We have outlined key terms that you will need to know to better understand how to register vinyl graphics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Bleed <\/strong>\u2013 excess print that is trimmed away when the film is cut\nto final size.<\/li>
- Substrate Size<\/strong> \u2013 the size of the area to be applied on a\nsubstrate.<\/li>
- Skew<\/strong> \u2013 the wall or substrate, is level, square, etc.<\/li>
- Overlap<\/strong> \u2013 the amount of film that covers the next panel.<\/li>
- Registration Point<\/strong> \u2013 Easily identifiable, unique shape\/line\nalong the edge of a print in the overlap.<\/li>
- Key Panel<\/strong> \u2013 starting panel, usually determined by key graphic\nelement or edge of the panel.<\/li>
- Tack Point<\/strong> \u2013 tape or exposed adhesive that will hold the panel to\nthe wall or substrate during registration.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Registering Vinyl Graphics 101<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Registering vinyl graphics, when used in wide format printing means, to adjust to secure exact correspondence. Printed graphics<\/a> are designed to fit a specific substrate, but large graphics will have multiple printed panels requiring you to register\/align your graphic to a substrate before installation. But, why is registering appropriately critical to a successful installation? If not appropriately navigated, registering panels will take longer, then applying the panel or require removal and reinstallation. Knowing how to register your graphic properly will lower application time and increase quality and efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.arlon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/registration1-1024x292.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHow to Register Vinyl Graphics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step One \u2013<\/strong> Layout and lineup your graphic by each panel on a clean\ntable or flat surface, or two panels at a time, space allowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step Two \u2013<\/strong> Identify three registration points on each overlapping\nedge of the panels, a high, middle, and a low on the panel and fit them\ntogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.arlon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/registration2.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nStep Three \u2013<\/strong> Use tape or a Stabilo pencil <\/a>to make marks near the registration point. Tape works best and can be cut with a squeegee to release and maintain marks. The tape now becomes your general registration point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.arlon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/registration3.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nStep Four \u2013<\/strong> Using a liner knife, make a single cut in the liner 3″\n– 5″ (7 cm – 13 cm) below your high registration point. This should be\ndone prior to mounting to the substrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.arlon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/registration5-2.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.arlon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/registration4-2.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nStep Five<\/strong> \u2013 Using tape or exposed adhesive, fit your key panel to the\nwall or substrate right above or below your registration marks. If you use the\narea of the registration marks, you run the risk of removing the mark or\ndistorting the film with the registration mark on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step Six<\/strong> \u2013 Once the panel is fitted with no tension, release any\nlower tack points of the panel and pull the liner from the liner slit just\nunder the first registration or tack point. Pull the liner tight against itself\nwith even tension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step Seven <\/strong>\u2013 Once you have exposed 8″ – 10″ (20 cm – 25\ncm) of adhesive while pulling the liner, begin application at the point of the\nliner slit. Work down the panel and then remove the liner and apply the upper\n15-20% of the panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step Eight<\/strong> \u2013 Remove the visible registration marks and repeat the process for each remaining panel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.arlon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/registration5-1-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAs you can see, the proper registration of\nvinyl graphics can save you time, frustration, and increase your productivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are you installing wall graphics? Before you take the above steps on vinyl graphic registration, make sure you watch our video on how to test your wall for media compatibility<\/a>. <\/p>\n\r\n\t\t
- Substrate Size<\/strong> \u2013 the size of the area to be applied on a\nsubstrate.<\/li>