Vinyl/Side Art Q

[FrizzleFried]

Alright ...so I am ready to go install some vinyl on the ole Paperboy.  Question - Should I cut the vinyl exactly to the size of the sides or do I leave like 1/2" to fold over which I can then pound in with the t-molding?  That is exactly what I did with my Centipede side art and it seemed to work fine,  but someone told me I risk the edges bubbling or something doing it that way.

Opinions?

[FrizzleFried]

Uh...

[Devospeed]

I think either way would work! I would use a felt squeegee, as they work the bubbles out easier. Are you doing the install dry or wet? Also another factor is if the people who printed the artwork used economy vinyl or high performance. The high performance vinyl will have a better adhesive liner that lessens the bubbles from forming.

[Franco B]

I would fold the edges over personally. You wont get bubbles if you use a smoothing iron.

[pcb]

When I apply full sized side art, I put the art on leaving overhang.  Also, if the artwork is pre-masked, leave on the pre-mask until after you've installed and trimmed the vinyl. Then, if you are careful, with a brand new x-acto blade, cut the artwork by inserting the blade between the t-molding and the side and sliding the blade around the cabinet.  You have to be careful that a) you don't cut the spline on the t-molding and b) you don't 'catch' on the sideart and tear it.

It takes some practice, but after a while, you'll get good at it.

I need to take some pics next time we do a Ms. Pac-man.

 - Mike -