Ghost Graphics Process

[artfuldodger]

How do I accomplish making ghost graphics for a black trailer like what is seen on police cars

 

[myront]

Police cars, if black, are usually black reflective RTA vinyl. On a black trailer that doesn't need/want reflective then you just print a slightly lighter shade of black with a matte laminate. Might do some swatches to get the desired effect.

 

[artfuldodger]

Police cars, if black, are usually black reflective RTA vinyl. On a black trailer that doesn't need/want reflective then you just print a slightly lighter shade of black with a matte laminate. Might do some swatches to get the desired effect.
View attachment 166385

Thank You... if you print a slightly lighter shade of black with matte laminate would it still reflect at night

 

[JBurton]

slightly lighter shade of black with a matte laminate

As long as the trailer is glossy black, I'd run matte black 100%, not any 'lighter'. That or some 3m 3630 matte black, or 1080 (2080?) matte black.

 

[artfuldodger]

Thank You Very Much... Like 70-80% Black print on reflective white and then a matte laminate?...
He(a house painter) is after the Ghost look...

 

[JBurton]

Like 70-80% Black print on reflective white and then a matte laminate?...

He was saying that as a cheaper option for someone who doesn't need reflective. If the customer wants reflective, order black reflective and plot it out instead of adding print and laminate time onto a reflective material.

 

[DL Signs]

Yup... Reflective vinyls come in colors, and that's what police vehicles use (around here anyway), black for black vehicles, white for white, etc, just cut & lay.... Reflectives aren't true solid colors like paint or print, so there's usually enough contrast for daytime visibility without any laminates or extra steps. 3M 680 colored reflectives work great for this.

 

[Mike Paul]

3M Black Reflective. Looks like silver when lit up with headlights.
Other brands don’t so do a bit of homework before spending $$

 

[artfuldodger]

Thank You