[Neil Davey]

I’ve always used APA curtain vinyl. If you’ve never used it before do a trial patch as Rob said. You really only get one chance!!

[Neil Davey]

Hi Gary, I have a copy of Ergosoft Posterprint 14.

[Neil Davey]

David I can’t seem to reply on your post! I’m in south Wales near Newport and the M4.

[Neil Davey]

Like Martin I get mine from Signgeer and get yourself a roll of Monkey strip and just cut off as and when you need a new piece.

[Neil Davey]

I would use APA truck curtain vinyl (I wasn’t aware of the PVC/SION issue though so thanks Chris) so obviously check first!!

Or you can mask and paint with screen ink, I use Apollo Inks and Metamark Blue mask.

[Neil Davey]

Have a look around the edge of the capping station and maybe give it clean, there may be some stray dried ink or hair picking up on the printhead and being dragged across.

[Neil Davey]

I have the 2020 Impact disc and catalogue and they have the new branding on them as Dan posted.

[Neil Davey]

Why not just buy a kit!

[Neil Davey]

This is really sad news, Chris will be sorely missed. My condolences to Deborah and his family.

[Neil Davey]

Why not just sub the printing out and apply a mark-up, there are very good online trade printers out there. I know you won’t make a fortune on that work but it keeps the customer coming through your door and not the competition. Saying that, some of the work I’ve seen print shops doing round here I wouldn’t call them competitors!! 🙂

[Neil Davey]

What’s more worrying is the fact that the customer accepted it!!

• This reply was modified 3 years, 6 months ago by  Neil Davey.

[Neil Davey]

I’m not a vehicle wrapper either but that seems like an odd and untidy way to go about things!

[Neil Davey]

Here’s one I did a few weeks ago all done with 3M tape.

• This reply was modified 3 years, 8 months ago by  Neil Davey.

[Neil Davey]

No, just use knifeless tape. The handles drop out easily too and that makes it much easier.

[Neil Davey]

Your space looks fabulous Duncan. Over my 34 years in the business I’ve worked from home on 2 occasions. It’s something I’m thinking about doing too when my lease runs out on my current premises in just under three years. I’ll be in my sixties by then so I think it’ll be a good idea to do so. Looking forward to seeing more progress pics.

[Neil Davey]

Metamark M7 or ImagePerfect 5700 ranges, use both for most things.

[Neil Davey]

quote John Lacey:

Now thats a real signmaking talent, knocks spots off of sticking coloured plastic sheeting to other stuff!

Thanks John and Brian, I really enjoyed painting this one as I remember seeing it as a kid as far back as the late 60’s from the bus with my mum and dad! 🙂

[Neil Davey]

Hi John, welcome to the boards.

[Neil Davey]

Hi Chris, it may be worth trying this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxyY5uIpl68
It’s helped me in the past.
Leave overnight with the machine powered down and perform printhead tests in-between soaks to see if there’s any progress.
Also, is your machine in a cold climate?, through the winter put a small oil filled radiator in the vicinity of the capping station or ink cartridges set to come on about 5am till 10am and then around 8pm to midnight. This should keep the viscosity of the ink low aiding in the cleaning cycle and printing.

[Neil Davey]

quote Chris Wool:

it was called ultramark a long time ago changed a bit over the years shows how long i have used it..

I used the Ultramark brand too Chris back in the 90’s – where have the years gone! 🙂

[Neil Davey]

I’ve used the 5700 series for as long as I can remember and swear by it for everyday work. I certainly think some jobs are over spec’d, especially when fitting supplied graphics that are predominantly Avery vinyls when IP5700 would be perfect and a lot easier to work with.
IP5700 is on a par with Metamark M7 which I also use a lot of (made at the factory I was told years ago).
It cuts and weeds very well as Iain said.
I’m not keen on IP digital vinyl though so use Metamark for pretty much all my digital stuff.

[Neil Davey]

I, pretty much, do exactly the same as Phill and it works very well. I can also find job from the dim and distant past very easily. My iMac backs up every hour to an external drive that goes home with me everyday.

quote Phill Fenton:

Every Month I start a new folder – e.g.October 2019
Within that folder I create subfolders for every customer or enquiry I deal with that month. (this means that regular repeat customers will have a series of folders spread out over the months and years we have been dealing with them).
All files relevant to each customer gets stored in their own dedicated folder each month (If necessary I create subfolders within each customers folder).

Whenever a repeat order is placed with an existing customer I simply cross reference through my accounts package and look up when the last order was placed – this allows me to locate the files used last time.

Sounds complicated but isn’t. It also means I only need to backup the current months work (which I do once a week) to keep everything up to date.

Works for me and I can still locate any specific file created as long ago as 1996 when I first started.

[Neil Davey]

Cool Martin, Plaka is still available in small jars. I remember the large tins we used to be able to buy 🙂

[Neil Davey]

Ahh yes sorry Steve, you don’t see poster writing like it used to be and it’s definitely an art in itself. There used to be a guy near me who just did posters day in day out but it’s not called for now in supermarkets and high streets sadly.

[Neil Davey]

Cheers Steve, the alphabet posters are by Jeff Marshall, it’s hand painted then digitised and is available on Letterhead Fonts. Good to say signwriting is far from a lost art these days there are so many young people taking up the brush.

[Neil Davey]

Ditto Alex – I’ve removed it from flat glass and it comes off ok and yes a bladed window scraper will help. The window will probably need cleaning too to remove any residue.

[Neil Davey]

Cheers Rob, I found a supplier :thumbsup:

[Neil Davey]

I had the same email this morning!

[Neil Davey]

I gave up on my order of a Summa cutting strip and as I’d ordered through Paypal I raised a dispute and got a refund within 3 days.
I ordered the same part off Wissen UK Ltd and got it next day!!

[Neil Davey]

quote Kevin Mahoney:

That’s uncanny Neil! That’s pretty much what I used to do with some self adhesive 3mm sponge I had kicking about. Still got the plotter on the racking

Great minds Kevin, great minds :smiles:

[Neil Davey]

Right guys this is very crude as I said :smiles:
All i did was take the cover off the tool holder (two screws in the side) on my Summa D120R.
Then all I did was hold down the tool holder (remove your blade tool first) and pop a small, 10mm x 5mm, piece of double sided foam tape on top of the holder close to the centre copper magnety bit to stop the holder returning fully upwards. Leave the release tape on the top part of the double side tap, obvs :smiles:
Pop the cover back on and away to go, I’ve had no problems since doing this, works a treat.

[Neil Davey]

My Summa D120R has been suffering from a ‘cutlag’ lately but I sorted it today and now it cuts perfectly again.
I have a slightly crude but easy fix for this problem so will post a diagram shortly for any other sufferers!!

[Neil Davey]

Not quite as bad as you guys but I ordered some things last Friday and still nothing!

[Neil Davey]

I agree with Colin, stay away from big names.
I have this set-up and is super fast running Flexisign although I run Flexi on an iMac too.

Novatech NTI281 Workstation – Intel I7 7700 Processor- 240GB SSD- 3TB SATA Drive – 16GB 2133Mhz DDR4 Memory – H110M Chipset- NVIDIA Quadro K620 Graphics – Windows 10

[Neil Davey]

Hi Mariusz, this is still for sale.

[Neil Davey]

Dulux Weathershield masonry paint has a dirt and mould inhibitor in it called Stay Clean, if this is also in gloss paints that may be your problem!

[Neil Davey]

Lovely stuff Kevin, love the camper but they’re all awesome!

[Neil Davey]

I had a problem with one of their new colours, aluminium silver, late last year. It peeled the silicone backing paper up in places and also didn’t want to come off the paper easily. I rang and they mentioned glue migration to me.

[Neil Davey]

I’ve recently had exactly the same issue with Metamark Lime Green!

[Neil Davey]

You could try AS Handover too, it seems ‘Whistler’ made graining brushes and stipplers and may have a connection to Hamiltons! But that said, lettering quills from Wrights of Lymm are very good brushes.

[Neil Davey]

Hi Andrew and welcome. I’ve run Graphic plotters in the past and they’re a good piece of kit.
I started using flexisign back in ’94, it’s very user friendly.
If you ever have any problems give me a shout!

[Neil Davey]

quote Brian Little:

very nice neil …not the easiest surface

Thanks Brian :smiles:

[Neil Davey]

I design and plot using Flexisign on a 2011 iMac keeping it on OSX 10.8.5 and have another iMac running Ai etc and my accounts software. I then have an older PC running my Gerber Edge and Mutoh 1304 RIP and also have a more powerful up to date PC which runs Signlab and Flexi as well as estimating software. When I get time I’m going to retire the older PC in favour of the new model.

[Neil Davey]

Nice job Hugh, saw it on FB too :thumbsup:
Ultimately it’s a good exercise but I’ve found these jobs don’t pay enough to cover the amount of work, hassle and sleepless nights!! If you’re wrapping day in day out then you build up speed and know how but give it a couple of months and you’ll have forgotten all the tricks you learnt on this job! :rollseyes:
That said you did a great job and I hope your customer heaped praise on you for it! :claps:

[Neil Davey]

I’ve been using M7 for years, it weeds great. I’ve noticed odd issues with the finish but have never had any complaints. It’s on a par with Imagepefect 5700 so I stick to both of these as I’m used to the way they work, very forgiving during application.

[Neil Davey]

Thank you guys :blushing:

[Neil Davey]

By the way Matt, there’s an ‘i’ missing from ‘Builders’ and an ‘s’ from ‘Construction’! :thumbsup:

[Neil Davey]

I only ever use paper appli tape and I’d do that dry, hinge in the centre and work out from there.

[Neil Davey]

Well done David, the curtains look great.

[Neil Davey]

I would weld all the boxes together and apply as a single graphic, I have a 1200mm wide plotter so could cut that in 1 piece. If you only have a 600mm wide plotter I’d cut the graphic in 2 pieces and trim to the recess part of the panel.

I would knock out the grey box graphic a few mil either side of the lettering as this will make for a much neater finish and won’t pose any colour contrast issues.

[Neil Davey]

quote Robert Lambie:

Yes, I was going to say that… Cannot be easy when the cold starts biting your fingers! :awkward:

How long would something like this take to do Neil?

No it’s not nice Rob, cold is the enemy :shake:

This job took 3 days plus a little planning beforehand.

[Neil Davey]

Thank you gents, it was nice to get this one out the way before the recent temperature drop!! :smiles:

[Neil Davey]

Hi Dave, yes I used application tape and I use Metamark blue mask.

[Neil Davey]

quote David Hammond:

Very helpful thread, we’ve our first curtain job booked in a week on Friday.

Found Apollo Inks very helpful, interested to read your comment about not overlaying inks due to reactivation of the ink below.

Is it a case of punching out the above colours from the colour below?

We’ve a drop shadow on ours, along with a 3 colour logo :puppyeyes:

Couple of pics here David of some curtains using Apollo Ink but only one colour. It can get quite tricky when using more than one colour!
You’ll need good ventilation too as this stuff gets pretty smelly!!
I’ve since started using APA vinyl.

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[Neil Davey]

Hi Jean, just broke down an online brochure and this is the font used in that.

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Attachments:

APC.PDF

[Neil Davey]

I use ‘Chapter8Shop.com’ for all my tape, chevrons etc.

[Neil Davey]

I would suggest you call in to local body repair shops and haulage companies and make yourself known to them. The key is getting repeat work from these and then your one offs are a bonus. This is what I did as a fledgling Signwriter 30 odd years ago before social media and even vinyl cutting machines!! Try and get a personal relationship going with these customers, I still do work for people that I just dropped a business card in to in 1986 🙂 Also, as others have said, have you got signs on a vehicle – the best form of advertising, I’ve picked up 2 small jobs from my van just this week.
Another good source of work are larger companies with factories as H&S is just mad at the moment and they’re always looking for signs and if you can sell yourself on doing bespoke designs and fast turnaround it goes a long way.
I run the odd Facebook promo but generally find nothing comes of it, I ditched directory, Yell and B2B advertising years ago, total waste of money.
Have you a niche product or service that you can offer, maybe worth a try.

[Neil Davey]

Thanks guys, always good to get the brushes out!

[Neil Davey]

Thanks Brian – No, I had to mix a colour to match a sample on the car, don’t think I could mix it again!! :smiles:

[Neil Davey]

quote Chris Wilson:

And I thought I had a hard day. Hope they let you sit in it

Haha, alas I didn’t get to sit in it! There’s not many instruments in it – Rev Counter, Oil and Water Pressure and that’s it!!

[Neil Davey]

quote Martin Cole:

I take my hat off to you Neil .. :praiseyou:

that is a beautiful bit of work and all done at that low level…wow :shocked:

Thanks Martin, this is when it helps to be short!!! :smiles:

[Neil Davey]

Nice selection of work Dave, love the script lettering on Kais Kitchen.

[Neil Davey]

quote Simon Worrall:

Very nice job, Neil.
And I bet it cost less than vinyl to do!

Thanks Simon, no comparison buddy!! :rollseyes:

[Neil Davey]

Thanks guys :thumbsup:

quote Martin Cole:

Very nice, top draw work Neil

I really would consider giving up the hairdressing and going full time now 😆

Nah, I still want something to fall back on!!! :smiles:

[Neil Davey]

I’ve been ignoring it too Phill, I think I’ll wait till I get fined £17,000,000 as was mentioned on the radio earlier!! :yikes:

[Neil Davey]

quote Paul.Carter:

Wow
I love the jack daniel’s one

Thanks Paul, the only problem with those is getting hold of Milk Churns!

[Neil Davey]

quote Martin Cole:

quote Neil Davey:

Thanks Chris and John.

I’m OK Chris, how are you? I’ve been lurking in the background :smiles: Can’t seem to load an avatar at the moment tho!!
I got quite fast at those shadow boards after the 8th one :smiles:

Who’s Chris…?? I know its been a while Neil 😆 😆

I’m doing well thanks, pretty busy down here in sunny Essex.

all the best MARTIN

Haha, sorry MARTIN. I’m getting old!!!!!
Glad you’re busy, send some of that sun this way buddy.

[Neil Davey]

Thanks Chris and John.

I’m OK Chris, how are you? I’ve been lurking in the background :smiles: Can’t seem to load an avatar at the moment tho!!
I got quite fast at those shadow boards after the 8th one :smiles:

[Neil Davey]

Thanks buddy, sorry they’re in the wrong order!! 🙂

[Neil Davey]

Thanks Jamie, you’re a star :thumbsup:

[Neil Davey]

Ditto Hugh’s comment but 6.5% is quite an increase.

By the way tho did you vote in or out in the recent referendum? 😉 :smiles:

[Neil Davey]

Just buy new panels, your time is precious!!

[Neil Davey]

Hi Jess, and welcome.
Hope you find the boards helpful.
I drove through Ashburton last year on way from Christchurch to Tekapo, a beautiful part of the world.

[Neil Davey]

Import into Flexi as an Ai and scale by %2000 – Option K on a MAC.

[Neil Davey]

Very similar to Commercial Script.

[Neil Davey]

Here’s one to throw into the mix!

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Attachments:

[Neil Davey]

Hi Chris, the Argus van had recently been sprayed so the sign writing had no problem adhering to the van. Years ago we used to use Farecla G3 rubbing compound on factory finishes and polish after the job was finished.

[Neil Davey]

Thanks guys, I did find http://www.tradesigns.co.uk also.

[Neil Davey]

We use knifeless tape for this type of job, it’s so quick and accurate and saves taking a knife to the van.
The speed and being safe in the knowledge you haven’t used a knife far out ways the cost I believe.

[Neil Davey]

Sorry to hear that Jen, I’ll keep a lookout here for anything that appears dodgy.

[Neil Davey]

Great selection of work Ade.

[Neil Davey]

Simple answer from someone knows sweet FA about football. The Premiership should limit the amount of foreign players in any one squad.
That way, wouldn’t home grown talent be brought through the ranks?

Just a thought as I felt very sad for the likes of Mr R and Mr G and the younger players when England were knocked out and I don’t want it to happen again especially in the 2016 Euro’s.

🙄

[Neil Davey]

Looks awesome Cheryl, can’t wait to see the progress pics.

[Neil Davey]

quote Ade Brown:

M7 and 551 for me.

Neil id be interested in your thoughts on the image perfect 5700

Adrian

IP5700 is much the same as M7, made in the same factory in Lancaster I believe.
It has less static than M7 though. That’s if you’ve noticed the static in M7 🙂
Like I said we use it on trucks vans signs etc. everyday and it performs very well for many years.
Spandex supply it.

[Neil Davey]

We use Metamark 7 Series or ImagePerfect 5700 on most day to day stuff.
As has been said don’t scrimp on vinyl and don’t necessarily go for the cheapest.
I be looking at reliability as far as delivery is concerned, we can pretty much guarantee when our couriers will arrive.
And, building up good relationships with your supplier can be beneficial as you move forward.

[Neil Davey]

When I used to paint vinyl many moons ago I lacquered over it but I guess using a laminate would be as good if not better. I think I’d wet apply tho as you don’t want the paint lifting off the vinyl while positioning the laminate. Also, did you key the vinyl first, I would imagine you did.

[Neil Davey]

Cost wise Wrapcut is much cheaper than Knifeless but is more difficult to use. I agree with Ghais. I don’t like the fact that it does leave jagged cut on occasion, usually when you really don’t need it!! What I don’t understand is why the tapes differ so much in price as the only difference I can see is the placement of the cutting fibre on the tape itself.

[Neil Davey]

I’d go with a black wrap first with 3M 1080 series and with the print use IJ380.
But, be warned if you’ve never wrapped a vehicle before it’s not that straightforward!!

[Neil Davey]

No Gary, I’m still looking 🙁

[Neil Davey]

Still in shock now, Wales didn’t turn up and there was no passion.

Wales :you: Ireland

[Neil Davey]

Thanks for the reply’s 😀

[Neil Davey]

quote John Dorling:

Surely even if it cost an extra £15 per sheet to buy yellow ACM, there must be enough margin in a 20 metre sign to allow for that, especially considering the time and cost to flood coat each board, and then the potential comebacks for the vinyl lifting/shrinking?

John

Ditto……..we should have a like button on this site. 😀

[Neil Davey]

Why not just use yellow ACM 😕

[Neil Davey]

Scanvec Amiable, the makers of Flexisign.

http://www.thinksai.com

[Neil Davey]

Have you tried restoring Flexisigns Preferences to default settings?

[Neil Davey]

We’ve taken delivery of a roll of each to wrap our own vans.
Will keep you informed on the progress.
We were told it’s been trialled over the past year with some major wrap companies and they were happy with it.

[Neil Davey]

😀 your right there Jill.

Drawn it now but why cherry red and black? 🙄

[Neil Davey]

Hi Richard, I’m in south Wales near Newport and the M4.

[Neil Davey]

Thanks Neil, go on blow the dust off your brushes 🙂

[Neil Davey]

Thanks Rob, the ‘Robs Barbers’ is actually Ivory 1Shot – I think the combination of background colour and black shadow/outline makes it pop!

There’s around 7 days in that carpark job, 4 coats to each number, the colour was applied by the decorators and the whole lot was given a fire retardant clear on completion.