If you are "newbie" to sign-making, Special Delivery Signs has put
together the following web page to help you see exactly how easy it is to make
your own signs and graphics using a Roland STIKA vinyl cutter. In the
example shown below, we are using the CutChoice Software and a Roland STIKA
SX-15 to make a "Sale!" sign.
Step 1: Open the CutChoice design software that came
with your STIKA vinyl cutter and design your sign. If you have Corel Draw
or Adobe Illustrator, you may want to design your sign in either of these
programs with the CutChoice plug-in installed.
Step 2: Insert your vinyl into the STIKA using the friction feed
rollers and the adjustment dial on the side of the machine. Press the
"Cut" button within the CutChoice program and the STIKA starts to
cut your sign. When the STIKA finishes cutting the vinyl, remove the vinyl
from the machine using the adjustment dial.
If you are new to signmaking, there are two basic types of vinyl
available on the market; calendered and cast. Calendered (also known as
Intermediate) vinyl typically has an outdoor life of 3-6 years and an unlimited
indoor life. It is best suited for flat or slightly curved surfaces.
Cast vinyl (also know as High Performance) usually has an outdoor life of 7-9
years, an unlimited indoor life and is recommended for flat and uneven surfaces
such as those with rivets and corners. The STIKA vinyl cutters will cut
both types of vinyl as well as paint mask material.
Step 3: The next step is to remove all the unwanted or waste
vinyl. This process is called "weeding" within the sign
industry. Grab a corner of the vinyl and pull it back across itself until
all you are left with is your sign on the backing paper as shown below.
Complete the "weeding" step by pulling the vinyl waste
from the letters that have centers spaces. It is easiest to complete this
step using a pair a weeding tweezers which is included with each STIKA that
Special Delivery Signs offers. You should now be left with your completed
sign as shown below.
Step 4: The next step is to transfer your sign to
the intended surface. This is done using premask or application tape.
Unroll enough application tape to cover your sign.
Smooth the application tape over the sign vinyl using the
Squeegee provided by Special Delivery Signs with your STIKA. Once the
application tape is fixed to the vinyl, carefully pull it off the backing paper.
Your sign vinyl will now be attached to the application tape with the adhesive
side out as shown in the photo below.
Step 5: Position the application tape containing your sign over
the intended sign surface or substrate. If you anticipate difficultly in
positioning your sign, you can spray the substrate with the application fluid
provided by Special Delivery Signs prior to positioning. The application
fluid will keep the vinyl adhesive from sticking to the substrate for 20-30
seconds giving you more time to make positioning adjustments. Once your
sign is in the proper position, apply pressure to the application tape and sign
using the squeegee to force out all the air bubbles that may be trapped between
the vinyl and substrate as shown below.
Step 6: Grab a corner of the application tape and gently pull it
off the substrate containing your sign.
You're Done!
With a little practice, the entire sign making process can be
completed in 5 minutes or less!
