Your vinyl letters can be applied to most any clean smooth surface such as wood, smooth or lightly textured walls, glass, metal, etc…

Preparation of wood surface for signs:
    Sand and paint the wood.

   We recommend a waterbase paint like the craft paints that come in the little bottles that are used for tole painting. 

   When the paint is completely dry, sand the board once again using a fine grit sandpaper, such as #220. Take off as much of the surface as you like, just a little bit or a lot for the antique old-time look.

   Wipe ALL of the sanding dust from the surface. Your board must be completely dry and clean when you apply the letters.

   To Stain or not To Stain?   If you must stain, water based stains are our friend.   They dry quickly and generally leave a nice surface.  In place of a stain, you can water down a dark colored craft paint, slap it on and wipe it off.   Looks much the same as stain without investing in a quart of the stuff. 
   Oil based stains leave an oily residue that stays on the surface for an extended period.   We don't recommend the use of oil base. (Unless you are extremely patient and will wait until its oilyness has gone away.)

   If you feel the need to stain.... apply the stain BEFORE the letters.  Again, make sure it is completely dry.

   Now comes the fun part!    Place your letters with the taped side up on your table or working surface. (The taped side is the side where you can see the letters)   Using your squeegee, rub back and forth on the letters a couple of times using moderate pressure to make sure that the letters will stick to the tape.

    Next, turn the letters over so that they are PAPER side up. (If you’re not sure which side that is - you can’t see the letters through the paper side)    Starting at one end, slowly pull the paper away from the tape and letters.    Take your time and make sure that the letters stick to the tape.    Discard the paper.

    Now, carefully turn the taped letters over and place them sticky side down on to your board. Move them to the position where they look the best and press down firmly with your fingers. Rub them thoroughly with the squeegee, then slowly and carefully remove the tape. It’s a good idea to rub them gently again using just your fingers.

   It is not necessary to use any type of protective spray, but if you prefer a matte or satin finish on your sign, a LIGHT coat of spray fixative will do the trick.

Putting Letters on the Wall

   #1 question:  Will the vinyl hurt my paint?   Answer:  Probably not.   There's no guarantee, of course, since everyone has a different paint surface applied in ways we have no control over.   When in doubt, stick a piece of masking tape to your wall in a location that is not obvious, like behind a door or piece of furniture.   Pull the tape off... if it pulls paint, your letters will too when you take them off in a few years.   (But you'll be repainting anyway.  Why else would you take your beautiful letters off?)

   For smaller sized stickers, apply your letters to the wall in much the same fashion as described above. It’s a good idea to use masking tape to tape the lettering to the wall for placement before removing the paper backing. Make a light pencil mark at the top and bottom and each side so that you will know where to put the letters and so that they will be straight on the wall. Then remove the backing and align and apply the letters to the wall.

   For large wall pieces, tape your letters to the wall before removing the paper backing.  Carefully measure to make sure they are level... take a step back and look at the placement.   When everything is all centered and level and exactly where you want it, run a piece of masking tape along the top of the lettering strip, half on the strip, half on the wall, creating a hinge all along the top of the lettering strip.   

   CAREFULLY cut up between the words or letters at approximately 18 inch intervals... or smaller if you like.   Peel the paper backing away from the section... be sure your transfer tape and letters are still hinged to the wall at the top.   Now, press down from the top and adhere the letters to the wall, letting them fall naturally into place.   Apply each section in the same manner.   After all sections have been adhered, give it one more good rub with the squeegee and carefully pull the tape away.

   If you still need some help with application... please call.   We'll be happy to talk you through on the phone.