Vinyl Banners Phoenix

Vinyl Banners Phoenix

In a perfect world, we would avoid molding, curves and body creases altogether. Unfortunately, it’s not a perfect world. But the good news is you can make money tackling projects others aren’t willing or qualified to perform.

Of course, if it is at all possible to avoid molding, curves and body creases, then by all means avoid them. But sometimes the client wants a graphic installed in an area where these obstacles cannot be evaded.

So read on for some practical tips, tricks and techniques for applying vinyl over molding, curves and body creases and add to your business’ bottom line.

Dealing with Molding

Before you get to the top of the mountain, you may have to apply through some valleys. When you encounter a valley, approach it with a squeegee’s edge at a 90-degree angle to push the graphic into these difficult areas. Then hold the squeegee horizontally when moving over the molding.

“The most important thing to remember here is to take your time. Look for a plan of attack,” says Michael Dickman, president of phoenix, N.C.-based custom graphics manufacturer Speed Graphics & Sign Design. “Each situation will require a slightly different technique.”

Dickman offers a word of wisdom about molding: Some cars have a gap of one or two inches between the door moldings and it is almost impossible (and certainly not worth trying) to run vinyl over the gap.

“If you begin to see a problem occurring stop immediately,” he warns. “If you continue past the problem area too far, you will probably never recover. Snap back the graphic to just before the problem area and try again.”

Dealing with Curves

Curves are another issue. Since curves can extend in compound directions, you need to be cautious in approaching them. Problems can occur because the graphic is two-dimensional and curves can be three-dimensional.

Dickman of phoenix says your best approach (besides avoiding severe curves altogether) is to first try to position the graphic in the area you want. Then cut the transfer tape to release some of the tension to ease placement. Of course, you have to be very careful not to cut the vinyl or wrinkle it.

“Always have a back-up plan,” Dickman suggests. “If the area you are attempting is too difficult to pull off without problems, then move it to another pre-selected area or placement while it’s still wet and ready to go. You can always use a different style graphic (thinner or smaller) in the problem area down the road.”

What About Severe Compound Curves?

When you have no choice but to install a graphic on areas that involve severe compound curves it is impossible to install the graphic wet. It must be done dry. This requires practice, but it is the way the pros install all graphics. Dry installation causes the graphic to stick firmly to the substrate.

“When you need to conform around a curve you can pull and stretch the graphic slightly to mold it to the curve,” Dickman of phoenix says. “If you find yourself in this situation, going slow and in very small steps is the way to go. Use the edge of the squeegee to push the vinyl out 1/8 of an inch at a time using an arching motion, sort of like a windshield wiper, keeping the graphic very taut. Then apply heat with a heat gun or hairdryer if necessary.”

If you find that heat is needed, Dickman says the application tape should be removed so that just the graphic is exposed. You won’t find much success trying to use heat while the transfer tape is on the graphic.

Some Insider Secrets

 “When placing a graphic across body panels, pretend they are not there. Also, be sure to clean inside the body panels thoroughly. Open the door, trunk, or hood and make sure those little curves are just as clean as the more visible surface,” Dickman of phoenix reveals.

After you have removed the transfer tape, and gotten rid of any air bubbles, Dickman suggests using your razor knife to carefully cut between the body panels. When you do this, are sure and cut the vinyl at the edge of the front door panel, leaving the excess vinyl on the following panel. Wrap the excess panel inwards by opening the door (or using the squeegee).

The idea is to try to make the vinyl less susceptible to air and rain when the customer is driving his vehicle. Murphy’s Law says that nature’s elements will hit a solid strip of vinyl that you pressed inwards instead of an edge.

“Before installing the graphic, trim away any excess application tape and release liner. You can leave about a quarter inch around the graphic. Just be sure you don’t accidentally cut your graphic,” Dickman reminds.

Vinyl Banners Phoenix