800 762-9205 - Beacon Graphics

Glossary & techniquesCALENDERED VINYL (Polymeric): These films have an exterior life of five yearsand can be used for outdoor signage when applied to smooth surfaces. They arerecommended for the lettering of vehicles with riveted panels.CALENDERED VINYL (Monomeric): Monomeric calendered vinyls offer anextremely economical solution for interior lettering applications. Outdoor lifeis limited to three years and therefore should be considered for short-term,temporary, outdoor use on smooth surfaces.CAST VINYL: Cast vinyls are extremely durable and will withstand considerablevariations in temperature and humidity. Their dimensional stability makes themparticularly suited for application to compound curved and uneven surfaces suchas corrugations and rivets. Cast vinyls have a guaranteed minimum outdoor life.They are therfore ideal for virtually all long term applications including vehiclelettering, marine, industrial markings and exterior signs. Indoor applicationsinclude reverse window graphics where extremes of temperature and humidityrequire utmost stability.APPLICATION TAPE: Medium-tack, self-wound, latex-impregnated paper fortransferring pre-spaced vinyl-cut graphics.HINGE: A piece of tape that holds the graphic in position during application.KERNING: Modification of the spacing between letters while typesetting formaximum readability.MASK: Material used to protect open or selected areas of a surface during painting(Paint Mask on page 8) or sandblasting process (page 16).REGISTRATION: Proper positioning of the various layers of a graphic compositeusually composed of various colors. Use clear application tape.RELEASE LINER: Silicone-treated paper used for ease in handling and transportingself-adhesive materials. (See page 8)SQUEEGEE: A plastic or felt application tool designed for applying pressure-sensitivefilms. (See page 20)TACK: A piece of tape placed at each end of a graphic used to make positioningmoves before applying the hinge.WEEDING: The process of removing the excess material from a graphic. (Seephoto on page 4)Vertical Hinge Method1. Position legend and hold in place with masking tape. (See Figure 1)2. Apply masking tape vertically through the center of the legend. (See Figure 2)3. Remove tack from one end, lay legend over towards center of tape hinge.4. Spray surface and legend with wetting solution (Right-On or Splash).5. Pull release liner away from application tape and legend toward the hinge.6. Cut release liner with scissors and discard.7. Squeegee down exposed half of legend.8. Remove the tack and hinge and lay the other half over.9. Remove the rest of the release liner and squeegee into place.Horizontal Hinge Method1. Position legend with tacks. (See Figure 1)2. Apply masking tape horizontally across top of legend. (See Figure 3)3. Remove tacks.4. Flip legend over and remove release liner.5. Spray surface and legend with wetting solution (Right-On or Splash).6. Holding both sides of the bottom of the legend, lay over on sign surface.7. Using as little pressure as possible, smooth entire legend into place with squeegee.8. Squeegee downward from hinge and increase pressure from center outward.9. Remove hinge and squeegee again.“Eye Ball” Method1. Draw a baseline and either a vertical center or edge line mark on application tape.2. Mark corresponding lines on sign surface.3. Spray surface and legend with wetting solution (Right-On or Splash).4. Position legend in place by lining up markings.5. Lightly squeegee to remove most liquid and set in place.6. Squeegee from center outward in all directions gradually increasing pressure.7. Allow to dry. Drying time will vary with temperature, amount of solution & material.8. Remove application tape and squeegee again.WETTING SOLUTION: A mixture of soap, alcohol and water used to temporarilydefeat adhesive action while positioning the graphic. (See page 12)Weeding small graphics1. Cut the graphic with a weed border around it.2. Do not weed.3. Place application tape over the entire graphic and border.4. Apply to the surface with gentle pressure.5. Remove the application tape.6. Weed the graphic while on the surface.7. Squeegee the graphic.It is best to store vinyl onend in plastic bags.www.BeaconGraphics.com800 762-92056