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Exhibition Graphics Techniques

Application of Computer-cut Vinyl Lettering

Pen-marking method

Using a standard ballpoint pen mark a line on the substrate corresponding to the baseline of the text to be applied. Keep the line light so as not to cause an impression on the substrate.
If applying to a vehicle or acrylic use a chinagraph pencil of a similar colour to the vehicle paintwork; it is advisable to do a test as some formulations of paint can be stained.

Remove the text or logo from the release paper liner and hold firmly at each end.
Line up the baseline of the text with the line marked on the substrate while keeping the text just away from the surface - you should be able to see the line through the application tape.

Lightly press the extremities to the surface to secure the text or logo in place.
Next, using a vinyl applicator and starting from the centre of the graphic, press outward from the centre, up and down, working your way towards one end. Repeat the process working towards the other end.

Peel back the application tape working from one corner and keeping the tape at an acute angle; this stops the vinyl from being lifted off the substrate.

Clean off the line using methylated spirit for ballpoint pen or white spirit for chinagraph.

Hinge Method

Fold graphic in half and press a small fold into the bottom of the graphic. Place a piece of masking tape at each end of the graphic and secure to the substrate. Using a tape measure lift and replace the graphic until the fold mark is at the left to right centre mark.

Again, using a retractable tape measure lift one end of the graphic and move up or down until it is in the required position. Do the same to the other end and then re-check the first end as it will probly have moved.

When you are sure the graphic is in the correct position put a strip across the whole graphic somewhere near the middle and preferably with at least one edge lying in a gap between letters. This is known as the hinge.

Next line up a piece of masking tape with the application tape at one end of the graphic.
Remove the piece of tape, at that end, securing the graphic to the substrate and fold back the grahpic 180 degrees and press a sharp fold into it.
Peel back the release paper and tear it off at the fold line. Line up the edge of the application tape with the piece of masking tape used to mark its position.
Next, using a vinyl applicator and starting from the centre of the graphic, press outward from the centre, up and down, working your way towards one end. Repeat the process working towards the other end.

Peel back the application tape working from one corner and keeping the tape at an acute angle; this stops the vinyl from being lifted off the substrate.
This method has the advantage of not needing any lines to mark the position and is therefore useful for applications to sensitive surfaces.

Where the graphic does not allow for a centre hinge, because of the lack of a suitable gap in which to create the fold, the hinge can be created at one end of the graphic or along the top or bottom.