Products Used
- Siser EasyPSV Rainbow Pack – Red, Orange and Yellow
- Con-Tact Magic Cover transfer tape from Dollar Tree
- Reynolds Kitchens Unbleached Parchment Paper
- Aluminum water ski
- Heat gun
Planning
My friend and neighbor (the one who got me started in the Cricut world) had an idea for a family camp site sign. She wanted to use an old water ski she had to make a custom camp sign. Since she primarily does paper crafts, not vinyl, she asked if I would like to help her with it…of course I agreed. A chance to help create and use vinyl? ALWAYS YES!
The first part of the conversation was which vinyl to use. We took a look at the ski’s material where the lettering was to be placed. Since it’s primarily aluminum and knowing that this sign is going to be put up outside, we wanted to make sure to use a vinyl that would do well in a variety of outdoor conditions and wouldn’t have difficulty staying adhered to metals. We decided that PSV (pressure sensitive vinyl) would be the way to go. She got right onto Amazon and found a rainbow pack from Siser of EasyPSV and had it shipped. When the pack arrived, we soon realized that there wasn’t enough of any one color to have all letters the same.
Creating
Since the sign is for their family camp site, she wanted to use a font that resembled a camp fire. Knowing that the fire element was at play, we chose to make the letters using red, orange, and yellow vinyl. She found the font she wanted to use and cut the vinyl into the three colors at three different sizes since the ski tapers in on both sides. The outer red letters are 4″, the orange letters are 4 1/2″, and the middle yellow letters are 5″. Weeding the vinyl wasn’t too difficult, but we did experience some challenges since the Cricut did not cut through completely using the permanent vinyl setting on the Cricut Maker. It could have used more pressure for a more complete cut, but we made it work for us.
Application
After weeding, we prepped the ski for application. We made sure to wipe it down with alcohol prep wipes to ensure a clean application process. This helps to make sure that the vinyl adheres completely and will be less likely to lift over time. I used the contact paper from Dollar Tree, which I find myself using as transfer tape more and more. It picks up vinyl so well, but also lets it go easily. Parchment paper was used to ensure there was proper spacing and that each letter was placed at the correct angle.
To give the PSV a better chance to adhere and survive being outdoors, we used a heat gun and a heat-resistant mini cutting mat to briefly heat up each letter and apply pressure for a firm application. The heat gun used helps the adhesive of the vinyl become slightly more tacky. The pressure is then applied to help push out any tiny little air pockets and more completely adhere to the surface of the ski.
Final Remarks
I must say that I am very happy with the final product. It looks better than what I had originally imagined, which is always a bonus. My friend also loves it and is excited to install it at the family camp site out on an island in East Bay. Once installed, she promised to send me a picture to see how it looks. Can’t wait!
