The King of Vinyl

[thekingofvinyl]

Transform Your Wheels with Vehicle Wrapping Films

Today, let’s chat about something exciting and increasingly popular in the world of automotive aesthetics – vehicle wrap vinyl and vehicle wrapping films. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a business owner looking to advertise on the go, or someone who just wants to give their ride a fresh, new look, this is for you!

What’s the Hype Around Vehicle Wrap Vinyl?

First off, vehicle wrap vinyl. This isn’t just any ordinary sticker material. We’re talking about high-quality, durable vinyl that’s specifically designed to wrap around your vehicle like a second skin. It’s a fantastic way to change your car’s appearance without the permanence or expense of a paint job. Plus, it protects your vehicle’s original paintwork from the elements and minor scratches.

The Magic of Vehicle Wrapping Films

Moving on to vehicle wrapping films. These are similar to wrap vinyl but come with a variety of finishes like matte, gloss, metallic, and even textured options (think carbon fibre!) The films are applied over your vehicle’s body, allowing you to customise its look completely. It’s like giving your car a tailor-made outfit that reflects your style or your brand’s identity.

Why Choose Vehicle Wraps?

Cost-Effective: compared to a full paint job, wrapping your vehicle is much more wallet-friendly.

Personalisation: with an array of colours and textures at your disposal, the sky’s the limit in terms of design.

Protection: these wraps shield your vehicle’s original paintwork from wear and tear.

Resale Value: keeping the original paint intact can help maintain your car’s resale value.

Advertising: for businesses, it’s a mobile billboard that grabs attention wherever you go.

The Process: How It’s Done

The process of applying vehicle wrap vinyl and vehicle wrapping films is an art in itself. It begins with a thorough cleaning of the vehicle to ensure a smooth surface. Then, the vinyl or film is meticulously applied, ensuring no air bubbles or wrinkles. It’s a task best left to professionals for a flawless finish.

DIY vs Professional Installation

You might be tempted to try a DIY wrap, but here’s a word of caution. It requires skill, the right tools, and a lot of patience. For a seamless and durable application, it’s wise to go to a professional. This is where ATC comes in, click here!

ATC: Your Go-To for Vehicle Wrap

ATC, a UK-based company, specialises in high-quality vehicle wrap vinyl and vehicle wrapping films. They understand the nuances of different vehicles and sell top-grade materials to ensure your wrap looks stunning and lasts long-term.

How to Care for Your Wrapped Vehicle

Once your vehicle is wrapped, it does need some love and care. Regular washing is recommended, preferably by hand. Avoid harsh chemicals and high-pressure washers. With proper care, your wrap can last for years, keeping your vehicle looking as good as new.

Vehicle wrapping is more than just a trend; it’s a revolution in vehicle customisation and advertising. With vehicle wrap vinyl and vehicle wrapping films, the possibilities are endless. You can make a statement, protect your vehicle, or promote your business – all with a touch of style.

Wrapping It Up

So, if you’re in the UK and considering giving your vehicle a new lease of life or a mobile advertising makeover, check out ATC. Their expertise in vehicle wrap vinyl and vehicle wrapping films will ensure your vehicle turns heads wherever it goes!

And remember, whether it’s for style, protection, or promotion, a vehicle wrap is an investment in your vehicle’s future. So, why wait? Let’s wrap and roll!🚗✨

Ritrama, Reflective and Sign Vinyl and Speciality Film available from ATC Ltd.

[thekingofvinyl]

Let's Talk Signs: A Journey Through Sign Making Supplies and Tools

Sign making isn’t just a craft; it’s an art form that combines creativity with precision. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, having the right sign making supplies and tools is essential to bringing your vision to life. In this blog, I’m going to dive into the essentials of sign making, highlighting key supplies and tools that every sign maker needs in their arsenal. Plus, for those in the UK, we’ve got a special mention for ATC, your go-to supplier for high-quality sign making supplies.

Understanding Sign Making Supplies

The first step in your sign making journey is understanding the supplies you’ll need. This isn’t just about picking up a paintbrush and some vinyl, it’s about choosing materials that will bring durability, vibrancy, and professionalism to your work.

Vinyl Sheets and Rolls

Vinyl is the bread and butter of the sign making industry. Available in a variety of colours and finishes, vinyl sheets and rolls are versatile and durable, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor signs. They come in different grades, so consider the longevity and conditions of your sign will be exposed to when making your choice.

Transfer Tapes

Transfer tapes are the hidden secret when sign making. They help you move your vinyl designs from the backing paper to the sign surface without losing alignment or integrity. A good quality transfer tape can make the difference between a sign that looks professional and one that looks like a DIY project.

Sign Blanks

Sign blanks are pre-cut panels made from materials like aluminium, wood, or acrylic. They provide a sturdy and smooth surface for your vinyl designs. Choosing the right sign blank depends on where your sign will be displayed and the overall look you’re aiming for.

The Must-Have Sign Making Tools

Now, let’s talk tools. Having the right tools not only makes the process smoother but also improves the quality of your signs.

Cutting Tools

A high-quality cutter is essential! Whether it’s a simple handheld vinyl cutter for small projects or an advanced electronic cutting machine for complex designs, make sure your cutting tools is sharp and precise.

Squeegees and Application Tools

Squeegees are crucial for applying vinyl without bubbles or wrinkles. They come in various sizes and materials, so find one that feels comfortable in your hand and suits the size of your projects. Click here for a range of durable, quality-made sign making tools.

Weeding Tools

Weeding tools are used to remove excess vinyl from your design. This step is important for clean, professional-looking signs. Look for tools with fine tips for precision.

Why Choose ATC for your Sign Making Supplies?

If you’re in the UK, ATC is your ideal destination for sign making supplies. They offer a comprehensive range of high-quality materials and tools tailored to both beginners and seasoned professionals. Their expertise and customer service make them a reliable partner in your sign making journey.

Tips for Successful Sign Making

Plan Your Design: before you start cutting, have a clear design in mind. Use software to lay out your sign and make any adjustments before cutting your vinyl.

Test Materials: different materials react differently. Always do a small test cut to ensure your settings are correct.

Keep Your Tools in Good Shape: regularly maintain your tools for the best results. Sharp blades and clean squeegees make a huge difference.

Whether you’re creating signs for business or pleasure, having the right supplies and tools is key to creating stunning, professional-quality signs. Remember, sign making is an art that requires patience, practice, and precision. For those in the UK, don’t forget to check out ATC for all your sign making supplies and tool needs. Their range and expertise are sure to help you bring your creative visions to life. Happy sign making!

Ritrama, Reflective and Sign Vinyl and Speciality Film available from ATC Ltd.

[thekingofvinyl]

Printable Vehicle Wrap: An Innovative Way to Promote Your Brand

In today's competitive business world, promoting your brand effectively is crucial to stay ahead of your competitors, and one of the most innovative ways to advertise your brand is through vehicle wrapping films. Vehicle wraps are an excellent marketing tool that can make your brand stand out from the crowd, whether you want to advertise your brand on a van or looking to sponsor a rally car, there are numerous ways to promote yourself! In this article, we will explore the benefits of printable vehicle wraps and how they can help you reach your target audience effectively.

There are numerous companies that stock vehicle wrapping films, with high performing vinyl that is sure to impress your crowd. If you need some help finding the perfect supplier, I recommend having a look at App Tape! They stock all sorts of vehicle wrap products, from speciality vinyl to squeegees and knifeless tape. Take a look at their website here!

What is Printable Vehicle Wrap?

Printable vehicle wrap is a type of vinyl wrap that can be printed with high-quality graphics, text, and images. They are designed to cover a vehicle's exterior, transforming it into a mobile billboard for your brand. They are an effective way to advertise your brand and grab the attention of potential customers. They are a cost-effective advertising tool that can generate thousands of impressions per day – as after all, they will be on the road!

Benefits of Printable Vehicle Wraps

1. Cost-effective advertising

Compared to traditional advertising methods such as billboards and TV commercials, printable vehicle wraps are a cost-effective way to advertise your brand. Once installed, vehicle wraps can last for several years, providing long-term advertising benefits.

2. Increases brand visibility

Printable vehicle wraps can make your brand visible to thousands of potential customers every day, travelling to new places that may not be covered with traditional methods. Your vehicle becomes a moving billboard! You can promote all sorts of things – from new products launches, discounts, your website, literally anything you want.

3. Protects your vehicle's paint job

Vehicle wraps not only promote your brand, but they also help to protect your vehicle's paint job from scratches and sun damage. Especially for rally/track cars and motorbikes, vehicle wrapping films can help to create a barrier between paint panels and dirt and stones that are kicked up. This can help you save money on maintenance costs in the long run.

4. Easy to install and remove

Printable vehicle wraps are easy to install and remove. They can be removed without damaging your vehicle's paint, making them an ideal option for businesses that lease their vehicles.

5. Customisable

Printable vehicle wraps can be customised to fit your brand's specific needs. You can choose from a variety of colours, graphics, and text to create a unique look that represents your brand effectively.

How to Design a Printable Vehicle Wrap

Designing a vehicle wrap is crucial to ensure that your brand gets noticed on the road, however, there is no right or wrong answer as it is completely up to you! Nevertheless, I have listed some tips for designing your vehicle wrap:

Keep it simple

Your vehicle wrap should have a clear message that is easy to read and understand. Keep your design simple and avoid cluttering it with too much information.

Use high-quality graphics and images

High-quality graphics and images can make your vehicle wrap stand out from the crowd. Use high-resolution images and graphics that are relevant to your brand.

Choose the right colours

Colours play a significant role in creating a memorable vehicle wrap. Choose colours that are eye-catching and represent your brand and message well!

Include your contact information

Make sure to include your contact information, such as your phone number and website. This can help potential customers get in touch with you easily.

Printable vehicle wraps are an excellent way to promote your brand and reach a wider audience. By following the tips mentioned, you can create a memorable vehicle wrap that effectively represents your brand. So, why not give it a try and see how printable vehicle wraps can benefit your business?

https://www.apptape.co.uk/

[thekingofvinyl]

An Easy Guide to Chapter 8 Chevron Kits

If you have noticed a lot of vehicles with red and yellow reflective diagonal stripes, then this blog post might be worth the read. These yellow and red stripes are known as chevrons kits that are used on the rear of vehicles as a safety measure, to protect pedestrians and people on the road from accidents. They are predominantly used on highway maintenance vehicles, which may cause a temporary obstruction in the road. The use of chevron kits comes under Chapter 8 regulations, which advise vehicles working on high-speed roads to have visible markings. They are a necessity to keep all staff and oncoming traffic safe on the road.

You may notice cars, vans, recovery trucks and gritters with these markings. Although it is not law to install these kits, if you were to cause an accident because of no conspicuity markings, then you might be prosecuted. Basically, if you work on the road and need to stop and start, you should have a chevron kit!

Chevron kits are available for pretty much every car brand name and vehicle type on the market, and many companies create their kits from high-quality materials, click here.

According to some statistics I read for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, about 40% of road accidents happen at night, from vehicles that are not obviously marked. Chevron kits can prevent this, even during the daytime too.

Here is a quick breakdown (pardon the pun) of the Chapter 8 requirements:

Vehicles stopping or working on high-speed roads should have visible reflective markings.

The kits should cover the majority of the rear of the vehicle, without covering windows, lights, and of course your registration plate. I must admit, if you were to cover your registration plate, that would be incredibly silly, and I don’t mean to be harsh.

The alternating yellow and red stripes should point upwards, at an angle between 45 >n<60 degrees and they should be 150 mm wide.

The red stripes should be retroreflective for nighttime and the yellow stripes should be non-reflective for daytime.

They should be cleaned regularly to maintain their brightness.

And that is my quick guide to chevron kits! There are more requirements however, for the most part, these are the only points necessary for this blog post. Do you work on a high-speed road? If you do, just double-check that you have a chevron kit installed, as you never know what might happen (sorry, if that was a bit sinister but it's true!).

I hope this shorter blog post has explained everything you need to know about chevron kits, even if it is in a short and snappy way. Please feel free to check out my other blog posts, they might be a little more interesting than this one.

https://www.apptape.co.uk/

[thekingofvinyl]

The Endless Possibilities of Squeegees

If you have stumbled across my amusing yet unusual blog page, then you might be curious as to why this blog post is about squeegees and not vinyl and film. Well, in most cases to apply and install vinyl successfully you will need a squeegee to complete the task. I think for most people, the most common use of a squeegee is for window cleaning however, there are many other applications, which I have listed in this blog post.

But first off what is a squeegee?

According to the Oxford Dictionary, a squeegee is ‘a tool with a rubber edge and a handle, used for removing water from smooth surfaces such as windows’, and although this is its main definition, squeegees are not limited to only removing water.

In fact, squeegees now come in so many shapes and sizes, whether that be with an extended handle or not. There are many companies that sell a variation of squeegees, for a range of purposes, click here. On the market, you can not only find squeegees made out of rubber but also plastic, stainless steel, microfibre, and felt. If you need a new squeegee or are perhaps trying to find what tool will be most useful for you, keep on reading.

So, other than your general window cleaning, what can squeegees be used for?

Vehicle customisation

If you’re big into cars like myself, then vehicle wrapping and vehicle customisation will not be new to you. Generally, a cheaper way to customise a car is through wrapping and tinted films, which can easily be applied and removed for a range of vehicles. Yet, to create a seamless finish, with no air bubbles or creases, squeegees are used everywhere in the automotive industry. During the application process of applying film to cars, squeegees are used to push excess air out from underneath the wrap, which should create a high-quality finish. Felt and microfibre squeegees are particularly popular to avoid the scratching of car paint, and they can be used wet or dry for multifunctional use.

Signage

Now, signs are pretty much everywhere you go, whether that be a road sign, pedestrian sign, or shop sign, the list is pretty much endless! To make all of these signs, I guarantee that at least one squeegee has been used in the process. Similar to how they are used with vehicle wrapping, squeegees are used to make signs as flat as possible, to create a smooth and presentable surface. Most commonly, a sheet of vinyl will be applied to a metal sheet to create the sign, in which a squeegee is used to adhere the vinyl to the base material. As the squeegee encourages air bubbles to escape, the vinyl will have limited room to curl and detach.

Screen printing

Screen printing is a printing process (obviously) that uses ink and a mesh screen to transfer a design onto an item of clothing or fabric piece. It is a traditional printing method that is still popular to this day to make beautiful designs. Squeegees are used in screen printing to help push the ink through the mesh screen. It is glided across the screen multiple times to ensure all of the ink has seeped through. These squeegees are generally made from a thick and durable rubber, which forces the ink to move.

All-in-all I would say those are the main uses of squeegees in this modern day. They definitely have more uses than just window cleaning, and after reading this post you might’ve decided that you need one yourself!

 https://www.apptape.co.uk/

[thekingofvinyl]

Spice Up your Clothes with Garment Films

If you’re like me and you don’t like to follow the trends (especially when it comes to clothing) then you will LOVE garment films! These films are so easy to use and can transform a bog standard t-shirt into something funky, with an actual design that you want. There have been so many times when I have walked into a shop or browsed online and found a top I have loved however, there is always one downfall – the printed design on top! I don’t know what it is these days, but I find that all fashion brands copy each other with the same cringey text/phrases and images printed on their clothing. Over time I have looked for numerous solutions to resolve the problem I have with clothing, and I have found the perfect answer, which is both inexpensive and fun to do, and that is garment films.

Numerous companies sell all kinds of garment films, from glitters and vibrant colours, even to carbon fibre effect, you can find many films on the market! Click here. Most garment films are made from transfer paper, using heat to transfer designs onto clothing. It’s that simple!

In this blog post, I have listed some ways in which you can use garment films. So, let’s get started…

1.      Personalised gifts

Garment films come in very handy when you’re wanting to make that perfect gift idea a little more personal. Whether you have got a baby shower or wedding anniversary coming up, you can use transfer films to create a gift that no one else will have. Even if you want to gift a funny t-shirt with an inside joke to your best mate, garment films can be printed with any design.

2.      Matching party T-shirts

Next, we have matching party t-shirts. Now, you may be thinking what are these? But have you ever witnessed a stag or hen do? That’s exactly what I mean, or if you have watched the inbetweeners movie, those are an example of matching party t-shirts (although I don’t expect yours to be as rude). Multiple designs can be printed onto any clothing item with garment films, so you are not limited with choices. You may even want to draw your own design!

3.      Holiday occasions

The Christmas holidays are a perfect example of when you might want a piece of clothing more personalised. Whether you need to prepare for a Christmas work do or have a Secret Santa to prepare for, garment films can set you out from the crowd. No one wants to see the same Christmas jumper making an appearance every single year! If you are interested in adding a bit of sparkle, there is no better time than now to try out glitter garment films. Even if you’re not preparing for Christmas, there are still so many other holiday dates to choose from including Easter, Halloween, Guy Fawkes, and Valentine’s day!

4.      Starting up a business

Setting up a business is probably one of the most common uses of garment films, using your own imaginative designs to sell to others. Garment films are a cheaper alternative to other printing methods such as screen printing, and for this reason, are popular with small businesses. If you are looking to start a clothing brand or want a new side hustle, these are a perfect starting point.

5.      You are not limited to clothing!

Although garment films are predominantly used on clothing items such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies, they can also be printed on other items made out of the same fabric. One example I can think of is customised tote bags or canvas bags, which have grown in popularity this past year or so. You don’t even need to think of a new design, simply print what you have on your t-shirt onto a bag, and you’ll have a full collection of unique designs, personalised to you.

 And those are my top 5 ways in which you can use garment films! Now it’s time for you to get your creative juices flowing, and let your artistic side come through. Even if you can’t draw, type something up in a word document and print that out, overall it’s just a bit of fun!

If you have enjoyed this blog post, make sure to check out my others😊

https://www.apptape.co.uk/