DIY signwriting

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antares

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I remember that you used to be able to get signwriting,( boatnames, homeport etc,) which came on a clear plastic backing and you put it on to the hull with water,( I think,) and it was pretty easy to line up with the spacing already done on the see through backing sheet. Would anyone have any knowledge of this and if so , where can you order it? Many thanks.
 
Yes, probably the most common way to apply a boatname. Google will get you a host of suppliers such as Boatnames, funky monkey, etc. Some of the sites allow you to create a representation of the product so you can choose the most suitable font, colour, outling style, shadow... I was advised to add a few drops of washing up liquid to the water as it helps the film to slide smoothly into place before it dries. Squeegee over and bone it down thoroughly before attempting to remove the backing sheet or all the acute corners will try to lift.

Rob.
 
I had some from funky monkey. They weren't water transfers though, they were self adhesive on plastic film. I think water based might not be suitable on a boat wouldn't they just float off again?
 
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ghostlymoron said:
I had some from funky monkey. They weren't water transfers though, they were self adhesive on plastic film. I think water based might not be suitable on a boat.
Click to expand...

The recognised method of applying self-adhesive vinyl stickers is to put a thin film of slightly soapy water on the surface first, then squeegee it out. Helps to minimise air bubbles.
 
Can be done both wet and dry, instructions plentyful on the web, even as videos

I personally prefer the dry version. On longer texts (or non straight surfaces) I simply cut the job in sections AFTER fitting the hinge

Random video (no connection)


Any good cleaner wil do, IMO
 
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I think the OP is referring to Letraset style lettering; this is dry transfer lettering. The sheets are/were marked with spacing and levelling marks. However. although it is still made, it is no longer available in the vast range of sizes and fonts that were once available. As far as I can see, the largest size available these days is 10mm, which wouldn't be much use for a boat name, though it might be OK for something like an SSR number.
 
Thanks to all, great info as usual, I guess it was the vinyl stuff I was remembering so already checked funky monkey, looks perfect. Cheers.
 
If you want to do it on the cheap, and also have more flexibility over the layout, you can print in an outline font from your PC (probably around half a dozen A4 pages), cut along the lines to make a stencil, and paint it on - pennies rather than tens of pounds.
 
Stencil? Tens of pounds? Did you join the 21st Century?

The names for my trials car (including a shadow font) were £10.
You couldn't buy the paint for that. Find a signmaker, supply a JPG of the name. Stick it on (it comes ready-spaced on a backing paper).

My name is on the other side. Did the same for 3 boats so far. never more than £15.


Bonnet01.jpg



name1.jpg



name2.jpg



name3.jpg



name4.jpg
 
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If you want to do it on the cheap, and also have more flexibility over the layout, you can print in an outline font from your PC (probably around half a dozen A4 pages), cut along the lines to make a stencil, and paint it on - pennies rather than tens of pounds.
Click to expand...

Not cheaper than the very kind, and much better, offer given here, I believe:

nigelmercier said:
I've got a vinyl cutter, ...Happy to make them at the cost of the vinyl.
Click to expand...
 
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