Applying vinyl over rivets is one thing. Applying vinyl over corrugation is quite another. But don’t let that stop you. If you can learn to apply vinyl over corrugation, then you can tap into the lucrative world of fleets. Corrugations are some of the most dreaded substrates over which to install vinyl. But check out […] Read more »
A Megawrap with Flavor – vinyl installer wraps world’s largest beer can
Discover the challenges of wrapping a monumental can — and keeping it realistic from top to bottom. How would you go about wrapping a beer can so big that Paul Bunyan would have had to use two hands to slug it down? Impossible? Not according to Avery Dennison Graphics and the wide-format graphics designers at […] Read more »
The New American Sign Museum
A Dream Comes True With the opening of the new American Sign Museum on June 23 this year, museum founder Tod Swormstedt achieved one of his dreams. As I walked past the brightly lit exhibits, I thought about what Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich, had said: what a man can conceive of and […] Read more »
Reverse Painting on Glass
Painting a scene is a challenge for most people. Now, imagine painting everything in reverse. It can be mind-boggling. As I struggled with the learning curve, I soon realized that I needed help. I was fortunate to have some veteran sign painters coach me through the process of reverse painting on glass. If you are up for […] Read more »
Woodcarving Vise Swivels 360⁰
A good vise and an assortment of clamps are essential tools for woodworkers. Sometimes when you are carving, you need to secure the piece in an upright position, especially if you are working in the round. When I saw the woodcarving vise that swivels (pictured), I had to have it. The vise rotates 360⁰, […] Read more »
Solvents and Fire Safety
Fire is undiscriminating. It can flare up at any time. And can happen to anyone. After finishing a vinyl graphics application job, a former colleague and mentor had loaded the back seat of his car with rags which had been soaked in solvent for cleaning, before heading down the road. As John drove, he attempted […] Read more »
Painting Expanded PVC Panels
For less demanding applications expanded PVC (EPVC) board is a good alternative for short-term outdoor signage, indoor retail signage, P.O.P displays, tradeshow and museum exhibits and for mounting photographs and digital prints. Some of the popular brands that are stocked by sign supply distributors are Sintra®, Celtec, Komatex and Veracel. Available in different densities and finishes and in […] Read more »
Toning Metal Leaf with Liver of Sulfur
Exposed to the elements, many metals oxidize. When they do, they change colors. Copper and bronze will sometimes develop an attractive verdigris of green. As they weather, metals will also darken, turning their brassy colors to antique hues of brown. The term most frequently used for the weatherworn coloration that metals develop is patina. Read more »
Wrapping the Fair
If you think wrapping mega slides is the same as wrapping cars, think again. Discover how to navigate the challenges that could spell opportunity for you. Wrapping rides at fair grounds spells opportunity for one vehicle wrap company after the learning curve. There are megawraps and then there are megawraps. Wrapping rides at the […] Read more »
E-Waste Plastic Sign Substrate
Waste Not, Want Not Adversity brings out the best and the worst in people. In some parts of the country, the theft of aluminum signs has risen dramatically during this protracted recession. Is it any surprise? With rising raw material costs, aluminum is valuable as scrap. To thwart criminals, traffic sign manufacturers are replacing aluminum […] Read more »
