The extraordinary clarity of acrylic sheet makes it an excellent substrate for backlit signs, which is why it remains the product of choice. Acrylic is typically painted in reverse on the second surface of the sheet. Acrylic provides tremendous protection from the degrading effects of UV light. A number of different paints are available for […] Read more »
Rotator Tape Dispenser
If you regularly use several different types or sizes of application tape, a tape dispenser called the Rotator could be the perfect addition to your shop. As the name implies, the Rotator is a rotating tape dispenser. Read more »
Accentuating Contrast in Your Chip Carving
Woodcarvers use several different techniques in staining their chip carving. Many will take a small brush, such as a #8 quill, to stain the entire panel with a very light colored stain, wiping the excess stain from the wood with paper toweling. After the lighter stain dries, the next step is to apply a darker stain. […] Read more »
More on What You Need to Know About Rivets
Discover the ins and outs, dos and don’ts of installing vinyl graphics over rivets. What you find out may surprise you. Dealing with rivets is the price you pay for greater profits. But applying over rivets need not be a nightmare if you have the right knowledge and skills. Read more »
Avoiding Airbrushed Vinyl Mistakes
Perfecting the art of airbrushing on vinyl takes time but you can avoid beginner’s mistakes with a few insiders’ tips. Before you make big bucks airbrushing on vinyl, you’ll probably make plenty of mistakes. Find out the common pitfalls so you can steer clear of trigger-happiness, poor lettering and the like. Read more »
Should You Buy Ink in Bulk?
Discover the pros and cons of buying ink in large quantities. Want to save money on your ink budget? Barring using third-party inks, you have two options: buy in bulk or install a bulk ink system. Read more »
Choosing a Floor Graphics Overlaminate
Which Film is the Best? Today you have many more overlaminate options for floor graphics than were available ten years ago. Polycarbonate and vinyl films — most of which are pressure-sensitive — are often used to protect floor graphics. Read more »
Safety and Latex Paints
In my articles on wall graphics I make a few recommendations on painting with latex paint. What I did not do was make any recommendations regarding safety. Who would think that there are any health concerns when painting walls with latex paint? I never did. After all, latex paint is water-based and that’s safe, isn’t […] Read more »
Dimples in Paper Application Tape
Dimples on a person’s face are usually regarded as being attractive and desirable. But dimples on the surface of paper application tape…not so much! In fact, dimples in the application tape are aesthetically unappealing. In most cases, however, a little dimpling does not mean the roll is bad and can’t be used. Generally, sign makers can […] Read more »
Gold Leaf: To Clear or Not To Clear
Most gilders agree that for most sign applications, you should not clear coat 23-karat gold leaf. What differentiates gold from other metals is its brilliance. Clear coating diminishes its shiny surface. But as with all rules, there are exceptions. If it is likely that the general public will put their grubby mitts on the gilded surface, […] Read more »
