How To Create Resin Domed Products
Doming dvd and manual From Mark Taylor Signs and Graphics The doming process is not well used, but, marketed effectively it can prove to be a great way to introduce your business to new clients. The resin application is used for vinyl letters and logos, printed vinyl labels. This then gives the label or badges a clear domed effect that looks fantastic if correctly applied. Markets available: Car dealerships: They normally have a company logo already in use and can be easily reproduced into a small badge. These printed vinyl badges are perfect for doming. Mark Taylor Signs and Graphics are currently supplying all dealerships that sell a range of vehicles from vans and cars in the Cwmbran and Gwent area. Computer dealers: They are always looking for different ways to promote their business name in front of the client. I have produced thousands of these for local pc dealers. They stick the domed labels onto monitors, the pc cases and keyboards. Vinyl lettering and logos: Another great effect is to dome the lettering or logos first then apply to a vehicle or sign giving each letter a remarkable eye catching domed graphic. Please make sure this is done only on resin domed lettering that has been left to cure for about 3 to 4 days. The sale value of this increases as not many sign writers use this effect to enhance their sign work. Only the other day I was asked to dome some lettering for the rear of a van. The client was extremely impressed with the way the light caught each letter and how many of his clients commented on it and this lead to more work for him. I then began the process of stripping his main company name in vinyl off the van and then re-cut and domed the lettering ready for the following week. This gave me an incentive to use up some of the last resin I had left so I made a small sample for a local car dealership. I arranged to have a quick chat with Rob at Colley Motors; it was almost as if he wasn’t listening to a word I was saying. Staring at the domed lettering I had created within a matter of a few minutes he said “Ok, how much for 100 and 500?” He snapped my hand off when I told him the price. I then demonstrated the simple application procedure to the sales manager. This then lead onto another conversation on “How can we get more customers in through the door?” Now I’m no marketing expert but, this guy obviously sees that we sign writers can possibly have a few other ideas to increase their profits. I suggested an advertising trailer that they can easily transport to car parks at busy shopping areas, farmers fields next to dual carriageways and motorways, local festivals and sports events. When I designed and quoted the first trailer they agreed that they wanted it twice the size I suggested and they want to hire the trailer and not buy it. Maybe I will produce another DVD and manual describing exactly how I did this. This then created another monthly income source as well as changing the text and logos on the banners on a 3 month basis. Now on each and every car they sell one of these stickers go straight onto a new and used car. They sell on average 15 cars a week. Easy and regular money, I charged him £10. 00 for each badge domed multiply this by 15 cars a week so that’s 60 cars x £10. 00 equaling to a profit of around £560. 00 per month. How many local car dealers in your area? Do the math and I think you will agree that it’s profitable and will lead on to a lot more work. It’s a “get your foot in the door” type of business that will easily attach to your existing sign work. As a test run look at any old pennies, keys you no longer use, sample stickers in vinyl anything that has an edge and is waterproof. A little practice goes a long way, you make the small mistakes with your samples and of course the information contained in this manual and the accompanying DVD will keep all mistakes to an absolute minimum. When I first started using this system I messed up so many times and threw away lots of labels. I only wish I had this manual and DVD to help me make and save money. The doming process Tools needed Your sample resin tester pack. Mini flame gun Leveling tool (small spirit levels are fine) Try to stick to these guidelines as your results will be more successful. You need a flat and level working surface. I use a solid heavy duty pasting or decorating table. Also your working area needs to be dust free in a warm environment. This will cut down on contamination in your finished doming project. Your final cut vinyl This must always have a minimum radius of 2mm. Create a rounded corner radius, this will over runs of the resin. The larger radius the better. Weed away any excess material. Make sure the vinyl or other material is totally dust free and dry. Carry out all of this before you start doming. The vinyl must be kept flat, so, use weights or a light spray adhesive. Insert the cartridge into the gun (see the DVD for detailed instructions on how to do this). Remove the seal by twisting. Apply the mixing needle. Using your cartridge gun use the trigger to force the resin through the needle. You are now ready to dome Start to dome your printed or vinyl labels. Please note that your resin will cure quickly, so, use your resin wisely and have everything set out in front of you. You will have about 10 minutes before it starts to cure. The resin will harden inside the mixer needle. If this happens just change the needle for a fresh clean one. The resin inside the cartridge will remain in liquid form. Apply about 25% of the area with the resin and allow to settle. Go to the next label and do the same. Try to keep the tip of the needle controlled and still whilst applying the resin. If you need to apply more resin because it has not filled the label area then do so. Take care not to apply too much, as this will overflow and result in a poor finish. Once you have finished doming. There will be air bubbles trapped in the resin. Don’t panic. Using your mini flame gun ignite and lightly wave the flame about 5 to 6 inches away from the surface of the domed resin surface. The bubbles will rise and disappear on the surface. If you have contaminated resin This is easy to resolve. Just take a needle and use the eye section of the needle to scoop out any unwanted debris or hair. Take to do this within 10 minutes of the resin being applied. The dome will then return to its original state. Always keep your doming flat Don’t forget to use weights or a spray adhesive to keep labels flat and smooth. Please note that the resin generates its own heat whilst it is curing. This may cause the vinyl sticker to contract or expand. Therefore may curl. This why the use of weights or a light spray adhesive is essential. Curing the domes This will take anything from 2 to 4 hours, but, within 6 hours will be totally dry and cured. Whilst this is drying do not touch or move. Also try to cover with a sheet of glass or similar to stop the dust or any other debris being trapped in the domed resin. There you have it! With all the other “add on” businesses we have put together in order for you to start your own business and get up and running within days. The market for this is huge and together with Mark Taylor Signs and Graphics instructional DVD’s and CD manuals any budding or experienced sign writer, sign maker, graphic designer, home based entrepreneur can take advantage of all this information and generate a remarkable income for very little cost.
