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Will Be Lettering A Store Front Window , need all The infor I can get on installing vinyl from start to finish. types of vinyl,& cleaners, letter inside or outside thanking all in advance for the replies Steve Hopkins -- sihopkins@aol.com
-------------------- Steve Hopkins Piedmont Sign Shop Danville, Va. 24541 434-548-4368 Posts: 39 | From: Danville, Va. USA | Registered: May 2001
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well I do most of my windows with CalonII vinyl, we clean and prep the window with a water/soap/alcohol solution, 50/50 alcohol two drops of dawn dish soap. I would use a razor blade to remove dirt and particles that you dont see, and then wipe it dry....... we letter the outside, you can use intermediate or High Performance..
-------------------- Benji McEntire Harrison Graphics/Signs of America Harrison, Arkansas 72601 signmaker@cox.com Posts: 70 | From: Harrison, Arkansas | Registered: Nov 2001
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i prefer to letter the inside (because there are a lot of vandals in this town... and also because i like the finished look). i use RapidTac and paper towels to clean the window. (first i make the customer have the windows clean before i arrive -- the RapidTac is to remove any residue from cleaners and solvents -- go see their webpage for lots of info on this). i hinge from the top or side, depending on the size, and i apply wet. (i'm not the best vinyl installer, and i just feel more comfortable with a wet install). again, check the RapidTac website for more info on that.
as for the rest, i use 2 mil High Performance cast vinyl (its pretty much the only vinyl i use) by whichever brand has the color i need, in stock at my supplier. Usually Calon II.
the most important piece of advice -- get it on the window square! bring a level (i use a 4' spirit level) and draw guideline marks with a white stabilo. measure the centerlines from the OUTSIDE of the window. (window trims can be different on the inside versus the outside, so i've learned to center on the outside, which is the side its meant to be viewed from).
-------------------- :: Scooter Marriner :: :: Coyote Signs :: :: Oakland, CA :: :: still a beginner :: ::
Posts: 1356 | From: Oakland (and San Francisco) | Registered: Mar 2001
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Please use only high performance vinyl for this job. You'll be less likely to run into problems (peeling, shrinkage etc.) down the road.
Also, be careful with the level. Make sure the graphic/lettering "looks" straight after you've taped it up. Sometimes frames or mullions are not level and the lettering make appear crooked with respect to the frame.
Otherwise, what's been said previously should work just fine.
-------------------- Lee Futch Signs On Time! 5670 El Camino Real Suite K Carlsbad, CA 92008 sales@signsot.com
Posts: 27 | From: Carlsbad, CA USA | Registered: Oct 1999
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Ditto on useing that level on the frame first! Also if intricate detail work & small copy be careful with wet application. I've had to hang around an extra half hour to be able to get the tape off, or return the next morning. Also check the look of vinyl on the inside before cutting in reverse. Some tint is not very noticable at first glance, but white vinyl looks dull grey.
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down here in FLA most windows are tinted...so inside letters is out of the question..and if you do it looses about 30-40% of its color. only thing i do in vinyl on window is small stuff or a lot of text.....i use intermedniate and do a lot in yellow, white and red.....if iam doing big letters or graphic...easier to paint. as for prep, i wash with POWER CLEAN, then i wipe down with automotive laquere thinner, then hit with windex...if it squeeks its clean. if i can see a flim on the window after this...commet cleanser it...cause its got raod grim on it...and nothin takes it other then a cleanser.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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JUST GOT NEW SOFTWARE CAR'N TRUCK 2001 PAID 69.95 , DID NOT HAVE MANUEL. CAN ANY ONE TELL ME HOW TO SCALE THE LETTERS THAT I WILL BE CUTTING. I NO HOW TO PUT THEM ON THE OUTLINES, BUT HOW DO YOU GET THE LETTER TO SCALE OUT TO THE PLOTTER. THANKS FOR ALL INFOR STEVE HOPKINS
[ December 13, 2001: Message edited by: SIHopkins ]
-------------------- Steve Hopkins Piedmont Sign Shop Danville, Va. 24541 434-548-4368 Posts: 39 | From: Danville, Va. USA | Registered: May 2001
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rodger...go find a window thats right on the road. hasnt been washed or cleaned in the last year, iam talkin dirty windows...and then try rapid tac on it....i have wont clean the road film.....hard to see, you need to put your eye on the window, and look across it at about a 15 degree angle and you will see it. comet cleanser and a 3m scotch brite pad....will make it squeeky clean. for most windows that arent on the road and get a bath every now and then rapid tac works great!
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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Si..I am not familiar with Car'n Truck 2001 but I am going to assume that it is a set of vehicle outlines/templates?
If that is the case there are probably size references. Blow up the template to full size in your design program and put your lettering/graphics on it. Then when you cut the stuff it will be the correct size.
-------------------- 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
level is only good if the window is level, measurement is better go with the flow, I always apply my graphics dry, no rapid tak, no water, just good transfer paper and a squeege. Bill
Posts: 1020 | From: Lake Jackson,Tx | Registered: Nov 1998
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I have an older car'n truck disk but I'll assume they are basically the same ... the files are usually set to 1:20 scale (should say in the bottom of the file after importing) so increase 200% then again at 1000% or vice-versa
I always do window vinyl dry... Always cast vinyl (unless verifiably temporary)... Multiple layers are easier on outside (second layers can get splatted wet)... Make sure your masking is tight without wrinkles or bubbles ... Make a full tight hinge ... New sharp squeegee (no nicks)... What everybody else said ...
[ December 13, 2001: Message edited by: Mark Matyjakowski ]
-------------------- Compulsive, Neurotic, Anti-social and Paranoid ... but basically Happy Posts: 2677 | From: Rochester, NY, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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