Rob is authoring Sign of the Times Magazine "Real World Vinyl" column (2009-2010). Below are links to the articles. Check back each month to see what's new!

On a Roll - By Rob Ivers, July 2010 When, why and how to use roll striping Fashion seems to go in cycles. For example, wide ties were fashionable, fell out of style, and then came back. The same cycles apply to single- and double-breasted suits, men’s hair length and women’s skirts. What about “graphics” fashion? ... Read Article

Banner Up - By Rob Ivers, June 2010 Banner season hits full swing. Banner usage typically declines in the colder months. So, spring’s arrival brings good news for shops that fabricate banners. Most experts agree we have a long way to go before the economy hits a strong stride. However, ... Read Article

Dressing Up My Shop, Part Two - By Rob Ivers, May 2010 Vinyl-graphic application pointers. Last month, Rob discussed how he designed and produced the vinyl graphics for his shop’s new sign. This month, he addresses his application techniques ... Read Article

Dressing Up My Shop, Part One - By Rob Ivers, Apr 2010 Design and graphic-production tips I needed a new sign for my shop’s storefront. The old sign, which stood for seven years, had started to fade. Although many of you have been making vinyl signage for years, others may be new to the business. In this article, I’ll explain the steps I used to design and create ... Read Article

Using Squeegees With Purpose - By Rob Ivers, Mar 2010 It does matter how you squeegee. At a tradeshow workshop on vinyl installation, the instructor stated, “It doesn’t matter how you squeegee.” He provided no further explanation. More recently, a past student of mine commented that, of all the graphicinstallation training courses he’d attended, I was the only instructor who taught people how to squeegee. I’m still in shock over both comments ... Read Article

Natural Selection - By Rob Ivers, Feb 2010 Practical tips to help you select the right vinyl. Using the right vinyl is crucial for many, if not all, graphic jobs. The number of vinyl manufacturers, coupled with their wide product arrays, can make choosing the right media seem daunting. It reminds me of walking into Baskin-Robbins and choosing from 31 flavors ... Read Article

In the Zone - By Rob Ivers, Dec 2009 An insider’s view of the PDAA Graphics Application Zone at SGIA Expo 2009 I planned and coordinated the Professional Decal Application Assn.’s (PDAA) first WrapQuest events. The first was held in Pompano Beach, FL in 2007, the next at 2008’s Specialty Graphics Imaging Assn. (SGIA) Expo in Atlanta. I invested countless hours in the two events, ... Read Article

Back to Basics - By Rob Ivers, Nov 2009 Practical tips to help you manage your business. Owning and managing any business is challenging; running a successful graphics business in today’s market is a formidable task. U.S. and world economies continue to struggle during a normal, cyclical market correction. ... Read Article

The Master’s Corner, Part 2 - By Rob Ivers, Oct 2009 Examining complex curve graphic application strategies, techniques and post-heating. Installing vinyl over convex, complex curves causes excess media. I counter by following the concept of divide and conquer. First, I mentally divide the graphic into sections based on the vehicle’s shape. Then, I ... Read Article

The Master’s Corner, Part 1- By Rob Ivers, Sep 2009 Examining complex curve graphic application strategies, techniques and post-heating. I installed my first vinyl graphics in 1978. Back then, I remember vinyl manufacturers instructing me not to stretch the vinyl. Vinyl has memory, they explained. After being stretched, it tends to gradually return to its original, unstretched shape. The vinyl pulls away from the surface, which causes failure... Read Article

Diffusing the Problem- By Rob Ivers, Aug 2009 Solvent migration and retention causes catastrophic vinyl failure. Diffusion can cure the problem. I don’t print graphics myself; I install them – mostly wraps. As a professional graphics installer, the biggest problem I face is solvent retention, which can lead to graphic failure regardless of how well I install the print. If you own a solvent inkjet printer, this article is for you. It’s in no way intended to be critical; rather, my goal is to help you solve this problem... Read Article

Sharpen Your Skills- By Rob Ivers, July 2009 Quality trimming requires patience, practice and precision. I’ve trimmed and cut quite a bit of vinyl in 31 years. The right tool for the job is always critical, but it’s even more important to understand... Read Article

Closing the Loop on Graphics Installation SGIA BLOG, June 17, 2009, submitted by Dan Marx. The recent placement of PDAA, the Professional Decal Application Alliance, under the broader umbrella of SGIA is an exciting new development for graphics producers and installers alike. The new alliance is important because it addresses ... Read Blog

Slide and Glide - By Rob Ivers, Jun 2009 How the right squeegee enhances installations. Squeegees, which sell in many types and colors, usually comprise plastic, nylon, Teflon® or felt. How important are squeegees? Extremely. For most graphic installations, the squeegee is the only ... Read Article

The Dynamic Duo - By Rob Ivers, May 2009 The effects of temperature and pressure on vinyl-graphic installations. Temperature and pressure significantly impact vinyl-graphic performance during and after installation. Most graphic vinyls are described as pressure-sensitive vinyl. Yes, the films have a pressure-sensitive-adhesive component, but I find ... Read Article

A Little Bit Crooked - By Rob Ivers, Apr 2009 Use the right tools to ensure perfect, vinyl-graphics positioning. The word “crooked” carries what I believe to be the shortest definition in the dictionary: “not straight.” There’s no gray area, something is either straight or crooked. Every aspect of the vinyl-application process is critical ... Read Article

Clean as a Whistle - By Rob Ivers, Mar 2009 A spotless surface yields a better vinyl application. As any old-timer can tell you, a good whistle made from a reed or piece of wood emits a clear tone. But, it can be easily damaged. Small debris particles or a few drops of moisture will change the sound of a handmade instrument. To hit the intended notes, a whistle must be absolutely clean. The same principle applies to surfaces that receive vinyl ... Read Article

Rivet Rock and Roll - By Rob Ivers, Feb 2009 Different methods for rivet applications. Applying vinyl over standard trailer or box-truck rivets is relatively easy. Although there are many rivet types and sizes, standard rivets are characteristically small with smooth tops. However, some varieties cause more headaches ... Read Article

Wrapped Up in Vinyl - By Rob Ivers, Jan 2009 ST’s new vinyl columnist recounts his industry baptism. I feel privileged to author this column. Many of you don’t know me, so how I got into this business should provide a good introduction. Knowing my background ... Read Article

WrapQuest'08 Rocks Atlanta A recap of WrapQuest'08 - By Rob Ivers, Dec 2008 WrapQuest’08 was held in Atlanta in October, during SGIA’08. The event was put on by the PDAA, Inc., an association of professional graphic and wrap installers ... Read Article