kelliann

I have been using Siser Easy Weed and Spectra Eco-Film on my apparel projects. I began trying them out on some shirts for my kids. I would wash and dry them constantly, to see how they would hold up, despite manufacturer's washing instructions. I have found that shirts that have some polyester content last the longest. I usually try to buy shirts with a 50/50 blend. I have a shirt with vinyl on it from 5 years ago, it has only begun to peel in lately, but the shirt is pretty worn out as well. In contrast, I recently purchased a screen printed shirt for my son's football team and added his name on the back in vinyl, the screen printing began peeling a while ago, but the vinyl is fine. Just make a note that you will want to heat press your apparel for 4-5 seconds prior to adding your vinyl. This removes any moisture in the fabric....well, that is what I hear.

I tried something new. Well, new to me. It worked really quite well, so I thought I'd share. I was looking for a really great way to hem the edges on a banner that would be outside in the wind, snow, rain, and cold weather. (I purchased a large blank roll, and was hoping to save some money doing it that way.) I tried using hem tape...no luck, just didn't stick well enough. I tried using my sewing machine to hem the egdes...no luck, just kept breaking the thread (I shall try it again another time though). So I tried using some PVC glue. (A 2-part glue. I painted one edge with part 1 and the other side of the fold with part 2. Then I pressed them together). First, I tried it on a few practice pieces, soaked them in water and froze them. Once they were good and frozen, we grabbed the ends with pliers and pulled as hard as we could. The banner didn't tear. I also was able to punch a grommet through the layers. It seemed to seal the layers together nicely. *As a note, the PVC glue is a bit messy. So be careful where it touches. It melts/bonds the layers together, and it leaves the hemmed edge lumpy in places. I think with practice I can solve that issue.

Iam a newbie, but I have a few 4x40 street banners under my belt. I have tried a few things to reinforce the corners, because they seem to be ripping out. The weather plays a huge factor where the banners are located, mostly the high winds (traffic is only 25 mph, so that isn't an issue). I believe that it is the installation on the wires that has contributed to the corner grommets pulling out. I have no part in the installation, I just provide the banner. I understand that nearly all of the banners that are displayed in this location do the samething. From the pictures you can see how the city hangs the banner with clips onto a wire (the banner can freely move along the wire). Then the corners are tightened with a different cable. The banner is usually saggy. I have attached a photo, and I was hoping that you could give your feedback on the hanging of the banner. I spoke with a friend who is an engineer about my issue and his ideas were great, but I need to hear from someone who experience with this. I would like to include some recommendations to the city with my next banner.

Well, I am finally joining you all. I have enjoyed reading and learning from your posts. I hope to add some of my observations and experiences on the forum. I make shirts, banner, sticker and that kind of stuff. I am currently working on another 4x40 banner. I am trying some new techniques on it, and if they work, I am going to share them...revolutionize the banner world! Here was the first banner I ever made.

If you have a business license, you can purchase shirts at wholesale at http://impweb.imprintswholesale.com/. I was purchasing them through BlankShirts, but found them cheaper at Imprints Wholesale (I think that BlankShirts might be their retail site).