Wouldn’t it be nice if those expensive vinyl cutting machines did everything little thing necessary to finish a project? Unfortunately, they do not.
Machines are not perfect. Technology has not advanced enough to make using vinyl cutters a one-and-done process. Sign makers still have to get their hands dirty in order to create gorgeous finished pieces.
In order to polish your projects, you are going to need more than just that shiny new vinyl cutting machine sitting on your workbench. There are a handful of vinyl cutting tools, which are vital to every sign maker’s business.
Here is a quick list of the hand tools, and a few pro tips, you will need to make your vinyl sign making business a success.
Weeding Tool
What is a weeding tool? It is a small metal tool used to pull out pieces of vinyl that are not part of the finished design.
When vinyl cutting machines are done transferring the pattern, the design is far from perfect. The excess vinyl has to be removed in order to expose the design in all its glory.
Think of it like a garden. If you do not pull the weeds, you cannot see the flowers.
Much like gardening tools, there is a huge variety of weeding tools available on the market. Some are hooked. Some are straight. Some weeding tools even retract so you do not accidentally poke yourself when it is not in use.
The best weeding tools will have:
- Slim handle
- Comfortable grip
- Sharp tip that will not tear the vinyl
- Sturdy design that will not bend with repeated use
Tweezers
Tweezers are often used to grab the smallest bits of excess vinyl, like the space in the center of an A, for example.
Metal tweezers with a sharp tip gives you better accuracy when it comes to cleaning up the small stuff. Some professional vinyl crafters say tweezers are a more comfortable way to weed vinyl designs than the standard weeding tool.
Hobby Knife
Sometimes the vinyl cutting machine does not cut through all the way. Using a sharp blade, like a hobby knife, you can go in and clean up that cut.
Hobby knives can also be used to cut apart large sections that need to be weeded so they are easier to handle.
Pro tip: Do not try to use dull blades in your hobby knife. They will snag the vinyl and tear the design.
Rivet Brushes
Rivet brushes are round brushes with sturdy nylon bristles. They come in handy when you need to apply vinyl over a rivet, screw, or uneven surfaces.
They are often used with a propane torch to warm the vinyl before stretching it over the rivet.
Larger rivet brushes and a heat gun can be used to smooth out vinyl graphics on banners after using a squeegee.
Rivet brushes will not tear the vinyl while pushing out air pockets on uneven surfaces.
Look for rivet brushes that have large handles to prevent injury to the tendons in your hand and arm.
Foam Rollers
Foam rollers are a soft alternative to rivet brushes. Rollers have a larger surface area, as well, making the application process go faster.
They are typically used to safely apply vinyl designs to surfaces like:
- Drywall
- Sheetrock
- Rivets
- Banners
- Other uneven surfaces
Like rivet brushes, foam rollers are usually used with heat guns or a propane torch. Heating the vinyl makes it more flexible so it sticks into all the nooks and crannies on uneven surfaces.
Squeegees
Squeegees are vital to vinyl sign making. They are the preferred method to push out air pockets during application. The steady pressure will also allow the vinyl adhesive to stick securely to the desired surface.
There are as many squeegee types as there are problems with applying graphics while making vinyl signs.
Common squeegee types include:
- Nylon-reinforced squeegee
- Soft plastic squeegee
- Teflon Squeegee
- Felt squeegee
Maintaining you squeegees is important. Any nicks or warping on the squeegee blade will allow air pockets to form under the vinyl. Air pockets will eventually cause the vinyl graphic to fall off.
Pro tip: Some types of squeegee can be sharpened by rubbing the blade across the ridges of another squeegee.
Snappy Tool
A Snappy tool is the safest vinyl cutting tool currently on the market. By hiding the blades in a plastic case, it makes it impossible to cut yourself while working.
The compact, smooth design prevents you from scratching whatever you are using as a sign base. This process makes removing the backing sheet from vinyl during large applications far easier and less stressful.
Snappy tools are also the quickest way to cut sheets of vinyl off a roll.
Self Healing Cutting Mat
Refinishing your workbench is the least of your concerns while making vinyl signs, but is sometimes necessary. Uneven work surfaces will cause damage while cutting vinyl graphics.
To save your workbench, invest in a self healing cutting mat.
These mats last for years thanks to their innovative design. They are made from compressed materials that shift while cutting and move back into place once you are finished.
Self healing cutting mats are not indestructible. Dull knives, gouging, and excess heat will damage the mat.
Thinner self healing cutting mats will eventually suffer puncture wounds. For vinyl sign making purposes, it is best to get a thicker mat that will withstand hobby knifes and weeding tools.
Most cutting mats come with measurement markings, as well, so you do not have to guess or pull out yet another tool to get the job done.
Finding the right vinyl cutting tools for the job
Learning how to make vinyl signs involves a lot of trial and error. It is important to get off on the right foot by making sure you have the highest quality tools at your disposal.
Not all vinyl cutting tools are made equally. With the surge in vinyl crafting trends, there is a lot of cheaply produced tools on the market.
To ensure your tools will not break or warp after a few uses, purchase them from someone who caters to a more professional market.
Check out our store for all your vinyl tool needs.
Simple Solutions International offers a full selection of plotter blades and plotter pens as well as a variety of useful tools for use in plotting and sign making such as plotter adapters, masking film, spray mask, and other sign making tools and accessories.