posted
I am doing a vinyl letter with an outline.The outline is made by merely applying a smaller letter on top of the "outline" color. I use Transferite clear mask on the smaller letter with Splash application fluid so I can position the letter equally on the bigger letter. The problem arises when I try to apply the double layer letter to the sign/vehicle surface, the clear mask will not stay stuck to the outline part of the letter. It's very difficult to apply. Also, I sell these types of letters so they must be put together before they leave the shop for the customer to apply to his vehicle.
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Posts: 1285 | From: Jacksonville Beach, Fl. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Jean with my experience most of the clear premasks are very stiff so they are very tough to get them to conform to both layers of vinyl. We also sell lots of pre-assembled vinyl decals. We dont use clear mask at all unless the outlines or shadows are very tight or in the case of the shadow directly aligned but for the most part we use paper mask for everything. I find if you wet the front a little it helps you see through it. Also with outlines or double layered vinyl the paper conforms and easily picks up both layers. when there are cases when we use the clear to assemble the vinyl the final product is always given to the customer to avoid the problem you are having. Hope that made a little sense
Eric Roche
------------------ "Someday I'm gonna get a real job, HEE HEE" Signs Of Life 48 Carmen Hill Rd. New Milford, Ct 06776
Posts: 97 | From: Douglasville, GA | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
I do alot of pre-assembled graphics as well, and I NEVER use fluids to apply the top layer(s) to the bottom one(s).
I do it dry.
I cut registration boxes around the artwork, then put clear R-Tape on the top layer only after weeding. The rest of the art is weeded but not masked.
I tape the bottom layer to the table, then each layer gets a tape hinge at the end after registering it with the layer below, then the top layer gets registered and tape-hinged into place.
Then I pull the liner off the top layer and squeegee it to the next layer. If there's another layer, I pull the liner off the doubled-top layer and squeegee that.. until all the layers are stacked.
Then I trim the excess material using the registration box as a cutting guide.
------------------ Mike Pipes -----trapped in a box with a computer and a slice of cheese-----
Posts: 145 | From: Lake Havasu City, AZ | Registered: Dec 2000
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