Cold weather and applying vinyl don’t mix

We just wanted to remind everyone that spring isn’t quite here yet and when you get your vinyl order that goes on a window or outdoor surface you really shouldn’t install it if that surface is below 60 degrees.  Great examples of this are applying vinyl to a window in the northern part of the US.  You will find that the adhesive never properly binds to the surface in these conditions.  The result will be your lettering could come off prematurely. 

It may be tempting to take a heat gun to glass during the winter time to remove lettering or heat up the surface for application.  **CAUTION** DON’T, just like taking a warm glass and filling it with cold water will cause it to crack the same thing happens with a window!  Odds are you will crack it and make for a bad day.  Our advice, wait for a nice sunny day, even though the outside temperature may be low the surface temperature of the glass will likely be much higher than the ambient temperature, if this is the case you can probably apply your lettering without worry.

FAQs and Tips about Vinyl Lettering usage and Installation

Size does matter!

Lets face it the whole point of getting vinyl lettering is so you can get your message out.  If you are cutting corners by making the size smaller and trying to save money you are only costing yourself money!  The size is one of the most important factors when you are buying lettering.  There are a few key points to consider:

• Filling your entire space on something like a window all the way to the edge can look like a bit much, consider the 80/20 rule.  The vinyl letters should take up about 80% of the window
• When in doubt, go bigger.  Even though letters that may be a tad bit too large may look out of place, it won’t be nearly as bad as not being able to read them

Colors make or break the effectiveness

One common mistake people make it choosing colors that simply don’t work with the surface they have.  Always choose a nice contrasting color.  Keep in mind that windows when viewed from outside are typically a dark gray to black color.  It is quite counter intuitive but that is usually how they appear.  This means that Yellow, White, and light blue can stand out well on a window. 

Outlines save the day

When you have a color that you are either stuck with or can’t change that blends into the surface to much then add an outline to it in a contrasting color.  Outlines are used commonly and look great.  Not to mention when you are stuck in this situation it is a great way to resolve it.

Wet Application method works well for big pieces

Use the wet application method when you have a big piece of vinyl.  Although the transfer paper can be a bit combersome to remove it will give you more flexibility and forgiveness when applying. 

Etched Glass vinyl is cheaper and looks good too

Our etched glass vinyl lettering product is a really great looking and cheap alternative to real sandblast etching.  You can expect the same look as sandblast or acid etching but it’s DIY and is totally removable.  Don’t worry if you can’t design exactly what you want on our site, we can do your own logo or custom file at no extra charge!