SurberSigns 24 Posted December 23, 2014 I have a job coming up on a 5x10 enclosed trailer and it will be getting lettering on both sides from top to bottom. What is the easiest way to install the vinyl over the rivet screws? Take them out? Also dry is easier Id say as well, right? Tape everything down into place after taking exact measurements, then when squeegeeing the letters when it comes to the screw heads should I use the heat gun? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted December 23, 2014 No, you aren't going to remove rivets !!! Use the heat gun and carefully squeegee around the rivet heads (in a circular motion). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SurberSigns 24 Posted December 23, 2014 But last time I did something like this, when I went around the rivit area the application tape would start to crinkle and cause wrinkles down the rest of the lettering... Sould I do this in sections? Tape it down, then cut it off into sections? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coaster36 327 Posted December 23, 2014 What vinyl are you using. Hopefully 751 at the very least. The 751 or better will conform to the rivets with heat and allow you to work in around. And don't leave the app tape on. Line up all your graphics. If there are multiple layers you might want to lay it out and position it to avoid as many rivets as possible. Then apply everything and remove the app paper and work each color around each rivet with a heat gone and squeegee or tennis ball. Do one color at a time obviously. I think this really is something that just comes with practice. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
express2100 154 Posted December 23, 2014 You might want to invest in the "right tools for the job" as they say. There are specific tools for applying over rivets such as river brushes and rollers. I have heard good things about the RollePro. You may also want to consider a steep discount on jobs like this until you get the hang of it. Could go a long ways on return business. I haven't had any jobs with rivets yet but when the first ones do come along I won't charge for the install labor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
knucklehead 530 Posted December 23, 2014 A little heat, and a tennis ball works well. Cast vinyl of course. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kylesmash 36 Posted December 24, 2014 Take the rivers out! Always take the rivets out! It's easier to install. And the end result looks so Much better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted December 24, 2014 Screws out, rivets stay. I have seen both ways but most newer trailers I've run into are screwed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Signs and Designs 17 Posted December 25, 2014 I remove screws, I have over sized screws to go back in if striped (they have the same sized head so there is no difference). Then paint the screw heads the same color as the vinyl. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SurberSigns 24 Posted December 25, 2014 But if you remove the rivets, it will be smooth and the tape wouldn't cause creasing because of the rivet in place. after the vinyl is healed I could just screw it back in. I am using 651 right now. Probably not the best decision for it? Luckily this is a friends trailer so he understands its not going to be perfection. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sue2 920 Posted December 25, 2014 But if you remove the rivets, it will be smooth and the tape wouldn't cause creasing because of the rivet in place. after the vinyl is healed I could just screw it back in. I am using 651 right now. Probably not the best decision for it? Luckily this is a friends trailer so he understands its not going to be perfection. "By failing to plan, you plan to fail." -Unknown. Just because it's a friend that's no reason not to use the proper material for the job. THIS will be out on the streets as an example of your work...make it the best you can. Just my 2 cents... Sue2 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SurberSigns 24 Posted December 25, 2014 Oh for sure. But I have been using 651 for a long time now. On vehicles, trailers, windows etc. I didn't think there was a difference when using on a trailer. I'm not using 651 just because hes a friend. I am just use to using it. But as far as perfection, I meant around the rivets. That is my weakest area right now, but with the other side to do yet, I'm going to try and take out those rivets. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coaster36 327 Posted December 25, 2014 The 751 conforms better to the rivets. If you've never used it you'll never go back to 651 for high end long lasting jobs. It's a dream to work with. So don't use 651 just to use it. Use 751 because it really is the right vinyl to use. You'll be happy you did. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted December 25, 2014 Let's be clear here screws and rivet are 2 different things. Don't mess with rivets because they are just hardware store pop rivets. Screws I always pull the couple that end up in the way and as far as 651 I don't necessarily agree with everyone else on vehicle use as long as it doesn't have to conform to compound curves I use it quite a bit and I've had some out 6+ years that still look decent. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dakotagrafx 7,297 Posted December 25, 2014 Let's be clear here screws and rivet are 2 different things. Don't mess with rivets because they are just hardware store pop rivets. Screws I always pull the couple that end up in the way and as far as 651 I don't necessarily agree with everyone else on vehicle use as long as it doesn't have to conform to compound curves I use it quite a bit and I've had some out 6+ years that still look decent. did you mean the aren't hardware store and I would be upset if anyone tried removing the rivets from my enclosed trailer for any reason Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted December 25, 2014 Yeah something like that lol. If it's not a screw don't mess with it or you will regret it later 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skarekrow 1,842 Posted December 26, 2014 The problem with the 651 isn't going to be getting it to conform to the rivets or screw heads. The 651 will conform beautifully over the protrusions with a little heat when applied, but, stretching calendered vinyl over the protrusions will most likely shrink back (material memory) in time and 'tent' over them. 751 is a cast product and doesn't have near as severe 'material memory' when stretched and will retain it's new shape better. Lots of you know this just no one has mentioned it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SurberSigns 24 Posted December 26, 2014 I feel like an idiot... its not a rivet its just a T2 screw. I have no idea where I got rivet from -__- Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted December 26, 2014 It's all good and I have seen the occasional riveted trailer although you see rivets more with box vans. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mabscotthandyman 1,410 Posted December 28, 2014 751-951 will conform very easy with a rollerpro or heat and a rivit brush or tennis ball. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites