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Pesky problems about installing vinyl to windows and compound curves

By Jim Hingst

Recently, I traveled through Europe and South America, speaking to groups of signmakers about vinyl applications. Because my talks cover only the basics for applying films over flat surfaces, rivets and corrugations, I received several questions about special applications. Everyone who applies vinyl graphics periodically encounters vinyl installations on windows, drywall and compound curves. Here are a few answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Automotive pinstriping

Applying automotive pinstriping, which is usually thinner than an inch, requires a delicate touch, as opposed to installing truck graphics. Although many signmakers cut their striping on plotters, prespaced automotive striping and printed-graphics kits are available at automotive warehouse distributors, body shops and sign-supply distributors. Striping colors usually matches sign vinyl. To install pinstriping in a straight line, first remove 2 ft. of the release liner.

Tack one end of the striping to the car body, then stretch the remaining portion to the vehicle's opposite end. As you work the stripe into position, remove the remaining liner paper. The ideal alignment usually requires repositioning the striping several times. The car's body lines usually serve as the best reference points for alignment.

When the final positioning is determined, tack the stripe and keep the material taut - it can be slightly stretched. Overstretching the material, however, can bow the striping. Initially, pat the striping with a cloth folded into a pad, rather than squeegeeing the vinyl. At this point, a hard, stiff squeegee tends to stretch, buckle and distort the delicate pinstripe, which causes waves.

Automotive striping is usually masked with a clear application film. Always remove the application pinstriping tape after completing the application. Pinstriping usually isn't wrapped inside the door jamb. Instead, the stripe is cut back 1/4 in. from a door's edge. After placing the pinstriping, you can apply more pressure with either your thumb or a squeegee with a low-friction sleeve.

Some installers prefer to wrap wider vinyl around the door's edges and inside the jamb. Be sure to clean any surface before applying the vinyl. Installing striping wider than an inch requires a different technique than pinstriping. After you tack the stripe into place, place the edge of your squeegee in the middle of the stripe to prevent it from moving up or down, which would produce a wavy stripe.