posted
I have a question about applying vinyl to curved surfaces, such as the windshield on a vehicle. I know that this is probably a very simple question, but it is something that I am always struggling with. Is there a common rule of thunb or a formula of some type so that when the applied vinyl is on the windshield, it looks "straight". I know that the vinyl must be curved a little bit in order to do this, I just don't know an easy of doing it.
-------------------- Jeff Green Taylor Signs jeff92@shaw.ca Posts: 113 | From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada | Registered: Dec 2002
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posted
One way is to take a yardstick and center it side to side on the windshield, holding it at the top of the glass so that both ends on the top edge of the stick are touching the trim moulding. Then just measure the distance from the top of the yardstick to the bottom edge of the moulding in the exact center. Say for example its 2" higher in the middle. Thats how much you need to bend the lettering to fit the curve of the glass. Do that on the computer before you cut.
-------------------- Jeff Ogden 8727 NE 68 Terr. Gainesville FL, 32609 Posts: 2138 | From: 8827 NE 68 Terr Gainesville Fl 32609 | Registered: Aug 2002
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What I do jeff, is I cut my vinyl on a straight base, like usual, and tape it. I cut about 1/2" below all the copy, and about an inch above.
I find center on the vinyl and windshield, and use a piece of masking tape at the top center to secure it. then, depending on the arc of the windshield, I make a cut between every or every other letter, from the bottom up, to withen that inch I left at the top. (followin me...?)
I make my slight bends with that 1" intact at the top, keep adding pieces of masking tape to secure it, and follow the arc. Repeat on the second side.
Then I put bigger pieces of masking tape along the top edge of the entire graphic, and complete those cuts I made from the bottom, right up through the top, with a razor blade.
Now everything is in place for a dry-hinged method of application. Lift each section from the bottom, remove your backing sheet, and squeegee.
Sounds like a pain in the ass...and it is, but it goes faster than it takes to describe, especially the way that I type.
and oh, fer what it's worth..if it's script, or some continuous graphics...ignore me.
posted
If you want an exact fit the easiest thing to do is slap some premask on the windshield and outline the area the lettering is to fit in. A good rule of thumb is to stay within the tinted area to be legal.
Then carefully pull it off without stretching or tearing it and lay it on a flat surface and then measure and redraw the shape in your art program and incorporate your copy or art. I feel this is the only accurate way to reproduce a 3 dimensional curve into 2 dimensions. It's never failed me for a neat fit!
-------------------- Happy Signing...... Marty
M.F. (Marty) Happy Signmaker Since 1974 Happy Ad Sign & Design Regina SK, Canada S4N 5K4 306-789-9567 happyad@sasktel.net www.happyad.ca
Get Happy & Get Noticed! Posts: 773 | From: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada | Registered: Jan 1999
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Do your layout on the computer and make an educated guess as to how much negitive arc you need (like the "other" Jeff does),
Then apply it to the windshield and correct the errors that (you know you'll have) in the way that Brian does it. Lay out 3/4" tape along the top, just a few slits in the bottom and you now have the perfect arc without being a mathamatial genius!
This is the fastest way that works for me!
-------------------- Mark Neurohr "Ernest" Paintin' Place 141 Sunnyside Road Kittanning, PA 16201
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I do kinda like Brian. If I want the lettering down 1/2" from top moulding I cut the masked vinyl an even 1/2" above letters. fold in half to establish center.... Cut apart letters ... starting from center... peel backing paper and line up cut masking edge to top moulding ... peel next letter and line up to top moulding and masking of previous letter... making slight adjustments as needed
basically splating the letters on using pre-established refrences
-------------------- Compulsive, Neurotic, Anti-social and Paranoid ... but basically Happy Posts: 2677 | From: Rochester, NY, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I stretch a piece of masking tape along where the top line would go and get back to the angle it will primarily be view from and make adjustments to the ends of the tape until it creates the illusion of straight. Then I repeat this process for the base line of the letters. From there I measure the distance between the lines in the middle and at the ends and anyplace where there is a noticable altering of the pattern. With those numbers you can generate the letters to fit that shape. Try this on the back of a bullit nosed propane tanker. The illusion can be very intrigueing to the one performing it, and will just look normal to the passerby.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6811 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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