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 and Care for your Magnetic Signs

Magnetic signs are a great way to transform an ordinary vehicle into a "rolling advertisement" without having any permanent graphics applied to your vehicle. Magnetic signs are easily applied and easily removed. They are very popular for people that use their personal vehicle for work, but still want to advertise their company. They are also popular for people that live or work in areas where "work trucks" are not allowed.

The following article will give you some tips on how to apply and position your magnetic signs to your vehicle. We will also give you some advice on how to care for your magnetic signs so they will last for a very long time.


Applying and Positioning
Applying your magnetic signs to your vehicle is a very simple process as there is no adhesive involved at all. It is literally as simple as sticking a magnet to your refrigerator. Positioning your magnetics, on the other hand, can be a bit tricky. First, clean both the car and the back of the magnetic sign. Soap and water is all you need. To position your sign, we recommend holding your magnetic sign by the sides, allowing it to dip in the middle, forming a "U" shape. Place the center (low part of the "U") first, and then place the sides. This technique better allows you to see if your sign is straight. If you don't like the position of your sign, DO NOT slide your magnetic into place. Sliding it will cause you do drag any debris from the car right across your car's paint job. Simply lift the magnetic off of your vehicle, and reposition it again until you are satisfied.


Care and Maintenance

• Store your magnetic signs on a flat surface. Keeping your signs on wavy surfaces will cause your magnetics to become wavy, especially in cold weather. If this happens, it is more likely that your signs may come off during driving.
• Clean your magnetics regularly. Every couple of weeks, remove your signs, and clean the back of them as well as the area of your vehicle that you use your signs.
• DO NOT drive on the expressway with your signs on your vehicle. Although the bond of magnetic signs is very strong, they are not made to withstand the winds caused by traveling at high speeds.
• Remove your magnetic signs before going through a car wash. The high pressure hoses, as well as the brushes in car washes can knock your signs off your vehicle.

To order your magnetic signs, visit us at ShopSignARama.com

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How to Remove Vinyl Graphics

The following article will help you remove unwanted vinyl graphics without leaving behind an adhesive residue. With this tutorial, you will be able to take off graphics from any surface, no matter how long they have been on.

1. Heat the surface. Using a heat gun (preferably), or a hair dryer, heat the graphics you wish to remove. Heating them will help make them softer and will allow the adhesive to release easier. This is especially important with older graphics as they become brittle over time.

2. Begin peeling vinyl with a plastic razor blade. Starting at an edge, slide your plastic razor blade under the vinyl until you have a piece large enough to hold with your fingers.

3. Once you have an edge started, pull by hand. Now you can begin peeling the vinyl with your hands. If the vinyl is fairly new, it may come off easily and in one piece. Most vinyl however, will break up into smaller pieces and you will need to pick at it with the plastic razor blade again to continue. If the vinyl is breaking frequently, try using the heat gun again to soften the vinyl.

4. Clean the adhesive. Once your vinyl is completely removed, you will see much of the adhesive has been left behind. You will need to spray this residue with a product such as "goo-gone" to soften the adhesive. Allow this to set in for a minute or so before scraping the adhesive. Take your plastic razor blade and scrape the adhesive. It should come off in a jelly-like consistency. Be sure to remove ALL of the adhesive.

5. Clean the adhesive remover. Once you remove all the adhesive, you will need to wash the chemicals off that were left behind. It is very important that you get all of the chemicals off as vinyl will no longer stick in that area if you wish to replace your graphics. Use a spray bottle with a soap and water mix and wash an area larger than your old graphics to ensure that you clean the area entirely.

Tips and Tricks
When removing vinyl graphics from glass, all of the steps are the same, but a paint scraper can be used instead of a plastic razor blade. As long as you are sure to use a brand new razor blade in your scraper, this can cut down on removal time dramatically. It should also leave behind less adhesive than using a plastic razor blade. This method should only be used on glass however, as a paint scraper will scratch and gouge most other surfaces.

If your graphics were applied to a painted surface, you may still see the outline from your graphics as the sun will have faded the paint, while the vinyl has protected the paint underneath the graphics. This is perfectly normal and, over time, this effect will fade and blend in with the rest of the paint.


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1. The edge of the vinyl being lifted with plastic razorblade.
2. Vinyl being peeled up by hand.
3. The adhesive residue left behind after vinyl is removed.
4. The adhesive "jelly" being removed after being sprayed with "goo-gone."


Related article:
How to Apply Vinyl Graphics

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