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Hi Guys and Girls, i was wondering if there is a rule of thumb when you have to overlap vinyl? I have a logo to cut and it's bigger than my cutter will do, so i will have to cut in 2 pieces and overlap. Thnx, Bj
-------------------- BJ Carter ABC Signs & Graphics Appomattox,Virginia Posts: 31 | From: Appomattox, VA | Registered: May 2004
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Make sure that when you over lap that the top portion is overlapping the lower one so that rain doesnt sit on the lap. I over lap approx 1/8 inch but that is just what iI do.. i am not saying it's right but it werks fer me
Jason D
-------------------- Jason Davie 193 Front Street Deposit, NY 13754 Posts: 976 | From: USA | Registered: Jul 2001
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-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
I have always heard this, make sure the upper layer is on top so water can't get in the seam, etc. However, whenever I have a lap on a sign that is higher than my head, I lap it the other way. The reason being, the lap doesn't show up as much.
I have never noticed a problem with doing this, never came back and noticed a lap coming up, but I'm not gonna say that it hasn't happened.
My theory is this: what is the difference between a lap and a multi-layered logo that has an edge facing the top? If water doesn't sit on that edge, why would it sit where the vinyl is lapped?
I swear this is not a smart-a$$ed question, I really want to know if I'm doing something stupid by lapping the vinyl the other way sometimes. Like I said, on overhead signs, I just like the way it looks better from below.
-------------------- Jon Jantz Snappysign.com jjantz21@gmail.com http://www.allcw.com Posts: 3395 | From: Atmore, AL | Registered: Nov 2005
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I've done some higher laps like Jon said- there's no 'shadow' to make the join more obvious then.
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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Hiya BJ, It depends on the application and the materials used. Generally, I too use an 1/8" overlap on HP and cast translucent materials. But, when using intermediate vinyls and installing vehicle graphics or wraps, I'll use a 1/4" overlap. IMHO, that extra 1/8" gives the material a little more bite that reduces the potetial for failure in applications subject to more abuse.
Jon, I agree that your method of installation to hide a seam on interior work, but I don't do it on exterior installations for 2 reasons. The main one is that it "may" be cause for the vinyl manufacturer to reject any warranty claim. The second is if my client notices a small overlap in the graphic, I didn't do my job correctly. My only exception to this rule is when the client is being thrifty and they aren't willing to pay the attitional cost of a seamless application on a lighted sign.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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I really don't think it makes a big difference, the last "Craig Breedlove World land speed racer" was covered in vinyl the night before the event (applied with Rapid Tac application fluid) and speeds of 400 + MPH were acheived without vinyl lifting or peeling back !
The secret is in the quality of bond which depends on how well a substrate is cleaned and quality of film used.
Roger
-------------------- Roger Bailey Rapid Tac Incorporated 186 Combs Dr. Merlin Oregon 97532 Posts: 3020 | From: Merlin Oregon | Registered: Dec 1998
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Jon, the difference I've noticed is dirt sits on the edge, but you're right dirt will sit on the top edge of the entire graphic too, but it's less noticeable than in the middle of a tiled graphic.
Good question.
Also, why round the points on graphics when many letters have points just as sharp?
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