When Employer Force Provider (EFP) decided to open an office in Hayward, CA we were glad they reached out to us to supply their window graphics and update their exterior sign faces. Located just minutes from our production facility, SignWorks was happy to step in and provide assistance. While the logo elements had already been established, they also wanted to replicate a top border style that they had seen on another storefront and personalize the copy to appeal to their client base. The 12” blue border shown across the top portion of the storefront windows in the picture, reflects this design element.
Our first step was to measure each window panel and to make sure we provided a proof. Since there were English and Spanish elements in the text, we had to be sure not to introduce typos based on the differences in the language. After some corrections, sizing and color adjustments, we were able to print and cut the vinyl graphics. Since the project also involved removing several square feet of frosted vinyl put in place by the former tenant, the process became a somewhat slow one! Removing baked on vinyl from windows and vehicles can be an arduous and time consuming task, as was the case with this particular installation! It took several trips, heat guns and frustrated personnel to finally get it all off.
Generally speaking the steps used to create an RTA or cut vinyl window decals are as follows:
- Design: Deciding on the look or what the text will say, as well as the colors and sizing, are all part of the design process. This includes decisions about whether to include a logo and/or develop one if it doesn’t exist.
- Print or Plot: If the colors selected are stock vinyl colors then the vinyl will be cut from a vinyl roll using a plotter. If the design includes multiple or custom colors, the decals will be printed on our wide format printer and then cut out.
- Weed: weeding refers to is a tedious process, especially when the text is small or when curvy san serif fonts are used. It requires patience, good eyesight and an Exacto Knife.
- Mask: Once all the excess vinyl has been weeded away the vinyl is covered with a layer of low tac masking or transfer tape. Once the graphic are properly aligned or positioned in place, the backing (or relief paper) will be peeled away leaving the sticky side of the vinyl exposed.
- Apply: Once the design graphic is positioned in place and level, it can be “transferred” to the surface that it is being mounted to. This can be a storefront window, vehicle or other substrate. At this stage the backing paper is removed and the sticky side of the vinyl bonds to the other surface. The vinyl will be pressed into place using a tool called a squeegee.
Some of our customers, including Trader Joe’s, have us make their RTA’s for them to apply themselves. This is especially true for small promotional decals used as novelty items and giveaways at events and tradeshows and for small logo graphics. Call us at (510) 357-2000 if you need our help with an upcoming RTA or window graphics project.