How to Create Vinyl Graphics

Use your computer to create vinyl decals.

Creating your own custom vinyl graphics takes determination and practice, but it costs less than buying them, is easier than trying to search for something original and allows you to express yourself. With the proper tools and techniques, making your own vinyl decals not only expands your creative portfolio, but it allows you to get paid for your artwork.

Things You'll Need

• Cutter/plotter
• Computer
• Vectoring software
• Rolls of vinyl
• Large table
• Cutting mat
• Craft knife
• Masking tape
• Pre-mask
• Squeegee
• Scissors

Instructions

Vector Images

1. 

   Vectors are lines.

   Find a "vector" image or an image that contains computer rendered lines, not "pixels" (dots). If your image is not already "vectored," open the file in a vector program. Use the trace function, or outline the image with the pen tool. Visit the help file of your specific program for instructions on tracing images. View the image in outline mode. Adjust the lines as necessary with the pen tool, so no undesired lines intersect. Create a new file for each color. Place registration marks at the four corners of the graphic, outside the image area. Color-separate your image into individual files. Save your image as a .dwg, .cdr, .ai or as a .bmp. Import your drawing into the cutter software with the Place function. Consult the Help file of your specific software program for more information.

2. 

   Using the wrong vinyl is not music to your ears.

   Select the right type of vinyl for your decal. According to Sign Industry Magazine, use cast vinyl (2 mil) for long-term vinyl graphics you want to last for five to eight years. Use calendared vinyl (3.2-3.4 mil) for economy graphics, or short-term graphics you'd like to see last from one to five years. For application on vehicles, use cast vinyl.

3. 

   The post and the sign are at a right angle, measured as 90 degrees or one-quarter of a circle.

   Prepare the vinyl. Unroll onto a flat surface the amount of vinyl you will need to complete the decal. Allow an extra inch or two as a safeguard. With a T-square, a ruler for measuring right angles, check the edges of the vinyl roll to make sure the vinyl sheet is square. Trim as necessary with a craft knife or scissors. Repeat if more than one color will be used. Place the vinyl sheet into the cutter. Line-up the edge of the vinyl sheet to the guides on the cutter. Lock into place. In the cutter program, select "cut/plot."

4. 

   Negative Space is empty space, Space around an object or form is also called "white space."

   Remove the vinyl from the cutter after all lines have been cut. Place on a large table on top of a cutting mat. "Weed" the negative areas of your sticker, removing excess vinyl with a craft knife. Do not yank the vinyl. Carefully remove the excess vinyl, following the direction of the natural curves of the design. Keep the vinyl as close to the work surface as possible.

5. 

   Put the pieces together.

   Determine the sequence of your color layers. Start with the top-level layer. Use masking tape to secure the vinyl graphic to the work area. Tape all edges around the graphic without touching the design. Remove the necessary length of pre-mask tape without touching the graphic. Secure the edge of the pre-mask at about one-eighth of an inch to the right of the taped vinyl sheet. Use a squeegee to secure the pre-mask to the graphic, moving the squeegee across the sticker in a sideways and downward stroke. After you apply all the pre-mask, squeegee the vinyl again to remove any air bubbles. Deflate bubbled air pockets with a straight pin or needle. Work from the outside in to remove the pin-popped bubbles. Trim the sticker evenly around using scissors or a craft knife and a T-square. Leave an inch or two of space around the graphic for later taping. Repeat for each color layer. Do not tape the bottom layer.

6. 

   Registration marks help you line up the colors of your vinyl decal.

   With your bottom layer taped securely on a flat surface, use the registration marks to line-up your layers one by one. Complete each separate layer before you continue. Secure the top edge of the second color, creating a hinge with the tape. Flip the second color upward and remove the paper backing. Initially, do not allow the vinyl graphic to touch the bottom layer. Run your finger along the top edge to secure the second color to the work area. In a downward and sideways motion, smooth the top color over the base layer. Repeat for each color. Apply your graphic on the surface of your choice.

Tips & Warnings

• Vectors can be re-sized without loss of clarity of the image.

• Color separate and assist with alignment by deleting all colors except the current color you are working on, save, and then hit undo and start again with another color. This keeps the elements in the correct position.

• If possible, use a light table to line-up color separations.

• If your vector program doesn't have registrations marks, use a basic shape instead.

• When laying pre-mask over your graphic, hold the tape as horizontal as you can. Leave a slight dip in the pre-mask as you smooth it down.

References

• Sign Industry.com: Choosing the Right Pre-Mask
• Sign Industry.com: Cast Vinyl vs. Calendared Vinyl: Learn the Big Difference
• Dictionary Reference.com: Negative Space
• Dictionary Reference.com: Right Angle

Resources

• Vinyl Tips