How to Guide: Vinyl Lettering

What you will need:

• Masking Tape
• Anything with a flat, straight edge e.g. ruler, credit card, spatula or squeegee
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Spray bottle - with warm water and a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid

How are my signs supplied?

Vinyl lettering is adhesive and consist of three layers:

1. Top Layer - Transfer paper through which you can see the vinyl letters
2. Middle layer - The vinyl lettering
3. Bottom layer -Backing paper

About vinyl lettering:

• Vinyl Lettering can be applied to most smooth surfaces including painted walls, windows, circulation desks, doors and bay ends.
• Vinyl lettering can be removed but not reused.

Step 1

Ensure the surface is clean and dry before commencing application. 

Step 2

Place your lettering sheet in your desired location.

Step 3

Use small pieces of masking tape to hold the lettering sheet in place.

Step 4

Ensure that the letters are straight by measuring to the letters (not the edge of the sheet) from the floor, ceiling or a known straight edge. Adjust the sheet and masking tape pieces as needed.

Step 5

Once letters are straight, place a long piece of masking tape along the entire top edge of your lettering sheet to keep the lettering in place.

Step 6

Flip up the lettering and peel off the backing paper, be careful that all the lettering remains attached to the transfer paper. The masking tape is now working as a hinge.

Step 7

Slowly lower the transfer paper, with lettering attached and use your straight edged implement to gently rub and  adhere the vinyl to the chosen surface. Work from the top, down and centre, out to more easily remove any bubbles.

Step 8

Once the lettering sheet is down, firmly rub over the lettering again (with straight edged implement) to securely adhere to the chosen surface.

Step 9

Leave for at least an hour so the vinyl lettering to adhere to the surface. 

Step 10

After an hour, carefully remove the transfer paper to reveal your letters. If you notice any letters are pulling up with the transfer paper, re-rub onto the surface.

Please note:

• Small bubbles will settle over a period of 1-2 weeks. Large bubbles can be pierced with a pin to allow for the air to be worked out of the hole.
• Vinyl lettering can be removed but not reused.

Additional Tips:

For large lettering:

For large single horizontal words -after completing step 5 of the application instructions, cut between every 2 to 3 letters, from the bottom of the sheet up to the masking tape, holding the sheet in place at the top. This will leave you with smaller sections to apply, making it easier to complete the installation.

For large multiple words:

Prior to beginning the application, cut the sign into manageable sized pieces, preferably keeping words and if possible, lines in one piece. Now begin the application following the step by step instructions. If the lines are still too long to handle follow the first suggestion as well.

For application to windows:

Prepare a small spray bottle with a solution of warm water and a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid. After completing step 6 in the application instructions, spray a mist of the solution onto the window surface where you will be applying the lettering. The solution makes it easier to remove bubbles. Continue on with step 7 as per the instructions.