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(June 2009) posted on Sun Jun 07, 2009

Quality trimming requires patience, practice and precision.

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By Rob Ivers

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Rob Ivers owns Rob Ivers Inc. (Raymore, MO), a vehicle-graphics company. He’s installed vinyl since 1978 and taught vinyl-graphics installation since 1993.

Installed graphics frequently need to be trimmed – for various reasons. Consider signage, for instance. If a design extends to the edge(s), the fabricator typically produces a graphic slighter largely than the panel and trims along the perimeter.

Vehicle graphics provide another prime example. Door edges must be cut so the doors can open, and emblems, door handles, hinges, lights and other components present even more challenging trims. Most edge trims are simple to execute well; others can be tricky. Precise trimming around complex shapes can prove very difficult.

I’ve trimmed and cut quite a bit of vinyl in 31 years. The right tool for the job is always critical, but it’s even more important to understand the precise positioning of the angle of the beveled cutting edge in relation to the graphic and the surface. Poor trimming can ruin an otherwise perfect installation. This article will focus on the importance of honing your trimming skills, different techniques and the assortment of cutting tools available.

Tool time

I have quite a few tools in my arsenal (see photo above). Because I use up to six Olfa blades for just one vehicle wrap, I buy 50-count packs of replacement blades. For a great bargain on these, go to www.44tools.com. I prefer stainless-steel Olfa knives with stainless-steel blades. The blade’s flat surface is wider than a pointed tool, which makes it easier to maintain a consistent angle while cutting against long edges. The snap-off blades facilitate starting each new cut with a fresh, sharp blade.

When each cut is made with an identical, sharp blade, consistency is easily achieved -- no adjustment is necessary for blade condition. Each blade has 13, snap-off segments. When purchased in the 50-pack, each segment costs 2.5 cents.

Many signshops prefer X-Acto® knives. They trim curved and round shapes, such as keyholes, very well. Besides that, I find them problematic. The pointed end wears out very quickly; changing the blade is time-consuming, and blades are expensive at 15 to 25 cents each. Here’s a tip: Ballpoint pen caps make an inexpensive, protective blade cover.