One of the quickest and least expensive ways to change the looks of a stock paint job is by adding custom vinyl graphics, including the latest trend, "3D" gel-coated (epoxy) or "raised" vinyl graphics. However, the whole process of creating the graphics has remained pretty much a mystery to many of us, until now.
We were at the Nitto Import Classic car show (featured in this issue), and one of the displays caught our eye. Specifically, the Max Graphics booth with Ryan Castro's hot BMW (seen in the Import Classic layout with Kelly Johnsin) sporting vinyl and 3D-gel graphics on the hood and the sides. After a short discussion with company owner Robert Johnsin, he agreed to show our readers just how he creates these cool custom graphics. So, we visited his shop in Carson, California, where he worked on Kim Nakano's '97 Honda Civic from Flux Car Club. Max Graphics is the official shop for Flux C.C. and other area clubs, and their work has taken more than one Best Graphics trophy at Euro shows around the Southland.
The actual application process wasn't as involved as we'd thought. However, it does require a lot of practice, patience and a number of special tools including a heat gun. Most importantly though, is a computer with the right software linked to a special vinyl cutting machine. To do the gel graphics, (which Robert came up with himself), a special liquid gel application kit is also required and other tools are also needed.
As with most projects, having the proper tools and preparation of the vehicle are essential. Robert washes the entire car with mild dish soap and water and a lint-free towel; then goes over it again with a fresh towel and plain water to remove any soap residue. Robert uses a high-quality (2-mil thick) automotive vinyl that he says is a must for graphics on cars because it has to stretch over curved areas. "Cheaper vinyl is fine for magnetic signs, flat surfaces like the sides of commercial trucks or die-cut decals [all of which he also does], but not for custom cars," he adds.
Anyway, the entire process took the better part of two days because of the multicolored overlays and the 3D-gel graphics (which had to harden for 24 hours), but the end results look hot. Unfortunately, the black and white photos don't show how great the lime green, purple, yellow and white graphics look on the silver Civic. But, be watching for Kim's Civic at shows; you'll like it.
In the meantime, check out the photos and see if you don't agree that Max Graphics has "raised" custom vinyl graphics to a whole new level of quality and style. And, here's the best part. We've arranged with Robert to offer a special Lowrider Euro readers' car club discount for a limited time. That's right. All you have to do is drop by or call Max Graphics and tell them that you want the club discount special you read about in LRE. Who loves ya, baby!
 Max Graphics specializes in...  Max Graphics specializes in award-winning custom vinyl and 3D-gel graphics from mild to wild for clubs and individuals. |
 Robert begins by creating...  Robert begins by creating the graphics patterns in full color on his computer using special proprietary software linked to a computer-aided cutting (CAC) machine (plotter). |
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 2a. 2b. & 2c. A roll of high-performance...  2a. 2b. & 2c. A roll of high-performance (2-mil thick) vinyl is fed through the plotter and a digitally controlled rotating blade (see close up) cuts the material. Then Robert cuts the pattern off the roll and repeats the steps for each pattern and color. |
 All of these tools needed...  All of these tools needed to prepare and apply the vinyl graphics to a car. |
 Starting with a clean vehicle...  Starting with a clean vehicle is a must. Robert uses mild dish soap and water to remove surface contaminants, and then rinses with clean water and towels dry to remove any soap residue. |
 Here we see two colors of...  Here we see two colors of vinyl patterns after the extra vinyl has been peeled from the backing. |
 Rapid Tac application fluid...  Rapid Tac application fluid is sprayed on the surface of the bottom pattern surface before the next pattern is laid on. |
 The top pattern is then removed...  The top pattern is then removed from its backing and carefully laid over the bottom pattern. |
 The two patterns are then...  The two patterns are then squeegeed flat with a plastic paddle to remove any liquid, air or wrinkles. |
 The vinyl is wiped dry with...  The vinyl is wiped dry with lint-free cheesecloth. |
 The patterns are then covered...  The patterns are then covered with sticky back transfer tape to make it easier to pick up and handle the graphics. |
 A rivet brush is used to adhere...  A rivet brush is used to adhere the transfer tape to the vinyl. |
 Then, the transfer tape is...  Then, the transfer tape is cut outside the vinyl edges to the approximate shape of the designs. |
 The entire pattern is now...  The entire pattern is now taken to the prepared body and positioned exactly as desired. |
 More transfer tape is applied...  More transfer tape is applied where needed to make sure that the patterns don't move around. |
 Robert begins by carefully...  Robert begins by carefully cutting the vinyl down the middle of the door opening using a straight edge. |
 With the backing removed from...  With the backing removed from the vinyl, a heat gun is used to soften the vinyl and the ends are wrapped inside the door. (The same steps are repeated on the trailing edge of the doorjamb.) |
 Next Robert applies the pattern...  Next Robert applies the pattern at the front. (The rear ends of the graphics are applied next to "anchor" the graphics front and back for proper alignment.) |
 With the backing removed,...  With the backing removed, the vinyl is heated to allow it to stretch around the curved edge of the wheelwell. |
 A plastic paddle is used to...  A plastic paddle is used to make sure the vinyl adheres properly; the excess vinyl is cut off. |
 A paddle is used to work the...  A paddle is used to work the vinyl into areas like the side molding where sharp edges exist. Always work the vinyl toward the outer edges. |
 The backing paper is slowly...  The backing paper is slowly peeled off at an angle toward the end of the vinyl. |
 Another tough area is the...  Another tough area is the door handle. The vinyl is heated, pressed into the cracks with a paddle, cut where necessary and carefully worked into the opening. |
 The 3D-gel graphics are created...  The 3D-gel graphics are created using these special tools, epoxy and requires 24 hours for the gel to set up. |
 The Flux logo was applied...  The Flux logo was applied over special etched mirror vinyl for a wild depth effect. |
 The Civic's hood graphics...  The Civic's hood graphics are lime-green metalflake vinyl with gel applied over the number 2 for a "raised" 3D look. |
 This gel-coated Honda logo...  This gel-coated Honda logo is really as raised as it looks. |
 The lime green, yellow, purple...  The lime green, yellow, purple and white graphics look great even in black and white. Watch for Kim's Civic at a Euro shows to get the full effect of the graphics. |