A Sign Maker’s Ultimate Pinstripe Kit

Artie's pinstriping kit easily fits in the back of  his truck. It contains all of the  supplies he needs on  the job. 


By Jim Hingst @hingst_jim

Pinstripe master Art Schilling describes himself as an “obsessive/compulsive neat freak”.  To my way of thinking, there’s nothing wrong with a highly organized shop. In Artie’s Sign Studio, he has a place for everything and everything in its place. Along with an easy-to-carry pinstriping kit, Artie has a custom-made cart for all of his pinstriping supplies.

Years ago, Artie saw a fellow striper pull all of his supplies behind him in a red “Radio Flyer” wagon. He describes the striper’s appearance as being similar to the disheveled, mad scientist "Doc" Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd in the movie, Back to the Future.

As the eccentric striper passed by, he called out, “why don’t you get yourself a wagon, Artie?”  Although the appearance of the striper pulling the wagon amused Artie, it also gave him an idea. At that moment, Artie decided to design the biggest and the best “wagon”, to carry all of his supplies from one pinstripe job to another.

Artie's pinstripe kit has everything he needs, neatly organized in one place. That way, he never wastes time looking for tools or supplies that he may have left back at the shop. 

This ultimate pinstripe cart easily fits in the back of Artie’s truck and hauls all of the supplies he needs.  That way, he is as “road ready” as his cart is. In a moment’s notice Artie can be out the door and on his way to his next job.

Note: For several years, East Coast Artie Schilling has organized the "Artie's Party" charity panel jam. For information about last year's event, see my story: 

Artie's Party Raises $77,000.

Also read Art Schilling: Marketing Your Services.

NEW INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS.  Five new videos have been added to RTape’s  YouTube channel. The following is a description of the new videos:

Squeegee Technique. Nothing is more basic in vinyl application than the squeegee. But some squeegees work better than others. And there are right ways and wrong ways to use this simple tool. This video clip reviews squeegee selection, squeegee care and squeegee technique. Click here to view the Squeegee Technique video.

Wet Applications. Dry applications are typically recommended for most vinyl applications. For those exceptions to the rule, this instructional video explains the right way to perform a wet application. Click here to view the Wet Applications video.

Introducing AT65. Installing multiple color overlays with a paper application tape is not much easier than driving in the dark without your headlights. For these challenging applications, RTape developed its AT65, the universal high tack film. This video clip explains the features and benefits of this remarkable new film application tape. Click here to view the Introducing AT65 video.

Application of Window Graphics. Installing vinyl graphics on glass can be challenging, because the adhesive aggressively grabs onto this high energy surface. Repositioning graphics on window is generally difficult, if not impossible. This instructional video explains how to dry apply window graphics right the first time. It also describes the necessary steps required for surface preparation. Click here to view the Application of Window Graphics video.

Transferring Frosted Window Graphics Films.  Because frosted window films are highly textured, transferring cut vinyl graphics can be problematic. This video provides direction in selection of the right application tape and how to apply these films quickly, easily and without problems. Click here to view the Transferring Frosted Window Graphics Films video.

About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.

Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer.  Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.

Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for  publications, such as  Signs Canada, SignCraft,  Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and  Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 325 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published.

© 2015 Jim Hingst