Need some advice on applying large vinyl graphics to a van. I can work with small door panels graphics, I can apply large graphics on flat sign boards......but how does one go about applying large peices of graphics on vehicle?......I have all the art work set up......so if your interested in having a look and commenting, I can send you yhe file......really would appreciate the help.
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Its really easier than it looks. Start with a clean surface including all of the seams and door jambs. Use a sharp squegee. Tape up your graphics. Cut them apart where needed, you can apply in one piece over the gaps but this can make it easier on some graphics. Make a center hinge and cut (or tear) off the backing paper Carefully squegee on the top half of the graphic, using the right pressure here is the key - too little and its bubble city, too much and you will have some perty wrinkles to show off. You can also use a straght edge (or anything stiff) taped along the top of the graphic to help hold it straight while you apply. Next peel back the bottom half of backing paper about a foot so that it acts like a spring to hold the vinyl off of the surface while you apply, then continue to apply and peel. Getting around door handles involves keeping the vinyl straight and tight while you squegee over the object and then slowly work out to the edges. After removing the application tape use your heat gun and work along the seams, handles, etc. I did six of these vans last week, the first took 2 1/2 hours and the last took just over one hour... practice makes perfect (or at least better)
Hope that helps... let me know if you need more help.
------------------ Brian Stoddard Expressions Signs A few puddles east of Seattle
Posts: 790 | From: Monroe, WA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Hey Roger I like your products and use the prep and remover and sometimes the app fluid but I have had trouble with it working on areas like the body channels on vans, its just hard to get it to dry under there, especially when its cold out. The other point is that on ControlTac type of adhesive its definetly not a good idea. Tell me if I am missing something here. I apply just about everything dry and find it quicker but I understand thats a preference (and I messed up a whole lot of vinyl learning). By the way hows the weather?(I dont really want to know! )
------------------ Brian Stoddard Expressions Signs A few puddles east of Seattle
Posts: 790 | From: Monroe, WA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Hey Brian.....I did a bunch of those Red Bull vans too!...except mine had the full yellow circle.(on my signsbycheryl webpage below) Kind of a pain those were to do..huh?
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I have used your rapid prep and the plain cheapo paper towels as you have suggested and I do like the Rapid Prep, it removes alot of stuff. I have also used a dabble of Tide (great for removing wax) in a bucket of water with the paper towels with good success. Cheryl, those vans sure are a pain even though the new logo without the full sun is a little quicker to install (I did a few with the full sun too). The last set I installed for them was cheap intermediate vinyl and a week later he called me complaining that the vinyl was not staying down in the channels... all I could say was "gee, told ya so". Anyway these are much easier with the Calon fleet film which is much like 3M ContolTac. I did not really want to do the job this time so I told him he had to bring the vans to my shop, which much to my surprise he did! I like your new web page setup with the sample "collage". Good looking family too, looks like you had a fun New Year.
------------------ Brian Stoddard Expressions Signs A few puddles east of Seattle
Posts: 790 | From: Monroe, WA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Even when you use Rapid Prep to clean, you must clean again with Rapid Tac or Tac II . This guarantees a compatable residue for the adhesive ! Roger
------------------ Roger Bailey Rapid Tac Incorporated Waikoloa, Hawaii
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