ComputerHunter.org

 

How to Save Money by Making Your Own Sign


In the sign industry we commonly refer to the material that the sign is made out of as the substrate. Examples include, wood, vinyl banners, aluminum, coroplast, etc. But what many customers do not realize is that they can purchase vinyl lettering or vinyl decals and apply them directly to typical substrates themselves. Translation ? saving money by buying blank substrates inexpensively at local hardware stores such as Home Depot and Lowes and avoiding the prices sign companies need to charge to apply the material. Although you do pay tax by buying locally on the substrate, you can save tax on the vinyl by ordering over the internet.

What are vinyl letters and/or vinyl decals? They are letters (or images) that come prespaced according to customer specifications as words, phrases, or sentences on pre masking tape. The lettering is self adhesive and by removing the paper backing, they can be applied directly to almost any substrate, car, boat, truck, windows, snowmobiles, jet skis, vans, store fronts, etc. Make sure the surface is extremely clean and free of dust or lint. Once the lettering or decal has been aligned, simply rub over the masking covering the vinyl and then remove it. The result will be perfectly spaced lettering or a decal designed as ordered with a professional look. Most sign companies will allow you to purchase multiple lines of vinyl lettering with the spacing between the lines defined by you. You can also usually obtain a combination of vinyl lettering and images on one decal.

Another tack you may wish to consider is to have the entire sign printed on vinyl made to fit the substrate you prepurchased (with a small bleed of additional vinyl to wrap around the sides). We must caution you that this is a bit trickier to apply than vinyl lettering, but problems can be overcome with care and some suggestions. When applying the vinyl to the substrate, remove the paper backing about two inches at a time, align, and then press or roll it on the surface. We recommend a roller for the application (roller applicator). Once the first part is properly aligned and applied, remove another two inches of the backing and proceed in this manner with the rest of the sign. Another trick is to moisten the substrate so you can move the vinyl if you accidentally align it improperly when first applied. The water prevents it from adhering permanently for a few seconds.

When you apply vinyl, it is inevitable that you will run into the "bubble" problem. Tiny bubbles of captured air will form under the vinyl. Usually these can be worked out with the roller but in some circumstances, they will remain. A blow dryer (not too hot) can be used to heat the vinyl up so that the air can be rolled out easier. Under some circumstances if the bubble is large, the vinyl can be heated and the bubble punctured with a pin (careful here ? only a tiny hole is needed). Be careful not to heat the vinyl too much because it can permanently deform it.

Recently, a new product has been introduced which enables the vinyl to be adjusted if it is pressed on but incorrectly aligned. The adhesive does not seal permanently for a few hours after it is applied. The material is a bit more expensive but well worth it if you are inexperienced. Don't feel bad. I know many sign companies that are now going to the easy stick vinyl to avoid large overhead costs caused by mistakes with the old permanent seal vinyl.

Article written by: Tony Nagy
Email: info@designasign.biz
To learn more about Magnetic signs and other types of signs please visit http://designasign.blogspot.com/
to purchase Magnetic, Vinyl and just about every type of sign imaginable visit http://www.designasign.biz







Google News - Top Stories

Boston Globe

Bush to announce expanded bank bailout details
The Associated Press - 1 hour ago
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Bush administration plans to spend as much as $250 billion of the $700 billion bailout buying stock in private banks, greatly expanding protections for the US financial system out of deep concern for the faltering economy, ...
Bailout, Part Two Forbes
What Treasury is planning CNNMoney.com
Bloomberg - The Raleigh Telegram - BusinessWeek - Bizjournals.com
all 1,526 news articles


Voice of America

Stocks Soar 11 Percent on Aid to Banks
New York Times - 2 hours ago
By MICHAEL M. GRYNBAUM The Dow Jones industrial average gained 936 points on Monday, the biggest gain in the American stock market since the 1930s, as Wall Street continued to careen through the worst crisis in decades.
Video: Wall Street Soars on Gov't Aid Pledges AssociatedPress
Bargain hunters fuel Dow's record rise The Star-Ledger - NJ.com
International Herald Tribune - KXLY - The Associated Press - TIME
all 6,651 news articles


BBC News

McCain switches gears, aggressively goes on the offensive
San Francisco Chronicle - 2 hours ago
Sen. John McCain - pressured by criticism of his campaign's recent harsh personal attacks on Sen. Barack Obama - put aside a planned economic policy speech today and instead delivered a scrappy address casting himself again as a tireless political ...
Video: New McCain Stump Speech Emphasizes Economy AssociatedPress
"Mine, Baby, Mine" Washington Post
Los Angeles Times - AFP - Washington Times - Seattle Post Intelligencer
all 1,848 news articles


ABC News

A Florida (House) Bombshell
Washington Post - 1 hour ago
Two years after he won the seat held by former Rep. Mark Foley, Rep. Tim Mahoney (D-Fla.) may be on the other end of a scandal-sparked seat loss.
House to investigate lawmaker for alleged affair, ethics lapse CNN
Fla. congressman seeks probe after affair reports The Associated Press
ABC News - CBS News - Los Angeles Times - KDBC
all 197 news articles


BBC News

LA firefighters battle wildfires
BBC News - 1 hour ago
About 1000 US firefighters are tackling wildfires near Los Angeles thought to have caused two deaths, with 12000 people driven from their homes.
Video: Second Fire Breaks Out Above San Fernando Valley AssociatedPress
Wildfires threaten LA homes; one man killed ABS CBN News
AFP - San Diego Union Tribune - San Jose Mercury News - KCBS
all 2,931 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base