How to Cut and Apply Your Own Vinyl Lettering and Stripes 

I couldn't help it. This brings back memories, great job. Is sort of the old fashion way of cutting vinyl letters but it does work and I do it now and then at home when I don't want to run back to the shop. I've been in that business since 1981 and have cut thousands of jobs by hand, anything from 1/2" tall letters to almost 4' tall letters. But now we have computers to do it all. Once you lay out what you want from your computer (printouts) if you write down the fonts you used you can take it to almost any sign shop and they can retype it using their software and cut it. If you have a graphics software like CorelDraw or Illustrator you can just give the file to them on a USB flash drive. I do admire your technique, you have got it right with moving your elbow in or out to keep the knife on the line. We would trace the letters with a grease pencil directly onto the vinyl using a overhead projector then cut, but only through the vinyl not through the liner. That way it all stays together once you put the application tape on.

Oh Man! Of course! Thanks Cliff. You just saved me this month's hobby money.

Cliff.......another awesome Video. Just perfect tuition for something I need to tackle very shortly.

The registration number and accents really make the glider look great , will put your technique in the bank. Jeff in LA USA

Thanks Cliff, that's very helpful. I was a bit worried that when you had finished cutting you would have G-HARV engraved on your dining room table!

I use a cricket vinyl cutter. Works pretty sweet. But if you don't have one. Great option right here. Nice work cliff 👍👍😎✌✌

Very nice!

I'm envious of your hand control. There's no way I could do a straight line without a straight edge and as for the curves ... :) My usual registration is G - EOFF (guess why!)

Love those finishing touches, Cliff. Really snazzies her up.

Looks good

Great job and superior hand-eye coordination for the cutting. If you do plastic surgery in your spare time I'll be over after lockdown.

Hi Cliff that did jazz it up quite a bit When I do lettering I print it reversed on sticky paper then aifix and stick it to th back of what's being cut then cut with scissors it is amazing how people have so many different ways to reach the same place thanks Cliff

Great video! I flew the real KA-8 ages ago. She is a great plane👍😀

Great job Cliff, really like the Red stripes!! Finished the glider off nice👍😄

Nicely done Cliff, looks a great job

Hi Cliff. Thanks so much for your instruction & inspiration. Starting again after 40 years so really appreciate the advice. Have you video on how to carve a nose block? Thanks again. Barrie

Brilliant technique, I am going to save this video and try this in the future, maybe with the TaylorCraft? 🤔 This is a very cool video 👍

Very useful, thanks Cliff. Looks great!

Hi cliff. Nice work. I recently wanted to put DAJ-66 20. Onto my piper Cub wing. So I 3D printed stencils then used them to cut the letters out of black sticky back plastic. Have you thought of getting a 3D printer, they are very handy for making nose cones, motor mounts, brackets, wheels, All the designs are freely available from a website called Thingyverse.

Wonderful job Mate thanks for the tip 👍

Post-moving to my new address I discovered that my Aristo F3F kit lacked the "U.S. Navy" decal for lower wings and my Royal P-6E kit has no "U.S. Army" (or rudder stripes, for that matter.)

Hi Cliff,good video. What kind of cutting tool was that that you used to get such precise edges? I’m looking for a tool like that for a paper clock kit I’m working on in my spare time. Any info you can forward me would be greatly appreciated thanks and cheers.😊

Great video - do you think it would work on Solartex / Oratex.????

9:28 the letters left on the table look like they’re trying to spell FAA lol. Can’t wait to see the new maiden!