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Art O · Guest

Advice on installing my own vinyl graphics/lettering?

donniedawg · Guest

Jason, They will come in long sections.... cut them into smaller sections because they are more manageable. Don't do it on a windy day. Use lipstick or a crayon, measure and mark your lines. Use a squirt bottle to mist the area....

I have done many of my trucks, trailers and vehicles myself. The guy at Fast Signs asked me if I wanted a job....
call me if you need a voice to coach ya through it....

-- Edited by donniedawg on Friday 9th of March 2012 07:43:39 PM

Jason LWRC · Guest

I've been shopping around to get the best deal on vinyl graphics/lettering on my box truck. In the process I've been quoted anywhere from $1600 to $1000 installed. I just found a website that is way cheaper but I'd have to install myself. I was curious if anyone had tried it or any advice?

Jason LWRC · Guest

I forgot to mention that my graphics are fairly simple, other than logo, it's mostly numbers and letters. But my logo I need to fill the sides of the box truck are 42" tall and 12ft long. Just seems like it could be done yourself if you're careful.

A to Z · Deleted

Those prices seem pretty cheap to me, especially for a box truck.
I would not do it myself, that's not saying you couldn't.

Liberty SoftWash · Mar 10, 2012

I wouldn't do it, I would hire it out, if you mess up you have to reorder it. Just my opinion.

garyw · Mar 10, 2012

The key to placing graphics and lettering is to keep the surface plenty wet until you get it where you want it. On a vertical surface it is harder due to the liquid running down and off. Mix some dish washing liquid with water and spray the sides well. when you get it where you want start squeggeing the liquid out until the vinyl sticks to the truck and releases from the application tape. Make sure the surface is clean,(no dust) and don't even try on a windy day. Not that hard to do, just scary when you first start. I used to do vehicle graphics and wraps when I had my photo and graphics lab.

Gary

Jason LWRC · Guest

Thanks for the advice guys. Gary I feel like I'm capable of doing it, just nervous cause there really isn't any room for error. I reckon I have more trouble coughing up the labor cost to install them, just seems overpriced compared to what the vinyl itself costs.

Guest

For those prices i would just let them do it at least it will ne guaranteed for 2-3 yrs.

Chesapeake · Guest

If you are having your graphics printed and cut, you can probably do it yourself. If you are having vinyl lettering cut in multiple colors and actually layering the colors, I would leave it to a pro. The prices you were given sound fair. I do all my own lettering, and have my own cutter. I try not to use any water when applying the vinyl. You are better off placing the lettering or graphic where you want it, and tape one side to the vehicle. Use the tape as a hinge and fold the graphic over. You can then peel the backing paper off, and hinge your graphic back where you want it placed. Slowly squeegee, starting at the hinge and work to the end. Then remove the transfer tape. The problem with water is alot of times the graphics will slide around as you're using the squeegee. Also if you don't get let it completely dry before you remove the transfer tape, you will peel the graphic off.

MJ · Mar 10, 2012

I can't get my numbers lined up on my ski boat; we paid 800 for our van and trailer.

Jason LWRC · Guest

Thanks for the advice and help guys. I'm still undecided for now but I've got one more quote coming in and from there I should be able to make a solid choice either way. I wish I could paint, I'd just do that.

donniedawg · Guest

MJ wrote:
I can't get my numbers lined up on my ski boat; we paid 800 for our van and trailer.

800 for the van and trailer is an awesome deal.

aaron61 · Guest

Jason LWRC wrote:
Thanks for the advice guys. Gary I feel like I'm capable of doing it, just nervous cause there really isn't any room for error. I reckon I have more trouble coughing up the labor cost to install them, just seems overpriced compared to what the vinyl itself costs.

That's the same thing people say when you go to clean there roof.

Just sayin

garyw · Mar 10, 2012

Jason LWRC wrote:
Thanks for the advice and help guys. I'm still undecided for now but I've got one more quote coming in and from there I should be able to make a solid choice either way. I wish I could paint, I'd just do that.

The same people that do the vinyl letters can cut you a stencil out of "like transfer tape"and you can spray paint your letters on. Just a reverse of the weeding process. Throw away the letters and keep what is usually trash.

gutterdog · Mar 10, 2012

I'm getin the lil 4 banger logoed some time soon. Leave it to the experts. And fill out your signature when you get a chance. We like to know who we are talking to.