ALPHABET SIGNS Blog

What is vinyl lettering?

Vinyl lettering is a visual media used to advertise, promote, label, identify, notify and organize. Any concept conceived can be visually communicated through vinyl lettering. Vinyl lettering is a very cost effective form of communication because it is long-lasting and widely available. Businesses use vinyl lettering on storefront windows, cars and trucks, banners, parking signs and so much more. Homeowners use vinyl lettering for mailboxes and labeling. Auto enthusiasts use vinyl lettering for identifying with brands and communities. Vinyl is a versatile media for lettering and to digitally print images, logos and graphics.

How is vinyl lettering made?

Whatever your purpose, whether it is to advertise or identify, all designs are made via a computer. Most local sign shops can help create an effective layout which is usually included in the cost. If you can’t find vinyl lettering near me then you can also design your vinyl lettering online. Next, the design is sent to a plotter that uses a very sharp blade to cut the vinyl into your desired design. Pigmented vinyl is the type of vinyl used by Alphabet Signs and has a high-tack adhesive which is great when used on boats. Or you can also have the design printed onto white opaque vinyl with an ink-jet printer.

How do I apply vinyl lettering?

As with any vinyl decal, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned before starting – preferably with a 2-to-1 mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol. Wipe the area dry with a lint-free cloth. You might want to have a helper when applying large decals. Apply a strip of masking tape to one top corner of your custom vinyl graphic while your helper holds the other corner. Step back to see if the decal is straight and positioned properly. Then, apply tape to the other corner, and then across the top of the graphic. This will ensure that it stays in place during application. Flip over the decal and hold the bottom edge of the graphic away from the application surface. Then expose the sticky vinyl backing by removing the wax liner. Use our free, included squeegee to press the vinyl letters on the area where you want them to appear, going from top to bottom in the motion of a windshield wiper. Be careful not to trap any pockets of air under the decal. This would create unsightly bubbles. After you remove the top layer of paper, your vinyl lettering graphic will appear in place and look as smooth as paint.

Is vinyl lettering waterproof or dishwasher safe?

Vinyl lettering is outdoor rated, durable and the weatherproof vinyl is ideal for indoor or outdoor use. Vinyl lettering on trucks can go through a car wash and be left out in a rainstorm. However, pressure washing with a high stream of water at varying angles can tear vinyl lettering. Also vinyl lettering on glasses or mugs are not dishwasher safe because of the high temperature. We recommend hand washing.

Where do you buy vinyl lettering near me?

It is best to order your vinyl lettering online because you are getting a larger selection of fonts, colors and sizes compared to Hobby Lobby vinyl lettering and Michael’s vinyl letter stickers. We have to tell you that Hobby Lobby vinyl lettering is difficult to apply and there are many reviews that they do not stick well. Alphabet Signs ships your order out in one business day and offers fast, free shipping on all orders over $25. The brick and mortar stores have a limited selection of dried out inventory of colors and sizes you don’t want.

Will vinyl lettering stick to wood?

Vinyl lettering will stick to wood and any other smooth non-porous surface. We use an aggressive solvent based 3M adhesive to stick the decal to the painted wood surface. Sign painters typically use a medium-grade plywood with a paper overlay (MDO board) painted with a gloss or semi-gloss high quality outdoor paint. For the best results, sand and prep the wood with a fine grit paper before painting. The painted wood should not have any nappy roller marks. As long as the adhesive isn’t exposed to air and contaminates from behind, then your vinyl lettering for wood signs decal will last years before the UV sun shrinks the vinyl material.

Will vinyl lettering stick to concrete?

Since concrete has texture, vinyl lettering will have a hard time adhering to it. Vinyl lettering will stick to concrete floors as long as the concrete has been polished. However, it is only a temporary solution as any foot traffic can destroy the vinyl decal surface. There are vinyl floor decals with a heavy-duty laminate and aggressive adhesive that are used in warehouses and other high traffic areas.

Will vinyl lettering stick to textured walls?

Vinyl lettering decals can be applied to almost any clean and smooth surface. While decals may not adhere to heavily textured surfaces, they can sometimes stick to lightly textured walls. We don’t recommend installing your DIY lettering project on surfaces such as brick, stucco, popcorn and suede paints.

Can vinyl lettering be reused?

While vinyl lettering decals can sometimes be reused, we don’t always recommend it. While removing a decal with an strong adhesive the vinyl can be scratched, stretched or torn. Attempting to reuse a vinyl decal can often make a mess, destroy the decal, or just be more trouble than it’s worth. With our affordable prices, you can easily order a new decal to save yourself time.

How small can vinyl lettering be cut?

To ensure clarity and quality, vinyl lettering can’t be cut microscopically. We have seen vinyl lettering being cut as small as one-half inch but it depends on the characters and font styles. The vinyl plotter machine has a high quality, sharp carbide tip blade that can cut intricate detail but can tear the vinyl material to the disappointment of craft makers and hobbyists. Typically one inch is as small as you'll want to go to maintain a clean-cut look.

Can you paint or seal vinyl lettering?

Want to add a personal touch to your vinyl cut lettering? Acrylic-based paints stick to adhesive vinyl letters best without cracking or chipping off. We recommend first using an acrylic based primer. Although not necessary, you can use a sealer atop the vinyl. Please allow any bubbles of air that may be trapped under the decal to degas for about a month before applying a clear sealer.