Forum

Product Reviews

Product/Service: Custom Vinyl Graphics
Manufacturer/Provider: Grafix Systems
Reviewed by: Jeff Kufalk

Pimp My Ride

That's what I told Mike from Grafix Systems when I looked at my dull, drab new (used) tow van. My intention for the vehicle is specific. I use it to haul my bikes, and tow the trailer to the tracks. With that in mind, why not become a bit of a mobile promotion for my sponsors and cause?

I measured out the sides and windows, taking into consideration the absolute flattest areas, and told Mike where I wanted what graphics and the general size of the area. The intention was to put a nice "Honda Racing" on the side as well as the website and then a logo for my main sponsor on the large back windows.

I emailed Mike the logos I wanted and within about a week, he had proofs using pictures of my exact van. I approved and he hit "go" on the plotters which spat out my logos. I had him overnight them to the house as time was running short.

In the tube, I was surprised to see as much vinyl as was there.

And this picture doesn't really do it justice. I wasn't expecting the multi-layer graphics which Mike provided, but looking at it now, I'm SO glad that they were multi-layer.

Putting the graphics on was a bit of a challenge, but requires little more than a squirt bottle with 2-3 drops of dish soap in it and then filled with water, a few rags, a razor blade, some tape, good lighting and most importantly PATIENCE. Since I'm lacking the most important piece, I employed my wife Jennifer to install the graphics.

We began with something simple. The web url. Laying it on the van where we wanted it, we marked off a few spots with masking tape as to where things should line up. We then cut the decal into 4 sections, peeled off the backing and stuck the contact paper and vinyl to the van. In this process, we didn't remove the contact paper which holds the vinyl until the very end so that we could use each cut piece to line up the next piece perfectly. This went very well. One down, many to go.

Next we went on to the larger, more complex logo of the Honda Racing. Again, we cut apart what we could and first installed the white background. The red overlay was much easier than expected. This was a piece which we were able to use water for. We peeled off the backing and squirted water on both the vinyl, contact paper and the logo already on the van. With this technique, you can constantly move the vinyl until it's in the perfect position. Then we squeegee'd the water out and allowed it to sit for about 30 minutes before VERY SLOWLY removing the contact paper. Again, this was a task which my wife had to do so I didn't destroy anything.

The final piece was the Lake Country Powersports logo which was 5 separate sheets of vinyl.

Black background
Gray 'swoosh'
Red lettering
Yellow lettering
White URL

For this, we ended up taking multiple approaches between cutting out letters one at a time and wetting them, to putting certain layers on whole. In the end, it turned out just awesome. One area which we knew we were going to have a problem with was the black layer which went on the black window. This left no frame of reference for any of the other layers which had to go on top of it. This was of no problem though as I set up a 1500watt halogen lamp inside the van shining out the window we were working on. Instantly we were able to see what we were doing!

The retail cost on a large setup like this is around $650, and Grafix Systems does recommend having it professionally installed. I ran the risk and came out well, and believe that anyone who has a steady hand, a couple of helpers and a LOT of patience can do this themselves (provided it's on a nice smooth surface).

The materials themselves are of absolute top quality. The vinyl is rated at 7 years for color and lifespan, and the quality of the work is absolutely perfect. Mike & his folks are also the ones who are making the smaller (or in my case, LARGER) stickers of the CBR600RR dude.

The woody logo here was painted on by Kate McMillan of Katewerk

Mike and his crew can put together just about anything you can imagine and will work with you to ensure you get exactly what you're looking for. Whether it's a custom logo for your helmet, to a new scheme for your bike, car or truck, they can do it and you will definitely get your money's worth!

Grafix Systems can be reached via email at:
grafixsys@aol.com

or by telephone at:
714-541-9085

Let Mike know you saw his work at CBR600RR.com

Did you find this review helpful? Think it sucked? Tell us about it in the forum!