Painting Vinyl

[MattS 0]

I got a buddy that want me to vinyl up his racing helmet with all the flames.  We were thinking of tipping the flames with some paint and doing a little highlighting.  What is needed to do this.  Can it be done to any vinyl with special paint or both?

MattS

[Jerry Bonham 1]

Hello Matt,

Just a few hours ago i was explaining to a client how to do this.

No, you cannot use any vinyl.

You can but your client might not appreciate it.

It is best to use cast vinyl.

The paint you use is the best high quality vehicle paint.

And you will need the thinner for this paint.

Step One

Prime the vinyl.

In other words use the thinner to clean the vinyl surface.

Step Two.

Make sure the paint is spraying consistency.

you can buy for about $20.00 here small spray guns to do this (look like a large airbrush) from one of the super hardware stores we are are all now blessed with.  Years ago mine cost me about $700.00.

And oilless compressors for about $90.00.  You will need one of these.

Years ago mine cost me about $2,000.00.

Then spray away.

Note.

You spray before cutting.

It is best to put a Clear Cote over the top.

This is the clear coat finish used on cars.

you can buy this from the same place that you buy the paint.

Another note.

If it is a one off then buy some spray cans of car paint and use these instead.

Another note.

you may have to use a blade with an offset of 0.75 for best results if your normal blade has problems cutting the painted vinyl.

I would love to see your work when you do it.

Jerry from SignBlazer.

[Guest fivestar]

You can also use spray can Krylon or Krylon Fusion (it has M.E.K in it which adheres to the vinyl better).  Since it is for your buddy, I'm sure this is a "freebie" or "near freebie" prices.  It turns out really cool looking. 

I always cut my vinyl first then weed then spray it with the paint.  Also I have used cleat coat and not used clear coat it works both ways.  Now granted this is not going to look as good as Jerry's way, but it only costs 3.00-4.00 for a can of paint this way.  Also I use just regular calendared vinyl to do this.  Go out a buy a can of Krylon and try it, I think you'll be amazed at how it turns out.  Don't use Rustoleum it don't stick to the vinyl.

[MattS 0]

Thanks guys.  I got a couple questions:

How will the paint handle any stretching and forming for around a helmet?

He wants to just do a little tipping and light highlighting on the vinyl so I figured the painting would have to be done after the cutting.  Would there be any issue with the paint seeping under the vinyl?

He will be the one doing the painting.  He's got some high end air brush and I don't do that stuff.  We might be a little limited on our vinyl selection.  He wants a hammered gold vinyl that we will cut into a full wrap flame pattern.  How tough is this going to be?

[Jerry Bonham 1]

If you are going to paint after cutting then it MUST be done before weeding.

You cannot use gold mylar for this.

Here are two links to web pages of SignBlazer clients that do this sort of work here,.

You may find examples of their work inspirational.

Both are the two topmost professionals in this field in Australia.,

http://www.customairairbrushing.com.au/

go to gallery and then helmets.

http://www.grafix.com.au/portfolio.html

Both use SignBlazer HotShot.

Look at some of the images on the Wayne's Grafix site and these have all been created in SignBlazer HotShot.

You just need time to experiment before doing the real work,

It is just trial and error to find what works for you,

You use small bits of gold or silver mylar however you cannot do compound curves with it.

Another hint.

You also may find putting the work (both helmet and vinyl) in hot sun before applying makes it easier.

Also buying a paint stripping heat gun is invaluable.

Careful how you use this as you can damage work.

The essential thing is to get your work up to about 100F or 35F.

This makes so much easier.

Remember it is just experimentation.

Trust this helps.

Jerry from SignBlazer.

PS you can charge really huge amounts of money if you are good at this work.

You will find that clients expect to pay large amounts of money.

[Guest Terry]

Here is the place to learn, it is a forum like this one and they will answer your questions. Most of the people from TV are on here, it's all the top painters in the country. Go to the left choose public forums, then register, it's free. Check out the gallery section. Check this semi out it is ALL paint on black sheet of vinyl. The guy that did the truck... His screen name on the forums is MOB33 his real job is vinyl graphics, but he adds airbrush, that truck was one of about 7 at $2500 each.

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