How to Make Custom ATV Graphics

All terrain vehicles that are used for sport are usually decorated with a paint job and graphics which personalize the equipment to suit the owner. Many stock ATV bodies are updated to include sharp graphics and color designs that show off the power, brand or the style of the owner who embellishes their off-road equipment with graphics. Vinyl lettering and vinyl designs are an easy way to add graphics to any ATV and making them just the way you want can be accomplished using computer aided graphic designs that are transferred into a vinyl graphic printer that can lay out and cut the graphic material into your design of choice.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Graphic software such as MS Paint or Adobe Illustrator
• Matrix printer for vinyl lettering
• Vinyl stock sheets
• Craft knife
• Vinyl backing paper

Instructions

1. Measure the space on the ATV where the custom graphics will be affixed. Take note of any curvature or body shapes that will obstruct the application or alter the dimensions of the graphic. Lay out the spaces on paper with the dimensions visible so that you can keep your custom vinyl graphic design the right size for the space.

2. Hand-draw the graphic design on paper prior to creating it with the computer graphic design tool, or create a custom design in the computer software itself. With the added shape tools you can build custom shapes and layouts and then save them for later. Use the dimensions from the ATV body shape to create unique enhancements for the ATV's new custom look.

3. Save the file for printing with the vinyl graphics matrix printer. The vinyl printer will die cut the design into blank sheets of vinyl so that they can be applied to any surface. Insert the proper colored vinyl so that the printer is working on the correct design and in the right color and then print it. The vinyl will be ejected from the printer in a smooth manner. Once completed, take the vinyl to a flat work space to separate the design from the rest of the vinyl that's not being used.

4. Pull the die cut design from the scrap vinyl that will not be used in the application. Use a craft knife to lift up the edge of the design and pull it from the blank sheet. Lay the design onto the vinyl backing paper so that it will maintain its shape and stickiness until use. Use the knife to remove the vinyl backing sheet from the design when ready to apply.

5. Save the design computer file for future use. Once you have applied the custom ATV graphics on to your vehicle, you may need to replace it or want to make more of the same design. Open the design file and click "Save as" under the file table of the design program. Save the file in an easily recognized computer folder for later use.

Tips & Warnings

• Always properly clean the surface of any material that will be accepting vinyl lettering and graphics. Create the design in the color you will use in vinyl. Rather than making all the designs in black and then transferring them onto colored vinyl, see how the graphics will look by creating the graphic in the color it will be when finished.

• Vinyl graphics are delicate when pulled away from any backing paper. Always have a front and back paper to protect the vinyl graphic before application.