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One Charleston, SC Company Explains How Car Graphics are Made
Have you ever wondered exactly how those great car graphics are made? We are asked that by many people. Especially those that want to understand the difference between cut and printed decals. Car graphics can have many purposes and they give you a great deal of flexibility in the design. At our Charleston, SC company we wanted to share the information about car graphics with you. TheSignChef.com firmly believes that educating and informing the public helps them make the right decisions about and any other type of sign.
What materials are used to make car graphics
Car graphics are made from a variety of vinyl's. If you want to use the car graphics for more than two years we recommend using a high performance vinyl film. 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. A true glow in the dark vinyl is for indoor use only. Reflective vinyl has a life span of 7 - 10 years and is compatible with the high performance vinyl we suggest.
How are car graphics made?
At TheSignChef.com in Charleston, SC 29418 we differentiate car graphics from decals by a simple process. A decal is printed on a piece of vinyl. Car graphics are cut from the 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 car 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 car 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.
Are car graphics easy to apply if you aren't experienced?
Car graphics are very easy to apply when you have the correct information. At TheSignChef.com we include an application kit and illustrated instructions with all of our car graphics. The car graphics are already pre-spaced and ready to go directly onto the car without the trouble of setting each piece individually. Many people choose to save some money by doing it themselves. It is also a sense of pride to know that you are the one who made your car look terrific! When car graphics are installed they look like they were painted onto the car. This gives a very professional image with out the cost of a custom paint job. Now that you know how car graphics are made and how easy they are to install, you might want to give it a try yourself.
Visit Our Vinyl Graphics Page For More Information