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Lining up lettering on vehicles – advice required, please?
I know, it’s pretty standard stuff. But, how do you line up lettering on modern vehicles with panels of all angles?
Usually, I would go with the ‘spirit level’ straight layout- but this can look naff on some newer vans with their fancy lines- so then I would simply ‘eyeball’ it gradually, till I get a natural look.
I’ve seen some terrible work on plenty of vans/cars on the road, you wonder how they get away with it.
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12 Replies
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I tend to look for a level line on the van and measure up/down from that line. Sometimes that’s not always possible so I use my eye. I can pretty much do it by eye now, it’s the same with anything I guess, the more you do the easier it gets!
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Prefer to use the Mk I eyeball.
Measuring rarely works – stick it on (magnets are brilliant) and stand back…adjust to suit.
Use crease lines / door tops & bottoms / panel recesses as a guide but always take a few steps back to see if it LOOKS right – some of the newer ‘funky’ commercial vans can really throw you off.
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Very good question.
Nearly always level with the ground.
There has to be a good reason if not
Simon. -
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Always an interesting question – go with the vehicle lines or the ground line. In most cases they are different so there is a decision to be made.
As other’s its down to what looks best – but that is in the eye of the person looking.
If there is a big difference I would chat with the customer and get an idea what they want. If they are not bothered then do what you like. At least you have had the conversation should the customer question it but I am pretty sure they won’t. -
I find the lines on a Kangoo some of the worst to even look right. I tend to eyeball most of mine
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I agree with David R.
Make sure the vehicle is on a flat surface and do by eye..if it looks right to you when offered up then 99% of the time it is right.
The Ford Transit Custom below the main panel is a bit of a f……. though, but done a few now and all looked good.
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Adding to what others have said start to think about the lines on the van BEFORE you get to the application stage. Often if you know a particular style of van has awkward lines you can make some allowances while designing the layout & avoid some of the problems down the line.
Other thing as Pete has said is speak to the customer about it. I normally do this at some point before I give the quote, normally when they first enquire & then again when they drop the van off. If the graphics are cut when the van is dropped off I will normally stick a largish bit on with magnets just to show the customer how it will look.
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Thanks for all the replies everyone.
Also, I find that when you stand back to check how they line up, it is best to stand back a good 6m+, as anything less and you really don’t get the best idea of how it looks.
Oh, and have you ever fitted graphics, then opened a door and forgot to put your scalpel through the overlapping letters?? Errrr, I haven’t……………just wondered if any of you have done that………… 😳
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Noooo, never done that…what kind of dafty would do that :shake:
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quote Nick Minnery:Thanks for all the replies everyone.Also, I find that when you stand back to check how they line up, it is best to stand back a good 6m+, as anything less and you really don’t get the best idea of how it looks.
Oh, and have you ever fitted graphics, then opened a door and forgot to put your scalpel through the overlapping letters?? Errrr, I haven’t……………just wondered if any of you have done that………… 😳
No left that for the customer to do!! :lol1:
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Or warped over the filler cap, only to get an pissed of customer call you a few days later when he’s going to fill up and can’t !!! :yikes: :lol1:
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I one did a part wrap on a front door, an accident repair if I recall, anyway, I some months later – along the lines of the lock being wrapped over, lovely job apparently but they mentioned something about needing a keyhole when the van has a flat battery… who knew! 😳 😳
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