Vinyl Graphics and Decals -

Vinyl signs make the best outdoor advertising material and can be large format digitally printed banners, billboards, posters which may be adhesive backed for ease of use. But why should these signs be placed and used only at one place?
Signs placed in one corner or permanent signs do not attract clients after a while as the message does not reach everyone. Using the vinyl signs as billboards can be very effective as billboards are huge and attract a larger audience being placed at strategic locations. However, placing such traditional billboards may be very expensive but if you use a vinyl signs keeping the same message be placed at different locations of varying sizes can be equally or more effective.
Posters are also a good idea to attract attention to your business, website or announcements. Getting vinyl posters for your requirement can be effective if they are placed at festivals and local activities, bust markets and where people visit more often. Spreading your message can definitely promote your business and products.
Vinyl decals are moldable and flexible materials which can be printed on with a digital printer and combined or joined to make a larger billboard and window graphics. Vinyl can easily be attached to any surface with higher quality adhesives for a better presentation. Vinyl graphics are also used as decals and wraps on vehicles and trucks. Vehicle wraps are used on a variety of vehicles like cars, vans, buses, motorcycles and SUVs as advertisement for a variety of purposes.
The major advantage of using vinyl banners and decals is that can withstands extreme temperatures from freezing cold to heat. As it is constructed out of synthetic material it lasts longer and more durable than traditional methods. Posters and billboards made for areas where the winds are strong can even be made out of mesh vinyl so that strong winds can pass through the mesh without spoiling the whole banner. Vinyl decals and wraps are made exclusively of vinyl as it can be wrapped easily molding according to the contours of the vehicle. Fleet wraps and truck wraps are other good options for marketing and advertising your business. Finding new means of promoting and advertising using this flexible material is easy when you contact companies which specialize in creating wraps, banners and posters customized to your requirements. So make use of this economical, flexible material which can be molded to your needs at half the price of traditional ways of advertising.

Theres a right way, and an easy way to apply your decal or graphics. You decide which works best for you, then thats the right way.

Preparing the surface for your decal:

The surface area that the vinyl goes on must be clean and free of grease, dust, or any contaminates. A 60/40 mixture of vinegar and water or soap and water works well to clean the surface; glass cleaners may not allow vinyl to adhere properly. Before applying the decal, wipe the area with isopropyl alcohol* and wipe it dry with a clean cloth. If any solvent residue is left on the surface gas bubbles may appear. Do not apply vinyl decals or Graphics to a fresh paint. Freshly panted surfaces must be completely cured then left to stand for 3 weeks before adhering your decals or graphics.

Now, follow one of the methods below to apply your vinyl graphic.

(Our Preferred Method)

HINGE METHOD:

This method is a little more involved, but perfect alignment is guaranteed. Temperature: Must be above 46F, we prefer 60F. Make sure there is no major drop in temperature for the first 24 hours. Position the entire vinyl package (application tape, vinyl graphic and backing paper) and hold in position with a small amount of masking tape. Step back, look, and/or measure to check alignment.

Next lap masking tape from upper to lower edge of the package onto the surface you are applying to. This creates a hinge that will allow perfect alignment. Hinge the package down so that the backing is exposed. Slowly peel the backing away from the application tape/vinyl package, slowly hinge back into position, and press in place starting at the lower edge and working back and forth as you move up the decal. Go over the area using a plastic squeegee across the film in overlapping sweeps as you move across the decal to further press the vinyl in place. Do the same for the other side. Once the decal is on, slowly start to peel the transfer tape from one end.

For best results, peel the tape at a low angle (close to the surface) toward the remaining tape and graphic. If the tape is pulled up at 90 to the surface, the vinyl might come with it. If any vinyl tries to lift, simply press it back down with the transfer tape and try peeling again.

SLIP-N-SLIDE METHOD:

This method is messier, but the graphic can be re-positioned if necessary. Temperature must be above 64. Liberally spray the surface that the vinyl is being applied to with some water containing a very small amount of dish washing liquid (2-3 drops of soap per quart). Slowly peel the transfer tape/vinyl package away from the vinyl backing and position on sprayed surface. Since the area has been heavily sprayed, the graphic can be moved and repositioned. Once it is in the correct location, squeegee the water out from the vinyl/tape package with a plastic squeegee, credit card or other stiff plastic. Go over the area across the film in overlapping sweeps as you move across the decal to further press the vinyl in place. Smaller drops of water left under the vinyl will eventually evaporate. Allow the package to remain until completely dry before peeling the transfer tape. Again peel the tape at a low angle, press any stubborn vinyl back in place and re-peel.

*Isopropyl alcohol is recommended as the cleaning agent as other agents may, under certain conditions, attack the paint or reduce the adhesive strength of the film.

Author: Denise Webb Denise is owner of Webbs Graphics as well as Web Site Creator. She loves the creative process of working with as well as all aspects of web creation. She is always looking for ways to improve the web site

You can contact Denise at: webbsgraphics@frontiernet.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denise_Webb