How to install large vinyl?

[KY_Graphics_Gal]

We are a print shop but dabble a little in signs from time to time. I've been a member on here for a couple of years trying to learn from all of you experienced folks. So I'm sure this is a VERY newbie question but nevertheless I have to ask. We have been contracted to install cut vinyl on a large storefront window. We've done small (hours of operation, etc...) but never something 4' wide. It is all one color Oracal 651 (I know, should be something better but this is what we have on hand and she doesn't want to wait). How do you successfully install a large piece STRAIGHT and without wrinkles and bubbles? Can you use a soapy water solution so that it can be slid into place better? Any help will be much appreciated!

 

[myront]

Are you able to keep it as one piece i.e. masked in layout? Line it up, center it etc. once you got it, tape a "hinge" at the bottom edge. Pull the backer off and fold it back using it to hold the vinyl straight. It can be done dry but you could also use a soapy alcohol solution. You can split with scissors and do half at a time if not comfortable doing it all at once.

 

[myront]

 

[KY_Graphics_Gal]

Are you able to keep it as one piece i.e. masked in layout? Line it up, center it etc. once you got it, tape a "hinge" at the bottom edge. Pull the backer off and fold it back using it to hold the vinyl straight. It can be done dry but you could also use a soapy alcohol solution. You can split with scissors and do half at a time if not comfortable doing it all at once.

It will have to be a couple of pieces because she wants other info on the window ends (3' away from center piece). I'm concerned about vertical centering with that. What ratio of soap/water/alcohol do you recommend?

 

[Stacey K]

I'm a confused buy your last question, please clarify.

I use a spray bottle of water with a few drops of Dawn dish soap.

 

[Ed. C.]

window juice from fellers

 

[myront]

....What ratio of soap/water/alcohol do you recommend?

I don't remember the ratio. We used that "back in the day". We use RapidTac now. Usually only use it on acrylic and glass.

 

[rjssigns]

For alignment with this type of install I add a full width rectangular line to the file(s). Prevents using the base of lettering to line things up. After you're done strip off the line.

 

[bob]

Place whatever it is you're cutting centered inside of a bounding rectangle and cut that rectangle as well. When you mask, trim the mask to that rectangle. Now you have a convenient rectangle to align both vertically and horizontally.

 

[Billct2]

I only use RapidTac 2 if I absolutley have to use app fluid, especially on glass and even more so in chilly weather. We apply these dry using the hinge method as shown above.

 

[KY_Graphics_Gal]

I'm a confused buy your last question, please clarify.

I use a spray bottle of water with a few drops of Dawn dish soap.

Yes! The top one. But the pieces are pretty far apart. If I mask it all together it will be 12' wide and I know for a fact that I would get it all stuck together and make a huge mess. I guess I was just hoping it was acceptable to use some kind of liquid so I had the option of sliding it up or down a quarter inch if the initial placement is off. Thanks so much for your help on this!

 

[Texas_Signmaker]

Does everybody hinge from the bottom up?
Nobody does a center hinge?

Center hinge is the easiest in my book

 

[Stacey K]

Does everybody hinge from the bottom up?
Nobody does a center hinge?

I always use a center hinge!

 

[myront]

We've found that if the hinge falls on the actual vinyl the tape can sometimes cause some "texture" effects in the vinyl.
Center hinge is fine, whatever floats your boat. If it can be broken apart just hinge it just cut between text and squeegee sections at a time.
p.s. a necessity when applying visor text to vehicles

 

[Stacey K]

Yes! The top one. But the pieces are pretty far apart. If I mask it all together it will be 12' wide and I know for a fact that I would get it all stuck together and make a huge mess. I guess I was just hoping it was acceptable to use some kind of liquid so I had the option of sliding it up or down a quarter inch if the initial placement is off. Thanks so much for your help on this!

OK, makes sense! I would cut and mask as one piece. Either add a vinyl line under the entire graphic or make a line with a pen. Then cut it apart into your 3 sections. I would tape all sections on using a center hinge. Stand back, make sure it looks good, measure again. I would start with the center section then move on. You can add a vinyl rectangle around the entire thing like Bob said too. Here's my bad drawing LOL