Which means you're not really using a level, in terms of leveling to true horizontal, which is what this post is about. You're doing what you should be doing, and referencing something from the body of the vehicle to create the horizontal line to which your graphics are aligned. The fact that you are using something called a digital level does not mean you are using a level to determining where to place the graphics.
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van lettering should i go with the molding line or use a level?
- Thread starter CENTERVILLE SIGNS
- Start date
bannertime
Active Member
It literally means I am using a level as a tool to provide reference for where to place the graphics. You're just being pedantic. People were mentioning that levels were useless because you're likely not on level ground, or the vehicle isn't resting in a level position. It's a tool in the box that can be used to speed up installations. It's as simple as that. If someone doesn't want to use it, or they don't understand how to use it, that's on them.
Stacey K
I like making signs
I use the body lines of the vehicle. I've done a few mini vans (not sure what kind of van you are talking about - you should tell us so we can give you our opinion) and the center windows can be lined up easy enough with the bottom of the door but the back window are more of a problem. My solution was to take a 4' flimsy cork backed long ruler and place it on the bottom of the middle windows lettering and extend it to the back window so I'm sure that both windows are level with each other. It's easier with 2 people but I've done it myself. I always tape all the lettering on both sides first to make sure I'm pretty close to finding the right spot. Those back windows are a pain and the last van I did had several bullet points listed on each back window. It worked out fine on one side but the other side was more finicky. I like both sides to be the same so I had to adjust side one a little bit so side 2 fit nicely. Of course nobody sees both sides at the same time but I would not be able to sleep at night if I knew one side was 1/2" lower because of my poor planning LOL
It's not pedantism. When people think of using a level, the usual meaning is to find what is level according to a true horizontal, perpendicular to a plumb. But you are still doing what the majority are advocating, determining how to angle your lettering based on the lines and sweep of the vehicle. Even though you are using an adjustable digital level to aid in aligning multiple lines of copy/graphics, you are not using a level to place them on a true horizontal line, parallel to level ground. I believe that's an important distinction to clarify, since a quick read might leave the impression that you advocate placing the graphics level to the ground, regardless of the vehicle (which is what would happen using the typical bubble level.)
Gino
Premium Subscriber
Hmmmm........ I believe the level is no longer a level, but a predetermined protractor...... and a long one at that.
I wouldn't consider that a level as being used and described, either. However, it is a nice trick. My only question is....... ya know how much play is in any one of those bubbles. Will a digital always be dead-balls on regardless of what angle you set it ?? Once ya go off on angles and whatnot, the discretion might get weird. When going to the other side, do you start all over again or just flip it ?? According to what's in the truck, it might alter if you don't start all over again for the same reasons as stated on using a conventional level.
I wouldn't consider that a level as being used and described, either. However, it is a nice trick. My only question is....... ya know how much play is in any one of those bubbles. Will a digital always be dead-balls on regardless of what angle you set it ?? Once ya go off on angles and whatnot, the discretion might get weird. When going to the other side, do you start all over again or just flip it ?? According to what's in the truck, it might alter if you don't start all over again for the same reasons as stated on using a conventional level.
bannertime
Active Member
I'm sorry, I believe I said:
Not sure how one could interpret that to mean "level graphics to the ground."
Texas_Signmaker
Very Active Signmaker
Once Trump flatens their whole country then I think we can trust the level.
Johnny Best
Active Member
Dick Tracy is looking for this guy.
gabagoo
New Member
Perfect example of what not to do
GAC05
Quit buggin' me
It looks level with the snow on the roof.
Johnny Best
Active Member
I feel bad for the guy, probably got ripped of by some sign guy for that and then driving around in a maroon van with no hubcaps. He is just trying to make a living.
That probably was the wife driving to the grocery store on a cold wet Saturday, while he stays home watching their four children tear the house apart and he tries to repair a toaster oven on the dining room table.
That probably was the wife driving to the grocery store on a cold wet Saturday, while he stays home watching their four children tear the house apart and he tries to repair a toaster oven on the dining room table.
Phil Swanson
Premium Subscriber
One of the first things that we were taught in sign painting school was NEVER EVER use a level OR measure from the ground to letter a vehicle.
Most commercial vehicles have heavy duty suspensions and are nowhere near level.
I have always measured from body lines and looked at it by eye to find the best option.
Most commercial vehicles have heavy duty suspensions and are nowhere near level.
I have always measured from body lines and looked at it by eye to find the best option.
VonsGraphix1969
New Member
Never use a level.. Using the natural body lines of the truck or van will ALWAYS lead to better results... This way, no matter which way the vehicle sits (empty or loaded) or in an uphill driveway, or just on level ground etc etc, the graphics will always look correct....
LOL, I did the same thing..I'm not making fun of this install, it just shows there is no perfect placement on a vehicle (please ignore the dog nose prints on my window):