hard to clean off, particularly if they've been on for several days.
Use them lightly and sparingly and you shouldn't have any probs.
-------------------- Dale Feicke Grafix 714 East St. Mendenhall, MS 39114
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Posts: 2963 | From: Mendenhall, MS | Registered: Apr 1999
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posted
I've been using blue highlighter pens on light colored surfaces lately. The lines wipe off banner material, plastics and painted surfaces very easily.
Somebody, or two, up above mentioned using china markers. That is not only a great idea but servers another useful purpose for sign gals: read on:
My wife uses china markers for eye liner. 1 china marker will last for years and years and years as an eye liner pencil. I know your're laughing, but don't. They are soft, can be sharpened to your taste, and cleans off easily.
posted
I have been using an Aqua Crayon from Lyra. The come in a multitude if colors, although I only use the white, blue, and orange. They are like a fat crayon and wipe off easy. I buy em' at a local Ben Franklin store. Dick Blick carries them as well, but only in sets. They are about a $1.25 and I do get mileage out of them, but don't leave in sun.
-------------------- Rich Stebbing RichSigns Rohnert Park CA 707-795-5588 Posts: 755 | From: Rohnert Park, CA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I use Staedlers because of extreme heat here, it will reduce a Stabilo to a puddle in about 5 minutes during summers...
So Rich, those "girlie sticks" you use handle heat??? (Get me in trouble will ya? hahahaha...)
-------------------- Frank Magoo, Magoo's-Las Vegas; fmagoo@netzero.com "the only easy day was yesterday" Posts: 2365 | From: Las Vegas, Nv. | Registered: Jun 2003
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posted
Staedtlers here for the same reason as Frank and even then only light reference marks. Any long lines get pinged with a chalk line. Blue chalk shows on all colors ... red chlk can stain. Tape lines between marks are not accurate.
Any sketches are done in charcoal. That's real willow charcoal sticks not the compressed carbon junk which scratch.
[ December 08, 2006, 03:24 AM: Message edited by: Jon Butterworth ]
posted
....I misread this and thought you said Stabilos leave stretch marks! D'oh! My one supplier no longer stocks them, they now have those Staedler (sp?) ones. Remember to try and use a light touch and NEVER use the red ones! I've had them scratch aluminum even when I was careful. Love....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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