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Application Instructions for Individual Reflective Numbers!

Assuming you’ve decided what address panel and number size to use.
There are a few things to consider before getting started.

Are there standards of addressing in your area that need to be followed?
How will the panel be installed?
Will the panel be used horizontally or vertically?
Will it be flag mounted? Bracket mounted? Wall mounted?
Do the mounting holes match that method of installation?
Are the numbers to be seen from both sides? Or single side?



Want to fix
your mistakes?

 

 

Start by laying out the numbers on the panel for visual placement.
The illustration shown is a Deluxe Double Side 6”x18” panel.
We are showing a 3.5” number. This panel used vertically could only fit a maximum 4 digit address. We would have to use 3” numbers for a 5 digit address, or switch to a horizontal layout for taller numbers.

1st Method - Easy Soapy Water Method
Use a shallow bowl or pie pan. Add 1 drop of dish soap and 1 cup of warm water, mix together. Place your post or panel on a flat surface or table. Put the numbers on top of the panel or post and space evenly. Attach with a small piece of masking tape to hold in place. Take them off one at a time and carefully peel off the backing. Dip the number in the soapy water and put back in place, you will be able to move the number around long enough to get it straight. Then press down firmly. When finished with the first side, wait a minute and then wipe off any excess water. Now repeat on the other side if you have a 2-sided product.


 

 

 

 

2nd Method - Professional Method

Separate a small portion of the backing by holding and bending back the adhesive number. Cut a piece of the backing away with a scissors.

 

 

 

Let the exposed small portion of the adhesive stick lightly to your finger.
With the remaining backing still on the number, visually position the number in place. Center and align the number comparing sides of panel with straight vertical or horizontal portions of the number. The number 4 is easy to line up with the full vertical stroke. Round numbers may take a bit more practice to see.

 

 

 

 

When it looks good, hold the number in place with the other hand, un-stick your finger and firmly press that exposed portion in place first. Pressing firm in one pass helps chase out the air, trapping less bubbles.

There’s not a lot of grace with reflective vinyl. You pretty much have only one chance. The adhesive is very aggressive and the vinyl is quite brittle. Temperature makes a difference. Too hot makes the reflective saggy and stretchy. Too cold makes it brittle and it may crack when you bend it.

 

 

 

Lift up the remaining portion of the number, remove the rest of the backing. Hold the number up from the surface with one hand and press the number down with the other. Start from the portion already tacked down. Try not to stretch the number either by holding it too tightly or by pressing it on. If the temperature is right it will hold it’s shape quite well and generally it will flow into place as you press it down.


 

 

 

Wow! All that just to stick one number down! Really it’s not as bad as it sounds. It will only take a few minutes per panel.

Some Other Application Tips to Remember…   0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 

Rounded numbers… 0, 3, 8, the top of 2, and the bottom of 5 

These numbers are made slightly larger than the others. The rounds actually extend above and below the flats of the other numbers.
If all the numbers where made exactly 3” tall, they would optically not look equal in size.
Keep this in mind when trying to follow a horizontal base line or in trying to keep the same distance between numbers stacked vertically.

Flat or straight numbers... 1, 4, and 7, the bottom of 2 and the top of 5

When applying flat or straight numbers… If these portions are not lined up properly they will scream at you CROOKED!!! To help minimize this, start laying that section of the letter down first and press down the rounded portions next.

When applying rounded numbers… With 6 and 9 start with the fatter portion first. It will hold its shape better through the round and be easier for the leg to flow out.

The 0 may be the biggest challenge in holding its shape, as long as you don’t stress it out too much it will also flow into place. Start with the top or bottom rather than the side.

The 3 can be difficult. Try to line up the very middle vertical section.

Adjust the number 1 slightly to the right, since the top flags to the left. This will make it visually look more centered.

Be sure to keep panel free from dust while trying to apply numbers. Every little bit of trapped particles will show a bump through the vinyl.

Some people prefer to position and hold numbers in place with masking tape, and some like to apply them with a soapy solution and slip them in place, I find those methods too slow.  With a little practice you’ll find eyeing them dry a much better process…really! 

Application of Sheet Cut Reflective Numbers…The same method as individual die cut numbers can be used if the numbers are first cut apart from the sheet. If you’re brave you can peel and stick or use the soap method. Just a drop or two of dish soap in a cup is enough. If it’s too soapy it will be too slippery to press in place and not stick as well.