How to Make Magnetic Vinyl Signs
Magnetic signs are an easy project that is relatively inexpensive. While magnet material can be hand painted, local sign shops can produced ready-to-install vinyl pre-spaced lettering and logos. Pre-spaced vinyl decals usually outlast paint, and will provide a professional look to your sign that won't look "handmade." Magnetic material can now be found in many art stores, craft shops or larger department stores, or the same sign shop may be willing to sell blanks. Application supplies can sometimes be purchased at sign shops, but can be substituted with items around the home.
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Things You'll Need
- Magnetic sign material (30 mil. thick, 12 inch by 18 inch, or 18 inch by 24 inch is standard)
- Vinyl decal
- Scissors
- Ruler or tape measure
- Masking tape
- Sign maker's application fluid or glass cleaner
- Sign maker's squeegee or heavy cardboard or plastic rectangle, about 3 inches by 2 inches.
- Paper towels
- Common pin or sewing needle
Instructions
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1
Place the magnetic material on a smooth flat surface.
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2
Lay the decal on the magnet, trimming the edges of the decal backing sheet with scissors so they don't overlap the magnet. You may trim as much material as is possible with straight cuts, without cutting into the vinyl itself.
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3
Square the design by measuring side to side, and top to bottom, with a ruler or tape measure. Use the edge of the magnet material as the square edge starting point.
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4
Fasten the top edge of the vinyl onto the magnetic surface with a strip of masking tape. You are forming a hinge that securely holds the vinyl in place, but allows it to flip upward.
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5
Swing the vinyl away from the magnet surface, and spray the magnet with a light application of glass cleaner, or sign maker's application fluid. The fluid will aid in the removal of air bubbles, and allow minor repositioning of vinyl if necessary.
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6
Hold the free edge with one hand, and use the other to remove the backing sheet from the vinyl. The adhesive back will now be exposed.
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7
Relax the vinyl into a "C" shape, and squeegee the vinyl onto the surface with a sign maker's squeegee, heavy cardboard or plastic rectangle, starting from the hinge. Use one hand to maintain the "C" shape, the other to squeegee. Continue application with the squeegee until you've reach the bottom of the decal.
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8
Remove the top application tape by grasping at one corner. Continue to peel from the vinyl, maintaining as close to a 180 degree angle as possible. Peel slowly, and make note of any vinyl edge that may come loose. If it does, burnish the area with the squeegee and try again.
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9
Remove tape hinge, wipe the vinyl dry with paper towels, and inspect for air bubbles.
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10
Remove air bubbles by forcing them to the outside of the lettering with the squeegee. Stubborn bubbles may be pierced with a common pin or sewing needle, and burnished flat with a squeegee.
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Tips & Warnings
Work slowly, and think through every process.
Double check all measurements. It will be impossible to properly reposition the entire decal once it is applied.
You may have to call more than one sign shop for vinyl lettering and supplies. Because it is a signmaker's business to manufacture and install lettering and signs, you may encounter shops that will not sell separate components.
Magnetic signs can discolor vehicle finishes if not properly installed. Before use, wash and wax the vehicle area where the sign will be installed. Follow up by removing the sign and washing and waxing the area once a week.
Do not attempt to install vinyl without using glass cleaner or application fluid, although dry application is possible when done by experienced professionals. It is easy to make mistakes when handling vinyl, and once the adhesive has contacted the dry surface, it cannot be removed without damaging the decal beyond repair.
