A Basic Guide to Interior Wall Graphics

by | Tips and Tricks, Vinyl Cutting, Wall Graphics

Why do we need a special guide for wall graphics?
Experienced sign and graphics folks need to understand that interior wall graphics pose unique challenges. If you start with the idea that you can use the same materials and techniques that work for auto glass and aluminum sign blanks, you’re in for problems.

For hobby users, all of this is new and if you look for basic guides on using self adhesive vinyl, they may not deal specifically with wall words. This will cover the basics of what to use and how to apply it and point you toward more online resources for further study. Let’s look at the unique materials, surface challenges, and application tips that will make your wall graphics applications successful.


A Basic Guide to Stencil Mask Use

by | Vinyl Cutting

There’s one application in which vinyl is used to assist not replace painted graphics; that is as a stencil mask for custom painted graphics. Custom auto or chopper artists use a combination of pinstriping and airbrushing to decorate vehicles. Precise placement of airbrush applied paint requires a stencil. Back in the dark ages, when I was in college earning my BFA, we used Amberlith or Rubylith stencil film, cut with an Xacto knife. These days, you can do the same thing with a vinyl cutter and some paint mask film.

In fact, Orange County Choppers uses a Vinyl EXPRESS vinyl cutter for cutting stencils for some of their custom choppers. It makes an occasional cameo appearance in their graphics department.