Our Vinyl decals are made from the same material and equipment used to make professional signs. The vinyl is rated for 5 years in direct weather, so they should last a lifetime on your rocket. All vinyls are 2.5 to 2.7 mil thick. and are almost completely opaque (some really light colors do have tend to show a little of the color behind them, such as yellow but very little). This means you will get bright vivid colors that last. they wont yellow, and they wont fade. for at least 5 years. probably more (most rockets spend little time in the sun.)
Vinyl decals are cut with a small blade (like a tiny exacto) from a solid sheet, that means there is no Background color, No clear nothing behind it. just the color you see. You wont need to trim them to size or shape.
How are they made? Vinyl decals are very simple, I first create your artwork. I can work from most common image types, such as Jpeg, PNG, True EPS, Ai and MANY MANY more. or you can choose art from our library of thousands of images. I can change them stretch them flip, rotate, combine any images to come up with what you need or want! Just describe what you want or show me a picture, and I can most likely do it for you. And I never charge for design time.
Your decal is then cut from one solid sheet of vinyl. that means one color. you might ask WELL THEN HOW DO YOU DO MULTI COLORS? It's pretty simple. I layer multiple colors on top of each other!
Why do you ask for a CIRCUMFERENCE?
Most rocketry body tubes are standard sizes, BUT some people do not use standard tube, or they add fiberglass to them, or maybe they are an odd size tube to start with.
For that reason, I cannot be sure what size your rocket tube is unless you tell me, there is just way to many different possible sizes to list them all. By entering your circumference I can match your decal to your rocket tube EXACTLY!
If you do not enter a circumference, I will assume your tube is standard tube size (like LOC or PML) and make your decals to fit.
So take the time and wrap something around your tube, and tell me what it is, It will make your decals fit you rocket as best as they can!
How do you install them?
Your decal will come with a backing (just like any peel and stick decal) and an application tape laid over it. the Application tape (or backing tape) hold the decal together as one piece for easy application. It also allows you to use a brandishing tool (such as a bondo spreader or even a credit card) to squeeze the decal down and work out bubbles without touching the decal. Once satisfied the Backing tape peels off to expose your new decal. There are several more tips and tricks to installing, you will get a set of instructions with more details with your order. you can also check out the HOW TO INSTALL video it is very helpful
Pro's ..........
Vinyl is easy to install. They are tough, they are bright and are very easy to use! they come in many colors including Chrome, Gold Mirrored colors, Holographic and many more.
Also all Vinyl is cut from a VECTORED file, that means it is a series of lines and points, not pixels like a jpeg etc. It also means I can change the size as big as I want and the image does not look any worse, it stays crisp and sharp no matter how big you make them
Con's.........
There are only a few drawbacks to Vinyl. The biggest one is halftone's or faded colors. since vinyl is cut from one solid color sheet, you cannot do colors that fade from one to another, or has shading.
Also Vinyl decals are a little thicker than waterslide.
The only other thing is size. I can go pretty much as big as you want. BUT small can be a problem. I can only do stuff with tiny details down to a certain size. The Blade can only cut so small. A good example is lettering. I can only do lettering about 1/4" tall not much smaller. and things like Dots, bolts and stripes, about 1/8"
BUT I REALLY NEED PRINTED DECALS..
No problem, I can do those too! printed decals are PRINTED any color or combination of colors, Halftones etc. I can print from most any file type. and scale it as needed!
Printed decals are a little more expensive if you only need one, But they look great and again last a lifetime.
Printed decals are also awesome if you need a club logo or anything like that. Printing small decals in larger numbers is actually cheaper! So contact me if you need a club logo or something like that!
What does shipping cost?
I charge $5.95 for USPS Priority to anywhere in the US! no matter how big your order is, or how many items! That means you will get it in 2 to 3 days
I can also ship outside the US. If you need shipping outside the US contact me, I'll get you an estimate. BUT just an example.
Most places I can ship a typical order for $8 to $15 USPS firstclass If I can get it in an envelope, I have seen it as low as $3.00. If you are in a hurry, I can also do Priority international. that is pretty spendy but a lot quicker!
Can I clearcoat over the vinyl?
This is probably the most asked question I get. The answer is YES! a clearcoat will help to smooth out your vinyl decals and will seal them into the rocket, it will help keep them from being damaged or the edges from peeling from being handled. Clearcoat like you would anything. several thin layers are best. and for better finish sand lightly between coats. As with any paint or clearcoat, PLEASE test first to make sure things are compatible. I have had people clearcoat MANY sets, and never heard of any troubles. Also just ask and I will be happy to send a piece of scrap with your order to test with.