Pages

▼

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Design Tips When Using Metalized Vinyl Films

Print Friendly and PDF

By Jim Hingst @hingst_jim

Eye-catching metalized films can add value to your designs, by attracting attention to the marketing message and by creating first impressions that are lasting impressions. By using metalized films effectively, your designs will be noticed, read and remembered. As a result, your signs can command higher selling prices and profits! Here are some tips when using these films:


1.       KISS: Keep It Simple Signman! A little will go a long way when using metalized films for your signage applications. These films are an excellent choice for copy and ornamentation. When using these metalized films, don’t use backgrounds that conflict with the copy. Large expanses of any metalized film can often detract from your message. Limit the text to six or fewer words. Typeface variations can be interesting, but don’t use too many different fonts. Usually, two different typefaces suffice.



2.       Size matters.  Copy and graphics should be big and bold, so the message is not lost against a background utilizing metalized films. The distance from which a sign is viewed determines suitable copy character height. One standard states that every inch of character height yields 25 ft. of readability. The typeface used also affects readability.  San serif copy is generally easier to read than copy with serifs.



3.       Used for lettering, metalized films can sometimes be difficult to read.  To improve legibility, use outlines and drop shadows.   Although heavy, black, drop shadows are frequently used, consider using other colors.  For example, if you’re using gold lettering on a bright-red background, use a dark red for the shadow — the dark red will soften the transition from the gold in the foreground to the red background.


4.       Darker colored metalized film patterns make an eye-catching background for signage, window displays or tradeshow booth headers.


5.       Metalized films are effective when used for vehicle striping, decorative sign borders and ornamentation.

6.       Used along with opaque vinyl films, air brushing and hand lettering, metalized films are an excellent choice for lettering and logos. 


7. When used for window graphics and a window display, metalized vinyl films are effective in attracting attention to store locations, generating store traffic as well as aiding in the creation of a unique and memorable corporate identity. 

For window graphics applications I am frequently asked what part of the window is the best to decorate.  In most cases, I recommend a decorative band along the top of the window, called a valance. Here are my reasons:

In a strip mall, parking spaces are often located right in front of the stores.  Any decoration on the bottom portion of the windows is blocked by parked vehicles. By decorating the top of the windows, window graphics are usually visible from the street. Make sure that any overhang, canopy or awning does not obscure the graphics.

The space at the top of window is usually unused dead space.  A decorative valance is also useful in concealing lighting fixtures above a window display.


Some store owners are concerned that youthful miscreants will vandalize their window graphics. Rarely are these fears realized.  Still, if this is a concern, applied vinyl graphics at the top a window are out of reach.


CLICK HERE FOR HINGST SIGN POST ARTICLES IN PDF FORMAT


RELATED ARTICLES

Vinyl Application 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 to Link

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 to Link

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 to Link

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 to Link

3-Step Surface Prep. This instructional video describes how to properly clean the surface of a vehicle before applying pressure sensitive vinyl graphics to a trailer or doing a full wrap of a car or van. This three step surface prep involves detergent washing, solvent cleaning and a final wipe down with IPA. Click to Link


Vinyl Application Over Rivets. Applying vinyl graphics on vehicle surfaces with rivets is challenging for most sign makers. Vinyl failures to these surfaces are all too common. This video demonstrates some tips and procedures, used by professional decal installers, which will make these demanding applications easier and more trouble-free.  Click to Link

Vinyl Application to Corrugations. Learn how to apply vinyl graphics to corrugations in a relaxed state. Forcing films into the valleys of corrugations puts too much mechanical stress on the film. Sooner or later, the vinyl will lift or tent in valleys. Click to Link

Applying Air Egress Vinyls. Vinyl films with air egress release liners have almost eliminated bubbles and wrinkles from applied graphics. Air egress release liners with their highly textured surface structure are problematic. Not much will stick to these liners other than the vinyl film. At RTape our best premask solution for air egress liners is a special Conform® tape called 4761RLA. Click to Link


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.  Vinyl Sign Techniques is available at sign supply distributors and at Amazon. 

Slides of Jim's Artwork

© 2016 Jim Hingst
at

No comments:

Post a Comment