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Title: How To Properly Align Multiple Colors of Vinyl
Spoken: How Do You Properly Align Multiple Colors of Vinyl?
When you receive your vinyl lettering in separate pieces, aligning each color is critically
important. So in this video, I am going to show you an easy way to align your vinyl graphics.
You will need masking tape, a tape measure, an Xacto knife or needle, our Vinyl Magic
Application Fluid and a squeegee. In this example, we have three different colors.
When you look at each piece, you will see a registration mark like this. These are here
to help you line up each piece. Step 1 - Align
The first step is to align each layer by holding up each piece to the light. One of the light
sources we like to use is the inside of a glass door because it makes it easy to line
up the registration marks. Once you line up the registration marks, you’ll want to tape
each layer together. By taping all the layers together, you’ll
be able to see the overall size so you can accurately measure and position your vinyl.
Step 2 – Position Temporarily tape the assembled vinyl up to
the freshly cleaned surface to determine the placement. Then measure and re-position your
vinyl until it’s placed exactly where you want it.
Step 3 – Remove Top Layers Carefully remove the top layers so you only
have the one bottom layer taped to the surface. Step 4 – Hinge
Now tape the vinyl all the way across the top. This tape will act as a hinge and hold
your vinyl in place as you begin the application process.
Step 5 – Spray Peel back a few inches of the backing paper.
While holding the vinyl and backing paper away from the surface, spray the surface generously
with the Vinyl Magic Application fluid. Be careful not to get any on the backing paper
because this can make it stick to the back of the vinyl.
Step 6 - Apply While holding the bottom of the vinyl straight
and tight, take your squeegee and start in the center, sliding it firmly across. Always
start in the top center and work your way down and out to the sides, pushing out any
air pockets. Once you have applied that section, remove
more of the backing paper and continue holding the vinyl away from the surface while you
squeegee out all the water.
Step 7 – Release Once the first layer is applied, spray the
masking paper with the Vinyl Magic Application Fluid to help release the protective mask.
Start at the corner and slowly peel it down and off.
Step 8 – Rinse & Repeat Gently rinse and clean around the freshly
applied vinyl prior to applying the next layer. Now take the next layer and align the registration
marks again. If you can’t see the registration marks underneath, you can create a window
by cutting out the registration marks with an Xacto knife.
Once you have the vinyl aligned, hinge the vinyl across the top again to apply.
If it’s a small section of vinyl, you can completely peel off the backing paper, spray
the surface generously with the application fluid, and simply place it on the surface,
aligning the registration marks. The application fluid makes it easier to remove
and reposition the vinyl as needed. Once the vinyl is in place, then use your squeegee
to firmly apply the vinyl. Step 9 - Eliminate Air Pockets
You can use the tip of an Xacto knife or needle to pop any small air bubbles. Simply rub your
finger over the bubble to push the air out. Over time as the vinyl heats up during the
day and cools at night, any remaining air bubbles will disappear.
As always, if you have any questions, please let us know!
Thanks for watching!