Custom Vinyl Idea

Good Morning,

I created this custom vinyl lettering project for a very dear friend of mine who has a very sick little grandson. He said it was perfect and his sister cried when she saw it!!

This is why I create vinyl lettering . . . there's something about it that tugs at the heartstrings more than anything else you can put up on the wall.

Sincerely,

Kim
www.vinylletterdecor.com
www.vinylfancy.com

Detailed Vinyl Application Instructions

Once you've seen or applied vinyl yourself, you will find that it's actually quite easy. But for a first-timer who has never seen it done before, you will need some detailed instructions. If you would like to also view pictures that detail each step, click here.

For all applications, take advantage of the benefits of using a laser level tool, measuring tape, and a pencil to be sure to get your lettering where you want it – it takes longer to mark your place than it does to “eye it,” but the results are much better! Remember, you can only apply vinyl lettering one time, so take your time and be careful as you apply. Be sure to apply to clean surfaces only; consider washing your walls or other surfaces with warm water and a lint-free cloth.


Before following the steps to apply your vinyl lettering, place your project face up on a hard flat surface. Take a ruler or a credit card and "rub" all the letters down with medium pressure, with extra care along all the letter edges especially if your lettering is thin. This will make sure the vinyl letters are adhering to the application tape. If, at any point of the application process the letters are still sticking to the wax backing, just rub that place again with your ruler or credit card.

Step 1-Tape the quote on the wall where you want it.

After making your markings with your laser level and tape measure, place your quote (still fully assembled) up on the wall using masking tape. Be certain that it is exactly where you want it.

Step 2-Cut Your quote into separate pieces.

If your quote is particularly large, then cut it into separate pieces with a pair of scissors while it is up on the wall. This is a good idea for quotes taller than 6 inches or longer than 5 feet.

Step 3-Flip the first piece up against the wall.

Flip the first piece up against the wall.

Step 4-Peel away the white wax paper from the clear sticky paper.

Peel away the white wax paper from the clear sticky paper. The lettering should stay on the clear sticky paper as you do this. If it stays stuck to the wax paper, rub it a little bit with your finger, ruler or credit card.

Step 5-After the wax paper has been discarded, lay the clear sticky paper down against the wall.

After the wax paper has been discarded, lay the clear sticky paper down against the wall very carefully to ensure there are no bubbles. Starting in the middle, smooth it against the wall with your hands, ruler or credit card. Remove the masking tape.

Step 6-Smooth down the letters.

Starting in the middle of your quote, use your ruler or credit card to smooth down the letters to your surface. Move your applicator in a downward angle, and move toward the outside of your quote. If your walls are perfectly flat, this is a very quick step. If your walls have a texture, such as knock-down, this will take more pressure on your part.

Step 7-Peel away clear sticky paper.

Beginning as one end, start peeling away the clear sticky paper. Begin at a corner and pull down, along the wall, at an angle. Do this slowly. If a letter pulls away from the wall, push the sticky paper back over it and rub it some more with the applicator as needed.

Step 8-Enjoy Your Vinyl Lettering!

Stenciling vs. Vinyl Lettering

Before vinyl lettering, painting stencils was only way to add this type of look to your walls. But not all of us are artistic enough to paint on the walls, or have the time or patience to stencil. Vinyl Lettering makes it easy for us to add a stenciled look to our walls without the mess or time of painting. In addition, once the stencils were painted on the wall, they could only be removed by painting over them. With vinyl lettering, you can easily and safely remove the lettering at any time.

Stick Family Figures

Have you seen the great stick family figures on the vehicles around town? These stick families are a cool way to show everyone how much you love your family.

Here are some tips when ordering your stick family figures:

1. If you plan to put your stick family on a vehicle window, always order white glossy vinyl. White shows up the best against the grey of the window (some sites don’t give you a choice of colors). Outdoor vinyl only comes in glossy, but make sure they offer vinyl that will hold up for at least 6 years.

2. If you have a windshield wiper on your back window, consider placing your stick family on the back window (driver’s side) if you own a station wagon, SUV, or van. If you don’t have that option, make sure your wipers won’t "wipe" off your family during the next rainstorm by placing them strategically and adhering them properly.

3. If you don’t have tinted windows, you may consider requesting your stick figures be cut in "reverse" allowing you to place your family in the window from the inside. They may be more difficult to see, but they will last longer.

4. Most sites allow you to add names to each of your stick figures. You can also order such titles as "The Johnson Family" or "The Johnsons" or "Crazy Clan of Christensens". Be creative and show your family’s personality.

5. Don’t forget the pets in your life. Make sure you order a stick pet to go with your stick family.

Matte vs. Glossy Vinyl

Many vinyl lettering websites have both matte and glossy vinyl available for your project. Several reasons why you would use one type over another will be discussed further down, but for starters, let me explain the visual difference.

The easiest way to explain is to use the example of patent leather vs. regular leather shoes. Glossy vinyl looks like patent leather shoes; they are both slick and shiny. The Matte vinyl looks like a regular leather shoe; slightly textured with no shine.

Where you are going to place that project is probably the first determining factor as to whether you want to use matte or glossy vinyl. Here are the characteristics and best uses for each type of vinyl:

Matte Vinyl
1. Unlimited life indoors; 3 year outdoor life.
2. The adhesive on the back of the vinyl makes it very easy to remove from walls and other surfaces. It will not leave any residue.
3. Because Matte vinyl is not shiny, it doesn’t glare when indoor lights hit it.
4. Limited choice of colors available.

Glossy Vinyl
1. Unlimited life indoors; 4-8 year outdoor life (depending on the brand and type).
2. The adhesive on the back of the vinyl is permanent. Therefore, removal of this type of vinyl will take a little more effort to remove from a surface.
3. Because Glossy vinyl is shiny, indoor lights tend to glare off the vinyl.
4. The best vinyl to use on car windows is white glossy.
5. Many color choices available.

Basically, if your project is going to indoors, you will probably want to choose matte over glossy unless you have your heart set on a color that doesn’t come in matte. For outdoor use, glossy will be your best bet for longevity.

More Customizing With The Custom Design Center

The Custom Design Center is by far the most popular item on any vinyl lettering website. The ability to create your own quote, choosing your own color, size, and font is very simple and exciting. Take a look at VinylLetterDecor.com's Custom Design Center and play around with the tool. You will see you can actually view your creation before you order, making your custom design exactly how you want it before ordering.

If you would like a more professional design, just order the quote and request VinylLetterDecor.com to spruce it up. We will be happy spend some time on your quote making it look like the Pre-Made Designs. We will then upload a picture of your quote for your approval.

Super Saturday Activity

In April, 2008, we had the opportunity to help out a Frederick, CO, RS Super Saturday activity. One of the gals in charge contacted us to furnish the vinyl numbers, last names, and Est. Year for their 2' diameter antiqued clocks. We offered several different vinyl colors as well as fonts to choose from.

Every clock turned out different and unique, and everyone was very happy with their completed project. The actual clock was purchased from Home Depot or Lowe's. It was just a 2 foot round table top that they sell individually. I don't know what the total price was for the clock with paint and hands, but we charged between $5 & $6 for the vinyl for each clock.

Decorative Vinyl Lettering is getting very popular as a craft project for enrichments, young women's activities, and community projects because the project can be completed quickly and you don't need to be a "crafter" to create something great looking!