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A Charleston, SC sign company explains the making of boat graphics
As you might imagine there are a great number of boats in Charleston, SC. Boating and fishing are two very common past times in the area. When a person has their own boat, they typically want to show it off. Many of our clients choose to combine lettering with . This makes their boat truly unique.
What material is used to make boat graphics?
Boat graphics can be made from a variety of types of vinyl. However at TheSignChef.com in Charleston, SC 29418 we recommend choosing the high performance marine grade vinyl so that it will stand up well to salt water and ocean air. this vinyl is rated for 7 - 10 years. Not all vinyl will stand up as well to the rigors of the water, however you can also use reflective vinyl to accent the graphics. This vinyl doesn't glow in the dark, it merely reflects light. This is the type of vinyl used on stop signs and highway signs. This vinyl is compatible with the high performance vinyl we suggest.
How are boat graphics made?
Boat are cut directly from vinyl to match the exact shape that is needed. This can be letters or pictures. The machine used to cut the vinyl is called a "plotter". The design is programmed into the plotter and the vinyl is placed on the cutting surface. The machine then cuts everything for a particular color, as programmed. The process is repeated for each color of vinyl that is called for in the design. With the precision contour cutting that is done by the plotter you do not have a white or clear background like with a decal. Once the pieces are all cut by the machine the graphics are laid out according to the design, matching measurements and colors as needed. This is done by the people in the production department, not by a machine. The vinyl can be overlapped if it is needed as well. Sometimes a design calls for an outline of a letter or shape. When this happens the outline color is cut in the same shape, only a little larger. The two pieces are then put together for the desired effect. Once the boat graphics are cut and put together they are placed face down a transparent sheet that holds the letters and shapes in place until they are ready to be applied. If you live in the Charleston, SC area we can apply the graphics for you, however you can also make the choice to apply them yourself.
Are boat graphics difficult to apply?
Boat graphics are not difficult to apply, as long as you receive instructions. At TheSignChef.com all of our boat graphics come with a kit to make the installation easy. The kit includes the cleaning and application fluid along with a tool for smoothing out the graphics. these are the same fluids and tools that are used right here in our production department. We want you to be able to have the same quality of products that we would use if we wee doing the installation. The kit also includes detailed, fully illustrated instructions for applying your boat graphics. If you follow the instructions you will have professional looking results without the cost of having someone apply the graphics for you.
How can I be sure my lettering and boat graphics will match?
If you purchase your lettering and boat graphics from us at the same time the entire design will be put together for easy application. If you purchase both from us, but at different times, that is ok too. If there has been a long period of time between the two purchases there may be some slight fading that will keep them from matching exactly, however we will use the color vinyl that matches the original, as we keep that information in your file for future reference. We recommend to have both made at the same time, however we leave that decision entirely up to you.
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