When Apto Solutions (Apto) decided to open an office in San Leandro, CA we were glad they reached out to us to supply their window logo graphics. Located close to our Hayward production facility, SignWorks was happy to step in and provide assistance. The logo and branding elements had already been established, but the company needed our help with sizing and positioning the graphics over the two large window panels so that the look was cohesive and balanced.
We sent a technician to measure the window panels and had our designer make a proof. The client asked to see a few spacing options before settling on a design that spanned the two window panels. After these corrections and sizing adjustments, we were able to print and cut the vinyl graphics. The wordmark in the logo, sized as a 24” orange circle, is the dominant aspect of the company logo.
Apto is an industry leader in the IT Asset Disposition services arena and provides innovative end-to-end solutions that guard against the risks and complexities of the IT asset lifecycle. They offer sustainable, secure and transparent IT life cycle solutions to their clients.
In general the steps used to create Ready to Apply (RTA) or cut vinyl window decals are as follows:
- Design: Deciding on the look or text elements, as well as the colors and sizing, are all part of the design process. This includes decisions about whether to include a logo or develop one if it doesn’t already exist.
- Print or Plot: If the colors in the design 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 and gradients, the decals will be printed on our wide format printer and then contour cut.
- Weed: Weeding is a tedious process, especially when the text is small or when curvy san serif fonts are used. It involves removing the text and graphics for the vinyl sheeting material and it requires patience, good eyesight and an Exacto Knife.
- Mask: When all the excess vinyl has been weeded away, the vinyl is covered with a layer of low TAC transfer tape. Once the graphic positioned in place, the backing (or relief paper) will be peeled away leaving the sticky side of the vinyl exposed.
- Apply: Once the design lettering/graphic is positioned in place and level, it can be “transferred” to the surface it is being mounted to. This can be a storefront window, door, vehicle or other substrate. At this point the backing paper is removed and the sticky side of the vinyl bonds to the other surface. The vinyl is then pressed into place using a tool called a squeegee.
In fact, some of our clients, especially Trader Joe’s, have us make their RTA decals for them to apply themselves. If you are planning a window graphics project or looking for decals for a promotional event please connect with us. You can visit our website or reach us by phone at (510) 357-2000. We’ll help you decide on fonts and colors, and provide design services when needed. Please visit the website for more information and to read our blog posts or view photographs of recently completed projects.