Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Artwork => Topic started by: SirPeale on June 04, 2004, 07:04:26 pm
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So I *finally* get my marquee today (only took the guy a month to get it right)
Peel it off the backing after spraying the plexi liberally with water. Attempt to slide it around - it's not budging! Luckily the water kept it from *sticking* to the plexi. After several attempts, I got it mostly aligned. I'm satisfied.
The vinyl curled really easily, and stuck to itself. Next time I'll be more careful pulling it off to avoid curl; a tiny bit of the pigment pulled off, but it could easily not be noticed, as it kind of blends into the design.
So I get it applied to the plexi, and then I realize - the vinyl is *clear* What looked vibrant and beautiful is now see-through.
"Okay," I thought, "I'll just put the backing behind it to diffuse the light. That'll work."
And work it did. Two problems:
1) the backing has a grid on it, which shows thru when the light is on. Will likely replace with paper
2) what once was vibrant looks washed out. That's not good!
What can I do to avoid the washed out problem? I know it's been addressed before, but search as I might with many different combinations of keywords, I could not find anything.
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If you are using a clear vinyl you should apply it to a white lexan. If you hit a local sign shop they usually have a few scraps lying around that us cab builders can use. If you can't get a hold of any, I am heading to my parents in Utah for July 4th and I was planning on scavenging as much of it as I can get from their shop. I'll get all that will fit in my suitcase anyway :). I'd be happy to send you a piece, it might work. Some of the prints using an inkjet printer will still look a little washed out even with a nice diffusing lexan though.
A note about applying adhesive vinyl. If you want to use the water method it really helps if you add a drop of liquid dishwasher soap (like Dawn etc) to your water before application. It will keep the vinyl from sticking and allow a lot of ease of adjustment. Just make sure you liberally squeegie the vinyl to get all of the water out. I know you've already applied it but for future reference...
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Thanks, Nanuu. Next time I'll use the white stuff. I did put dish detergent in the water, but I guess I didn't use enough. I was told a drop, but maybe a dalop instead? ;)