How to Measure for Your Graphics

This article will help you to measure the available space for your graphics. There are several things to keep in mind when you measure.

1. Measure the total area you wish to cover, not the total space available. For example, if you're ordering a window graphic for a 30"w x 72"h window, but you only want the graphic to be 24"h, give us the smaller dimension rather than the total window size.

2. Error on the small side. If you have a 30"w window, don't use the full 30". Your graphic will look much better if it's slightly smaller than your window, rather than being too big. In this example, we would suggest ordering a 27" - 28"w graphic to keep it from looking too crowded.

3. Look for obstructions. Is there a door handle in the way? Maybe an existing decal? If you have something in the way of your graphic, you can't consider that area to be "available space." Take obstructions into account when ordering your graphic as we will not know where the obstructions will be on your specific window, vehicle, etc.

Here we have highlighted the areas representing the "available space." These are the open areas on this vehicle that the customer wanted their graphics to go in. Notice on the right door that the available space is much smaller to account for the license plate area. Also notice on the left door that the available area is also limited by the existing badges from Chevrolet. Also notice the graphics don't go completely from edge-toedge of the available space to avoid a crowded look to the graphics.

How to Apply Vinyl Graphics

The following steps will help you to apply virtually any vinyl graphic and help you keep it level. These steps will also help you to get the placement of your graphics right where you want it, and keep your graphics bubble-free.

Your graphics will most likely come in three layers: a backing paper layer on the bottom to keep the adhesive from being exposed, the vinyl layer (this is your graphic), and a masking layer on top. The masking layer keeps everything pre-spaced for you to apply your graphic as one piece.

1. Clean your surface! - Always clean the surface first. No matter how clean it looks, its not worth the risk. Without cleaning, you're really just applying your graphics to dirt, rather than to the actual surface. You can really shorten the durability of your graphics by not cleaning first. Simple soap and water will do the trick. DO NOT use glass cleaners or anything with ammonia as this will cause the adhesive not to stick. In the case of vehicle graphics, DO NOT wax your vehicle.

2. Apply small pieces of masking tape to the top of the graphic - Figure A below - Use two small strips of masking tape, one at each side of the graphic, to hold it in place. These small pieces will allow you to reposition your graphic to exactly where you would like. They work as an extra set of hands allowing you to measure the placement of your graphic to make sure it is perfectly level.

3. Apply one long strip of masking tape across the top of the entire graphic - Figure B below - This step will allow the tape to work as a hinge. You will then be able to lift back the entire graphic without losing your placement on your surface.

4. Remove the backing paper - Figure C below - Now that your graphic is folded back from your surface, you can peel the backing paper off. Peel slowly to ensure that none of the graphics stick to the paper.

5. Squeegee the graphics into place - Figure C below - Slowly, in a side-to-side sweeping motion, use your squeegee to press your graphics down into place. Go slow and overlap your previous pass to ensure that you don't miss any spots and get bubbles.

6. Remove the masking layer - Figure D below - Now that your graphics are applied, you can remove the masking from the top of the graphics. Pull slowly to be sure that none of the graphics come off with the masking. Pulling diagonally across the graphics will help keep them on.


Tips & Tricks

Some surfaces require a little extra preparation ahead of time. Freshly painted surfaces should allow one week to dry before applying graphics. Metal surfaces should be cleaned with a solvent cleaner, such as Prep-Sol, as well as soap and water, before applying graphics.

Temperature can affect your application. It needs to be above 40 degrees F or the adhesive will not stick. Graphics can be applied in very warm conditions, but are more likely to become "stretchy" during application in extreme heat.

Wet and dry methods - Graphics are typically applied to a dry surface, but for beginners it is common to wet the surface first. Once you complete step 3, you can fold the graphic away from the surface and peel back the backing paper. With a spray bottle, wet both the surface you're applying the graphics to and the exposed graphics. Use water with a small amount of soap. DO NOT get the backing paper wet. With the graphics wet, you now have a chance to lift the graphics back up if you don't like how the application is going. All of the application steps are the same, however you will need to wait until the graphics are dry before removing the masking.





Related article:
How to Remove Vinyl Graphics

Sign-A-Rama Des Plaines

Getting Work From Your Work Truck

Many people don't realize just how many people see your vehicle on a daily basis. With vehicle graphics or magnetic signs, every car you pass is a potential customer. Every other driver on the road can see your company name, your services, your phone number and your logo. You can transform your work vehicle into a rolling billboard for your company. Whether on the road or parked in front of a job site, your work vehicle can be doing your advertising work for you! The best part of having graphics on your vehicle is that your advertising always reaches YOUR customers because it goes where you go. It works where you work!

Vinyl vehicle graphics can be applied to your company vehicle in any color, size or shape you like. You can add your logo or any other artwork you like to draw the attention of your potential customers. Large photographs can be applied to your vehicle as well. Your vehicle can be as simple or as flashy as you would like. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

Although vinyl graphics are removable, maybe you don't want something quite as "permenant" as putting vinyl directly on your vehicle. Magnetic signs are the perfect solution. Magnetic signs are outdoor durable and can be applied to any vehicle. Although usually smaller than vinyl graphics, magnetic signs are still a very effective way to advertise your business, while still having the option of removing your signs at any time. This is a great option for people that use their personal vehicle for work, or if your homeowners association doesn't allow work vehicles in your neighborhood.

Don't miss out on a great advertising opportunity by driving around in a blank vehicle. Grab your customers attention by getting some vehicle graphics or magnetic signs at...

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