AKSKYDIVER - Scott Ruth - "Scott Free"

[akskydiver]

Mike,

Is this where I should keep an eye out for my graphics? Thanks. Scott

How's this Scott?

http://www.iboatnw.com/gallery/data/media/57/Scott_Free_-_Rev_1.jpg

6" tall ... native length (works out to 40" with this font)

Feel free to spell out any changes.

[akskydiver]

Mike,

In Word, I see a style called Brush Script M7. I can't seem to copy it from a Word document and paste it here to show you how it looks. Can you see if you can try to find a style similar to that? Thanks. Scott

Here's the same thing in a font called "Brush MT"

http://www.iboatnw.com/gallery/data/media/57/Scott_Free_-_Rev_2.jpg

If you want the EXACT font. Simply go into your font directory (usually "C:\WINDOWS\FONTS") and sent me the font file in an email. It'll be named *.TTF

It's easy to get an exact match that way. Or send me a Word Document with the font you want, and it will embed the font file and install it here when I open it.

[akskydiver]

Mike,

Sent you an e-mail with Word document and also the tiff.

Scott

How's this:

http://www.iboatnw.com/gallery/data/media/57/Scott_Free_-_Rev_3.jpg

[Tedster]

That is the best one so far, course it is the same font I used! Ted :lol:

I've only got like 2700 of them installed here... so guessing is out of the question :)

[akskydiver]

Bingo!

I'll do the measurements tonight to see how that size will fit and get back to you tomorrow. Thanks again.

Scott

That was just a swag like we talked about. I can cut it any size. keep in mind stretching and pulling it will distort it. If you worry only about the height it'll stay proportional.

[akskydiver]

Mike,

I think the size lettering might work. The space I have to put it in (height limit) near the bow is 11 inches (can see on photos I emailed you previously). Do you have a guestimate as to what size might look best on this 24-ft boat? Also, what colors seem popular? If you're cutting this out of scraps, what colors are you limited to? Lots of questions, but I think we're almost there.

Scott

[Tedster]

Can I add some input here? Thanks, I think boat names really standout when you add drop shadows to them in a different color. As an example your name in royal-blue with a blue-grey drop shadow. Try it it will really pop! Ted :D

I don't have anything that large that is scrap, but the vinyl is pretty economical. 6-year vinyl runs just under $2 /ft on the roll (24") So I could fit two 11" sets, and then just run it out by the foot. Colors aren't a problem either. If I don't have it, I can get it. I have several dozen rolls in inventory now and more every week. Most seem to be in Royal Blue so far.

Size is personal preference (isn't it always?) :D

[akskydiver]

Mike,

Can you try Tedster's idea re:drop shadow and colors? How about in a 7-inch height. That's what, about 32 inches in length?

Scott

Like dat?

http://www.iboatnw.com/gallery/data/media/57/Scott_Free_-_Rev_4.jpg

[Tedster]

Exactlly! See how much better it pops, esp when it is on the boat rather than on the screen. Ted :D

[sunnydude2]

I have to agree with Ted on the drop shadow. We had one put on ours.

[akskydiver]

Yea, dat's good. How do we work out shipping, payment and all that good stuff?

Scott

I'll shoot ya an email...

[skydiver]

Mike,

Got the graphics yesterday. Thanks.

How do I apply them? Are there directions somewhere on your web site? Looks potentially tricky with the drop shadow application.

Thanks,
Scott

"Potentially Tricky" he says... :shock:

It depends on the installation, but since your letters are pretty small, I'd apply the main letters first, and then the shadows one at a time. They are zero-gapped, meaning they'll fit like jigsaw pieces next to the main letters. they should not overlap. I'd stick the main letters down first, and then apply the shadows next.

This can be done dry, or with a mild (1/2 teaspoon to a gallon) solution of soapy water and a spray bottle. They'll slide around then and once they are squeegeed out, they'll stick.

[skydiver]

Do the letters separate from the clear strip that they're on? The name is printed on a roll of clear sticky tape and I'm assuming the clear tape doesn't get stuck on the boat, just the letters that are on the tape. Assuming the letters come off the tape, does that whole thing get stuck on the boat and then the clear tape peels off leaving the letters on the boat? Or the letters are peeled off by hand and stuck on the boat one at a time? I just don't want to mess things up experimenting on my own.

[skydiver]

I think I found application directions that will work. If you know of something different that I should try, please let me know. Directions......

Boat Graphics Installation Instructions

Supplies:
Items needed for installation process.

Cleaning solution (2:1 water &isopropyl alcohol)
Measuring tape
Masking tape or washable marker
Spray bottle full of soapy water ( a capful liquid detergent & 1 pint of water)
Items included:

Graphics
Instructions
Squeegee
Read all directions before starting.

Step 1 Preparing the boat surface. The surface area the graphics will be applied must be free of oil, dirt, waxes or polishes. Even if the boat is brand new, thoroughly clean the surface with mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water.

Step 2 Select the location for the BoatUS Graphics. With a washable marker or strip of masking tape, mark a reference line at the exact place you want to place your graphics. Measure the length for the graphics and mark the points where you want the graphics to begin and end.

Step 3 Preparing the graphics. Spread the graphic sheet on a smooth surface with the backing paper side up. Carefully peel the backing paper away from the tape. It is important that there is no wind or breeze blowing. After the backing paper is removed discard it. Liberally spray the soapy solution to the graphics (sticky side) and tape. Make sure that the entire surface is wet.

Step 4 Preparing the area. Liberally spray the area in which you will apply the graphics with the soapy water solution. Make sure the entire area is wet. This solution will allow you to slide the graphics on the boat surface during the placement.

Step 5 Applying the graphics. Make sure that the tape side of the graphics sheet is still wet. Reapply the soapy solution again if necessary. Place the graphic sheet in the desired location on the boat. As long as the boat surface is wet, the letters can easily move by sliding them into position. When the graphics are properly in place lightly rub the application tape and graphics. Use small pieces of masking tape to secure the graphics in place.

Step 6 Securing the graphics. To securely fasten the graphics to the boat surface, the wetting solution must be squeezed from beneath each letter. With the application tape is still in place, use the squeegee provided to remove the soapy water by gently squeegee-ing each letter in several directions. This will not only remove the excess soapy water but it will remove the trapped air bubbles. Repeat this process several times as the graphics begin to dry. The drying process will vary according to the temperature and humidity conditions. Generally, the graphic sheet should dry for at least an hour or until the soapy water has dried.

Step 7 Removing the application tape. After the drying process is complete, CAREFULLY PEEL OFF THE APPLICATION TAPE, at 180% angle making sure that the graphics are securely fastened to the boat surface. If the letters start to come up repeat step number 6.

2-piece Drop shadow effect. The drop shadow effect is accomplished by installing the letters that will form the shadow first. Let the letters dry thoroughly! Then install the primary letters shifting them the direction in which you like best.

2 –piece Border effect. The border effect is accomplished by installing the larger letters first that will form the border. Let the letters dry thoroughly! Then install the smaller letters on top of larger letters.

Helpful Hints

Do not get backing paper wet.
Temperature should be at least 65 degrees to apply graphics.
Do NOT use WINDEX on graphics.

That's pretty close... but too much soap in a pint of water. You don't want soapy water... just something to keep the waters surface tension up while you float the graphics.

I would install yours dry to be honest. They're not big enough to worry about doing wet.

The "clear plastic" you talk about is called transfer or application tape. They are what is used to transfer the vinyl from the backing paper to the boat. Once the vinyl is stuck, the app tape will be pulled off, leaving the garphic behind.

I would also do the shadows last. I intentionally cut them with 0 offset. they will butt directly against the main letters (like a puzzle piece). You can apply them wet if you'd like... and slode them in place as needed. The ones in the directions you posted are "negative offset"... meaning they fit under the main letters. You'll get a slight seam there... and alignment is then more critical.

Also... with the AT6 (plastic) app tape... water won't affect it or the graphics. Just make sure its all squeegeed out thoroughly so you don't get bubbles as the water evaporates.

It's really quite simple... peel 'n' stick for the most part. Lemme know if anything's still fuzzy...