Vector Images

• 1
  Vectors are lines.Toupie image by YvesBonnet from Fotolia.com
  
  Find a "vector" image or an image that contains computer rendered lines, not "pixels" (dots). If your image is not already "vectored," open the file in a vector program. Use the trace function, or outline the image with the pen tool. Visit the help file of your specific program for instructions on tracing images. View the image in outline mode. Adjust the lines as necessary with the pen tool, so no undesired lines intersect. Create a new file for each color. Place registration marks at the four corners of the graphic, outside the image area. Color-separate your image into individual files. Save your image as a .dwg, .cdr, .ai or as a .bmp. Import your drawing into the cutter software with the Place function. Consult the Help file of your specific software program for more information.
  
  
• 2
  Using the wrong vinyl is not music to your ears.Vinyl macro image by Pinkerator from Fotolia.com
  
  Select the right type of vinyl for your decal. According to Sign Industry Magazine, use cast vinyl (2 mil) for long-term vinyl graphics you want to last for five to eight years. Use calendared vinyl (3.2-3.4 mil) for economy graphics, or short-term graphics you'd like to see last from one to five years. For application on vehicles, use cast vinyl.
  
  
• 3
  The post and the sign are at a right angle, measured as 90 degrees or one-quarter of a circle.public right of way image by Louise McGilviray from Fotolia.com
  
  Prepare the vinyl. Unroll onto a flat surface the amount of vinyl you will need to complete the decal. Allow an extra inch or two as a safeguard. With a T-square, a ruler for measuring right angles, check the edges of the vinyl roll to make sure the vinyl sheet is square. Trim as necessary with a craft knife or scissors. Repeat if more than one color will be used. Place the vinyl sheet into the cutter. Line-up the edge of the vinyl sheet to the guides on the cutter. Lock into place. In the cutter program, select "cut/plot."
  
  
• 4
  Negative Space is empty space, Space around an object or form is also called "white space."gothic delight image by Nicemonkey from Fotolia.com
  
  Remove the vinyl from the cutter after all lines have been cut. Place on a large table on top of a cutting mat. "Weed" the negative areas of your sticker, removing excess vinyl with a craft knife. Do not yank the vinyl. Carefully remove the excess vinyl, following the direction of the natural curves of the design. Keep the vinyl as close to the work surface as possible.
  
  
• 5
  Put the pieces together.puzzle image by PaulPaladin from Fotolia.com
  
  Determine the sequence of your color layers. Start with the top-level layer. Use masking tape to secure the vinyl graphic to the work area. Tape all edges around the graphic without touching the design. Remove the necessary length of pre-mask tape without touching the graphic. Secure the edge of the pre-mask at about one-eighth of an inch to the right of the taped vinyl sheet. Use a squeegee to secure the pre-mask to the graphic, moving the squeegee across the sticker in a sideways and downward stroke. After you apply all the pre-mask, squeegee the vinyl again to remove any air bubbles. Deflate bubbled air pockets with a straight pin or needle. Work from the outside in to remove the pin-popped bubbles. Trim the sticker evenly around using scissors or a craft knife and a T-square. Leave an inch or two of space around the graphic for later taping. Repeat for each color layer. Do not tape the bottom layer.
  
  
• 6
  Registration marks help you line up the colors of your vinyl decal.letter x image by MLProject from Fotolia.com
  
  With your bottom layer taped securely on a flat surface, use the registration marks to line-up your layers one by one. Complete each separate layer before you continue. Secure the top edge of the second color, creating a hinge with the tape. Flip the second color upward and remove the paper backing. Initially, do not allow the vinyl graphic to touch the bottom layer. Run your finger along the top edge to secure the second color to the work area. In a downward and sideways motion, smooth the top color over the base layer. Repeat for each color. Apply your graphic on the surface of your choice.