installing stripes to a 45ft trailer

[DrunknMonk]

Hi all im apply graphics to a 45ft trailer, the design has 20mm stripes the full length, I have to fit these in 2.5m sections, the problem is when I'm measuring and putting a chinagraph pencil mark say every half meter, the lines dip up and down, so when you look down the side of the trailer they dont look right, but from the side and 20ft away it looks fine, I just want to get these correct as ive got 10 trailers to do, i thought about using masking tape as a guide, but im working on my own and its hard to fit the making tape, any help would be appreciated also a quick one im fitting the graphics in a garage which is only 10c and the trailer is full of rivets, will this still be ok customer not looking for any guarantees .

Thanks Gary

 

[Billct2]

Chalk line or laser level

 

[eahicks]

Chalkline, yes.

 

[DrunknMonk]

will the chalk effect the vinyl from sticking ?

 

[Billct2]

Don't go over the chalk. Or if you that concerned use the chalk line to apply a masking tape straight line, then wipe off the chalk and pally the stripe.

 

[Sign Works]

I simply use a blue Stabillo for marking and if necessary use 1/4" or 1/2" masking for guideline.

 

[BIG EASY DOES IT]

Laser Line with magnet stick it on and away you go.

 

[rjssigns]

Another vote for a laser level. No messing with tape or chalk.

 

[DrunknMonk]

laser level sounds good, just so I can buy some more toys but would have mod it the trailers are aluminium so might have to put a suction cup on it unless there are ones available

 

[BIG EASY DOES IT]

laser level sounds good, just so I can buy some more toys but would have mod it the trailers are aluminium so might have to put a suction cup on it unless there are ones available

Or take a steel post and make it straight and attach to that on the back end of trailer.

 

[phototec]

laser level sounds good, just so I can buy some more toys but would have mod it the trailers are aluminium so might have to put a suction cup on it unless there are ones available

I use a rotating self leveling laser level mounted on a tripod about 10' away from the trailer, the laser can be set to pan left to right projection the red line on the trailer. After adjusting the laser height on the tripod it makes it easy and no cost of tape or marking pencils.

It is one of my best investments, use it all the time on almost any sign project.