posted
Just a bit curious... How do you guys and gals register/assemble multi colored vinyl graphics for install? Don't laugh, but here is my method. I lay down all the colors face down on the table, making sure they all register, then tape down one side of each and then 'unfold' them. Lay my transfer tape in the middle (sticky side up) and lay each color down on it (hopefully in the correct order). Works good on small stuff, but a bit hairy on the larger vinyl... Any input? Like I said "Don't Laugh!!!"
------------------ Eric Patzer A.S.A.P. Design Lafayette, CO epatzer@earthlink.net
Posts: 208 | From: Lafayette, CO USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
ED...I weed and mask each individual colour. I then use a light table to "assemble" the various colours on top of each other, using masking tape to hold them in alignment. I try to make sure that there is an "overhang" on a different side of each colour so that I can hinge each colour in a different direction and then apply each colour individually. This avoids experiencing the annoying little bubbles that occur at the edges of the layers if all the colours are masked with one piece of pre-mask on one piece of backing paper.
I know thet Mark M. did a nice little explanation, with a diagram, that illustrates this method. Maybe he can post a link to that site.
------------------ Dave Grundy AKA "applicator" on mIRC "stickin' sticky stuff to valuable vessels and vehicles!" in Granton, Ontario, Canada 1-519-225-2634 dave.grundy@quadro.net www.quadro.net/~shirley
posted
I never prelayer multi color graphics. What I do instead is this:
I create triangles on either side of my color graphic.
When I cut each color out, I also cut out the triangles. These are my registration marks.
When I premask, I cut out all the triangles right through the backing paper on all the colors except the first layer to go on.
Now when I install my first layer, my registration marks are there. For every other color, it's a no brainer for positioning.
Something to bear in mind though, some vinyls shrink more after being cut. For example, when I set up firetruck lettering, the 2mil black background doesn't shrink as much as the reflective gold I layer on top. So when you go to install, sometimes the triangles are abit 'short' for the top layer. For long lengths, it's best to add a center triangle or more so you can cut up your color on top for perfect registration.
No problem with the same kind of vinyl for multi color though. Works great.
I use Mactac clear application tape, most of the time on smaller stuff I judge it by eye on larger stuff I cut registration squares, and it goes really fast, the nice thing with a plastic clear, I mean that you can really see through is that its quite rigid so if you are applying a large graphic like 6-7ft I fold it back on itself apply on my marks fold it out, you can always pull it up quickly to readjust, try doing that with paper, and its down, I work o my own alot and I am always doing multicoloured jobs like this, and have very few cock-ups, I have Transfer-rite paper here for customers who apply wet, and R-Tape "structured clear which conforms better to uneven surfaces.
------------------ Henry Barker #1924 akaKaftan SignCraft AB Stockholm, Sweden. A little bit of England in a corner of Stockholm www.signcraft.se info@signcraft.se
Posts: 1552 | From: Stockholm, Sweden | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
I use Donna's method also, but i use squares instead of triangles........ maybe i'll have to try triangles Donna??? Might be easier ... never thought of it !!
------------------ Ryan Ursta Ursta Graphics 27 West Shenango St. Sharpsville Pa. 16150 Call: 724•962•2206 "letters of Recommendation"
posted
I would prefer to do it using either of your methods, but these are being applied by the customer, not me... I tried to give him the seperate colors, but he only screwed it up worse (I got to bill him twice...)
------------------ Eric Patzer A.S.A.P. Design Lafayette, CO epatzer@earthlink.net
Posts: 208 | From: Lafayette, CO USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Give your customer a bottle of Rapid Tac, and some instructions(application kit). We have several sign shops that do this with our 4oz. bottles and squeegees.
Roger
------------------ Roger Bailey Rapid Tac Incorporated Waikoloa, Hawaii
posted
I'm with Donna on this one Using a triangle or crosshatch or trigger hair or even a Dot. Place your first work down and line up the regisration marks as you go along..Eye ball it to your comfort zone... Use transparent tapes if need to be... If you are out a bit on the match. Use the surgeons knive to correct....Light cuts to trim.....
Good Luck!!!
Raven/2001
------------------ Raven/2000 Airbrushed by Raven Lower sackville N.S. deveausdiscovery@sprint.ca
Posts: 4327 | From: Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada | Registered: Jan 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Here's how I do it.. not that it's a better way than anyone has mentioned but it works great for me.
When I create the artwork, I draw a rectangle around the perimeter of the artwork. This is my registration box and also serves as a nice weed border.
I put each color on its own layer in CorelDRAW and the registration box goes on its own layer.
When I cut each color, I just set the other layers to not print. Only the current color and registration box layers are set to print.
I cut each color and weed.
I tape the bottom layer to the table, then register the next layer on top, then the next. The only hinge I use is the one on the very top layer, the other layers are simply taped to the table around the perimeters.
The top layer has the premask, I use clear R-Tape.
I lift the first layer, peel off the liner then squeegee it over the next layer. Then I lift the new double layer, peel off the liner, then squeegee that down.
WHen I hinge the top layer, I use two hinge locations depending on the size.
ANything that's under 4 feet long or so, I put the hinge at the end. Anything larger than that, I put the hinge in the middle. The smaller stuff is more manageable, and the larger stuff gets hinged in the middle to reduce the chance of pulling the graphic off-registration.
------------------ Mike Pipes -----trapped in a box with a computer and a slice of cheese-----
Posts: 145 | From: Lake Havasu City, AZ | Registered: Dec 2000
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic