Applying Vehicle Graphics: Materials

"I'm talking about vehicle graphics and the best way to apply them. In this segment we're going to talk about some of the different types of materials in applying vehicle graphics. On this particular vehicle we're going to be applying the reflective material. Several different types of stripes will be put on this vehicle forming a Z pattern. We have the artwork, the lettering that goes on it, which is all reflective material. This particular material has what's called a paper mask over it. I'll show you the steps on setting that up here shortly. With a paper mask you simply put it on there and apply it to the vehicle where you want it, after you measure it, and stick it on. For example, in this job I don't think they're going to let me do it, but we're going to try. These are flames. We will put down the first background of the flame which is a white flame with a paper mask, after that we're going to take the flame and put the flame on it. The flame has a clear backing on it so that you can simply lay it over when you can see it, align it and squeegee and put it on there. We'll probably have to take it off, but we're going to try it anyway. This is called print vinyl. It's reflective vinyl that we've ordered from a company that you can find online and it has a particular agency or anything that you want on there that's printed on the vinyl. You take this vinyl, simply take it off and apply. Anytime you put this kind of vinyl on you have to be very careful because it's very thick and very tough. These particular type letters are non-reflective. Some agencies don't want reflective lettering on the sides of it showing the particular unit number, but it's always a good idea to have the reflectivity for conspicuity. It shows a brightness and shows a safety level. Safety is very important when it comes to emergency vehicles. A lot of businesses are going to that now too. They put the name of the business on the side of their vehicle in reflective and at night it's a simple advertising tool."