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FAQs
Still have questions? Contact us and we will be glad to help!
What is vinyl lettering? TOP
Vinyl lettering is pre-spaced letter or graphic designs made from very thin pieces of vinyl which are flexible, durable, and washable. Because of their extreme thinness and matte finish, the designs look as if they have been expertly hand-painted on your surface. Each vinyl piece is backed with a light adhesive for easy application to walls or other smooth surfaces. The designs stay in place until you are ready to remove them, and removal is easy. This makes vinyl lettering an ideal decorating option for both homeowners and renters. With vinyl lettering you get the unique look of stencils without all of the hassle. Are the designs similar to stickers? TOP
Our vinyl lettering does not look like a sticker when applied to your surface. The designs are cut from a single color roll of vinyl and are not printed, which means there is no clear outline or backing to the design itself. When you receive your Trading Phrases design, simply peel off the backing paper and apply it to your surface. The expressions come as entire phrases and are perfectly spaced and aligned according to the design. The vinyl sticks to the surface directly with its own adhesive. Our designs are of a very high quality and do not resemble stickers as do some competitor products in the marketplace. What surfaces can I apply the designs to? TOP
The designs can be applied to most smooth, hard surfaces such as wood, walls, windows, doors, and mirrors. You can even apply them to appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and washers and dryers. For best results, apply the designs to clean non-porous surfaces. The lettering will not adhere properly to fabric, rough surfaces, dirty walls, some glossy paints, or to paint that is not well bonded with the underlying surface. If you have any questions about whether the designs will work with a particular surface, please contact us before purchasing. Can I reuse the designs? TOP
Unfortunately, the designs cannot be reused. The vinyl lettering is extremely thin and will stretch and tear as it is being removed. By removing the designs, you will also lose the precise positioning of the letters as well as the adhesive. Can the designs be used in rooms with high humidity like bathrooms? TOP
Yes. Humidity does not affect the performance of the lettering. Just make sure you apply the designs to surfaces that are dry and clean. Can I use the designs outdoors? TOP
Yes. The designs can be used outdoors but do not apply them to your surface during freezing or very hot temperatures. For extra durability, consider purchasing our outdoor rated vinyl lettering which comes in black or white. This special lettering works extremely well on outdoor surfaces such as car windows, mailboxes, and front doors. If you need a design in the outdoor rated vinyl, please contact us. Can the designs be applied to tile? TOP
Yes. The designs can be applied easily to ceramic or natural tile surfaces, but please note they have a matte finish which may contrast with a very shiny surface. However, the designs will not work well over grout lines. I just painted my dining room and want to install the design. Is this a good idea? TOP
We recommend waiting at least two weeks before installing the vinyl lettering on a newly painted surface. Can vinyl lettering be cleaned? TOP
Yes. To clean your design, use a mild household cleaner, a soft cloth or sponge, and a light touch. Avoid using cleaners that contain alcohol or rough abrasives. What sizes do the designs come in? TOP
Our designs are generally measured in inches of the overall design, from the highest to the lowest point. If the description states the design is 20 x 15, that means it measures 20 inches wide and 15 inches tall. If you need a specific size that is not listed on our Web site, please e-mail info@tradingphrases.com and we will let you know if the design is available in your requested size. I need letters that are a specific height. How do you measure the letters? TOP
Our designs are measured in terms of overall width and height. Overall height means the height of all lines of text combined. Measuring by an individual letter size is difficult unless the font is an all caps, one size style which most designs are not. Overall size is used as the measurement to accommodate the variation between capital letters, lower case letters, and letters with hanging elements (e.g., g, j, y, etc).
If you need a design in a specific height, please let us know and we can try to accommodate your request if possible. Some fonts are easier to work with than others. There are so many color choices. Can I get a sample of them to select my design from? TOP
Yes, simply submit a sample request form which allows you to choose up to 6 colors. Once we receive your form, we will process your request quickly. How do you install the designs? TOP
Every design is essentially a large pre-spaced decal. Simply peel away the backing, position the decal, press firmly to your wall or surface, and then carefully remove the application tape layer that is over the design. Each order includes a detailed instruction sheet and a practice design that you can use to perfect your technique before applying the design you purchased. Please see our detailed instructions for tips and tricks. How do you remove the designs? TOP
Removal of the designs is easy. Simply place a finger under one of the design edges and peel up, much like you would remove a sticker from a flat surface. Designs that have been in place for a long time may require a little extra effort to remove. For these designs, simply heat with a hair dryer for a few minutes to loosen the adhesive before trying to peel the edges. Wipe clean any remaining residue with a soft damp cloth. How can I get a catalog? TOP
Due to constantly adding design choices to our inventory, we do not maintain a catalog. You can view all of our designs on our Web site. We strive to have a very small impact on the environment and even a smaller one on your wallet. For these reasons, we do not publish a paper catalog. Can I get a wholesale account? TOP
Wholesale accounts are available only to professional designers and decorators at this time. While we have been asked to provide our designs to retail stores, we have found that vinyl designs that sit for several months are generally more difficult to install. To us, every design is a custom cut and is tailored to the purchaser’s individual size, color, and style choice. It is difficult to find the perfect mix for retail sales given thousands of customization choices on our online catalog. Design professionals can find information about creating a trade account here. Can I purchase a gift certificate? TOP
Gift certificates can be purchased here. Please let us know if you would like a paper gift certificate mailed to your recipient, or alternatively we can email a gift certificate number which your recipient can use online. The email option will avoid the purchaser having to pay shipping for the cost of mailing the paper certificate. I purchased my designs a few months ago, can I still install them? TOP
We recommend installing the designs when you receive them for best results. The designs get more difficult to work with over time, and may not adhere to the surface if they sit for more than 60 days. Are the products made in the US? TOP
Yes, all of our products are manufactured at our facility in Columbus, Ohio. We source our raw materials from companies that operate in the US as well. I still have questions, where can I get more help? TOP
Contact us and we will be glad to help! |
