Vinyl lettering consists of separate cut letters or shapes, with the application surface visible between them. It suits business names, hours, and simple logos. A printed decal is a better format to compare when your design needs photographs, gradients, or a continuous background. Supply vector artwork and a photo of the surface for review.
The surrounding film is removed so the surface remains visible between letters and logo pieces. This approach suits concise information and simple solid-color art.
The characters are removed from a larger film shape, allowing the underlying surface to form the letter color. The retained field becomes a visible part of the composition.
Need help preparing files? See Artwork Setup.
Provide overall dimensions, viewing distance, surface photos, obstructions, application side, and the exact location where the lettering should sit.
Send vector art with outlined type or identify the required font. The layout review addresses hierarchy, stroke weight, spacing, and small pieces.
The proof shows final size, line breaks, individual shapes, color direction, standard or reverse cut, and how separate elements stay registered.
The project specification defines film, weeding, transfer preparation, surface cleaning, customer application or field installation, and later-care guidance.
No. Cut lettering is built from solid film shapes. Choose a printed decal when the artwork relies on continuous color changes, photographic detail, texture, or a large number of colors.
There is no useful universal minimum. Typeface, stroke width, counters, film, surface, viewing distance, weeding, transfer, and installer access all affect what is practical; submit the art at final size for review.
Outlined vector artwork is the cleanest handoff because it preserves the exact letterforms. If live type is supplied, include the font information and confirm that you are authorized to provide the needed file.
A mirrored inside-glass application may be evaluated when the glass, tint, coating, film color, artwork, and intended exterior view support it. Specify the reader side before art preparation.
Customer application may be scoped for a suitable project, but the result depends on surface preparation, scale, registration, access, and careful handling. Larger, multi-part, high, or sensitive placements are candidates for professional installation.
Removal effort and substrate results vary with the film, adhesive, surface, paint or coating condition, exposure, age, and technique. Make future removal part of the initial brief and follow the specified product guidance.
Send your artwork, approximate size, quantity, deadline, and a photo of where the sign will go. Include a delivery ZIP code for shipping or an installation address for site work.
We fabricate custom signs and offer direct shipping nationwide. For sign installation in San Jose and the Bay Area, we review the surface, access, and mounting requirements with your project.
Start your sign project · Prepare your artwork · San Jose sign services
