WHAT IS VINYL?

Well, quite simply, the vinyl we use, is an adhesive backed vinyl, ranging in thickness (depending on the type of vinyl you order) from 2 mil. to 7 mil. in thickness. In order to create multi-color decals, we layer each color on top of each other... Though this may sound like it could get "thick", it really isn't. We also have he ability to print onto vinyl. Which allows for multi-colors on a single layer.

HOW LONG WILL A DECAL LAST?

Most of our vinyl's are GUARANTEED against, fading, peeling, cracking, etc. for 7 years. This includes outdoor exposure. Some of our vinyl's are guaranteed for a lesser time period, and only for indoor use (Like our flourescents).

WILL A DECAL RUIN MY PAINT JOB ON MY VEHICLE?

No. The vinyl has a strong bond, but it will not remove paint etc from any substrate providing the paint has had sufficient time to dry. We recommend 72 hours of curing time for freshly painted vehicles or substrates. Fresh paint can cause a number of problems when applying decals. If you attempt to remove decals from a fresh paint job, it could remove the paint, or make for a very difficult removal. Also, gasses are released minutely in new paint as it cures. If we apply a decal to a fresh paint job, these gases may produce small bubbles in the decal. These bubbles will appear usually after 3 days from installation, and possibly longer. We call this "outgassing".

WHAT WILL YOUR DECALS STICK TO?

Our adhesive backed vinyl will stick to most anything. The common rule of thumb is, if it's a smooth, non-porous surface, it'll stick. Examples are, metal, glass, art cores (gator foam, foam core, etc), plastics, painted wood, etc...

WILL YOUR DECALS WORK FOR MY EXISTING SIGN?

Probably yes. Providing it was a sign before. Follow the general rule of thumb above. If it's a smooth, non-porous surface, our decals will stick. If it's an outdoor sign, be sure it is sealed and water tight.

WHAT KINDS OF DECALS DO YOU HAVE?

What kinds of decals do you want? Everything we do is custom, so we don't have any particular kinds of decals in stock. We create them as needed. Provided we can get artwork for a particular decal, or idea, we can create it.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU MAKE BESIDES DECALS?

We also make magnetics. Both the door panels you see for temporary advertising, and small refrigerator-like magnets can be produced in-house. We can print on thin Lexan as well (for instrumentation panels), as well as clear materials. We can provide simple signage materials for your needs, such as Gatorfoam, Med-X, Sintra, Aluminum, Banners, etc... We can also cut Iron on "flock" material for labeling clothing, etc.. Call for details.

WHAT COLORS DO YOU HAVE?

We have provided a scan of our most commonly used colors (Below). Unfortunately, putting our color chart on here doesn't show you the true range of colors available. Some are sparkly, some are reflective, etc. We can provide you with a full rainbow of colors. If we don't have a particular color available in vinyl, we can come pretty darn close, or print it using 4 color process to match. Some of our materials are:
Standard colors - Vibrant colors, ranging from pastels to full colors
Reflective - Thicker materials which reflects under direct light. (Safety conscious, emergency vehicles, etc.)
Luster - Vibrant colors containing a pearl-like shiny luster to them.
Metallic - Similar to luster's, only containing a small amount of metal flake in them.

HOW MUCH DOES A DECAL COST?

This is the most common question. Please understand that, since our work is custom, it is difficult to price a decal or job off the top of our head. We have to run the job through our computer, and get a quote for you. There are many variables involved in quoting a job, such as colors, size, and labor. However, we can usually get you a rough estimate over the phone within a few minutes. Accurate quotes will require proper artwork, and approximately a day to complete. The more simple your job is, the faster we can quote it for you.

DO I HAVE TO PAY SETUP FEES?

If we do not have the logo, or artwork already in our database, then a setup fee will be charged to you (and included in the estimate). Unlike some embroidery, or T-shirt services, etc., we do not charge for additional orders of the same decals. We can recreate your logo or artwork at any size, as well as change existing colors without having to charge any additional setup fees.

HOW DO I ORDER?

The best way to order, is to call us at (317) 244-9272. Because of the custom work we do, our business is not exactly "plug n play" so you probably won't see an order form anytime soon. But you can contact us, and describe your needs to us. A sales rep will keep in close contact with you, and answer any additional questions you might have.

WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU NEED FROM ME?

We will require artwork from you, unless we are doing the design in house. We will need to know which colors are involved (PMS numbers will do just dandy) as well as the size of the decals to be generated. We will also need more information on whatever it is that the decals will be installed onto. If it's a vehicle, we need to know the make, year, model, and color. We'll need to know if it has moldings, or windows, and their locations. A wheelbase measurement is also helpful. In some cases, for custom trailers, etc, we make fax you a drawing indicating measurements needed by us. Simply measure the vehicle/signage and fill in the blanks and fax it back to us. Your sales rep will work closely with you, to help ensure you get what you want. If you are unsure, don't hesitate to contact us and ask questions.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

It usually takes about a week to produce your decals. However, sometimes we can get to them sooner (depending upon our workload). When you place your order, please specify when you need them, and we will be sure to get them to you by that date. We can inform you of availability at the time of placing your order.

HOW DO YOU SHIP?

If you live close enough, you can come pick it up. If you require shipping, we will ship it to you via UPS. We send all west coast orders out 2nd day air, unless specified otherwise. We can also ship Next Day Air, Fed-X, or Airborne Express per your request. If you'd like, we can ship via your shipping identification as well.

I HAVE A SMALL COMPANY AND WOULD LIKE SOME MAGNETIC DOOR SIGNS

No problem. Alot of smaller companies who don't have the luxury of owning a full time company vehicle like using magnetics when they are "on the job". One minor note: With the onslaught of newer "fiberglass" bodied vehicles out there, Please make sure your vehicle is metal, so that our magnetics will stick to it.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY VEHICLE/SIGNAGE WILL LOOK GOOD WITH THE GRAPHICS ON IT?

If you require, we can provide a drawing of your vehicle or signage as it will look finished. Included will be a scale color drawing showing you front, sides, rear views of the final product. More views are available as needed. For a sample of our design/final products check out our COMMERCIAL or MOTORSPORTS portfolios.

 

Color Charts


3MTM 220 Series Vinyl.
2 mils. Thickness
5-7 Year life.
(Standard Vinyl Selection.)

 

In addition to the wide array of vinyl colors available, our Vutek Printer is capable of printing large format graphics using 4 Color process.

Artwork Requirements

What are your artwork requirements?
What file types do you accept?
How do I send you my digital artwork?
Vector vs. Bitmap files?

WHAT ARE YOUR ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS?

Generally, we require camera ready artwork with each order (providing we do not have the design already, or we are doing the design for you). You should ALWAYS include hard-copy artwork with color samples (PMS Numbers) and any additional information with each new design. Camera ready artwork means a high quality Black and White or Color reproduction of the image/design.
Items we can use as art are: Camera-ready "slicks". Digital image (SEE FILE TYPES), high quality color printout, or an existing decal.
Items we DO NOT accept as camera ready artwork are: Fax, or poor photo-copies, T-shirt's, Hats, etc...
Our imaging/repro abilities excel, however the simple rule of thumb is, "Garbage in, Garbage out". This means if the artwork is of poor quality, then the decal produced from it will be of poor quality as well.

WHAT FILE TYPES DO YOU ACCEPT?

We can only use VECTOR format file types for standard decal production. Bitmap files can be used for our 4-color process (photo print) graphics. If you are unsure of what the difference is between Vector and Bitmap file types, then click here.

If the file is a Mac file:
Be sure to separate or "convert text to graphics or paths".
Eliminate all outlines, and non-standard fills (Like gradient mesh or pattern fills).
Export, or save the file as an Adobe Illustrator (v6.0 or earlier) file.

If the file is an IBM PC file:
Be sure to convert text to curves.
Eliminate all outlines and non-standard fills (Like gradient or pattern fills).
Export as an Adobe Illustrator (v1.1) .EPS file.

If the file is a CorelDraw! file:
Convert all text to curves.
Save the file as version 5.0 (or previous) and indicate which version was used.

Bitmap Graphics:
We will only accept bitmap file types if the decal to be produced involves 4 color process/photographic imaging. Generally, a resolution of 300dpi, and 17.6 mil. colors are necessary. Though small repro's may allow for 256 color files.
Your bitmap files should be saved as: .TIF .TGA .PCX .BMP .GIF or .JPG

Anytime you send digital artwork, please include hardcopy samples (printouts ok) with color information. This will insure that the file transfer process is accurate.

HOW DO I SEND YOU MY DIGITAL ARTWORK?

If the file is a MAC file:
Copy the file to a Macintosh formatted 3.5" High Density diskette. If you send us a Double density diskette, we cannot read it. Also, DO NOT perform an IBM format to a diskette... We haven't had much success with disks that were formatted as an IBM from Macintosh.
or Email the file to us.

If the file is an IBM PC file:
Copy the file onto diskette (5.25" or 3.5" floppy)
or Multi-session CD-ROM
or 100 mb ZIP Disk.
or Email the file to us.

Email
If you send your file via email, please use discretion. We prefer not to receive files larger than 3 megs. You may wish to contact someone here before sending, so that we are aware your file is coming. Use BinHEX encoding when sending us your files.

Printouts
Send us Printouts or other hardcopy types, which show what the final image is to look like. If you send a color printout, it is recommended that you include PMS numbers for each color. More often than not, most color printers do not accurately portray the actual colors to be used in a particular job. PMS numbers will insure that the colors will match accurately.

Simulated Hardcopy
If you are emailing us artwork, it is recommended that you send us a 'simulated hardcopy' of the artwork. This can be a .jpg, .gif, (or any other bitmap) that does not have to be huge or largely detailed. We will use it to verify the Actual Artwork File you have sent has converted over correctly. If you are using windows 95/98/NT you can hit SHIFT/PRINTSCREEN key at any time to take a snapshot of your computer screen (Which places the image in your computers clipboard). So if you load your image, zoom out so you can view it, take a snapshot of the screen using SHIFT/PRINTSCREEN and then PASTE the image (from the clipboard) using any paint program and save it as a bitmap (.jpg, .gif, .bmp, etc...). Then attach the file with your artwork file in an email to us.

VECTOR vs. BITMAP?

There are 2 basic types of graphic files. At Freelance, our plotters which create the decals (See what goes into a decal?) need point and line information that is provided by the vector file format. Common vector file format are:
.EPS (Encapsulated Postscript) .AI (Adobe Illustrator) .DXF (Autocad) .WMF (Windows Meta-file) and HPGL

Bitmap files are very common, and contain information which is not useful to our plotters. These file types contain "pixel" information which tells the computer the color of each dot, and it's color that make up it's image. Scanned images, or digital photography generally provide the user with a bitmap image. Common bitmap image file formats are:
.TIF .JPG .GIF .PCX .BMP

Below are visual examples of the two types. The final image would be this.

versus

The Left image shows a Vector file type in it's "wireframe" or raw form. The plotters used to create decals can "trace" the paths (lines) and points you see. The image on the right is an enlarged Bitmap file type. It contains no point or line information, and cannot be used by our plotters to create a decal. It can be used to print 4 color process however.

 

Color Charts

This is just a sampling of our most common materials used.
More spot colors are available in our print process, as well as 4 color process printing.
Please note that the colors shown here may or may not match actual colors due to variances in computer monitors.