Frequently Asked Questions

What is vinyl lettering or vinyl graphics?

Vinyl lettering and vinyl graphics are cut from professional grade coloured vinyl. They are not printed onto a clear background. The letters, words or graphic shapes are cut from the vinyl and supplied ready for application.

When your vinyl product arrives, it normally has three layers. The bottom layer is the backing paper. When this is peeled away, it exposes the self-adhesive side of the vinyl. The middle layer is the actual vinyl lettering or graphic. The top layer is the application tape, which holds the lettering or graphic together so it can be applied as one piece.

Once the vinyl has been applied and the application tape is removed, only the cut vinyl remains on the surface. Glass or the surface colour will show through the open spaces around and inside the lettering.

Is the vinyl suitable for outdoor use?

Yes. We use quality sign vinyl suitable for outdoor use. Outdoor life can vary depending on sun exposure, weather, surface preparation, vinyl colour and how the vinyl is applied.

Many outdoor vinyl jobs can last approximately 5–7 years when applied correctly to a suitable surface.

What surfaces can I apply vinyl to?

Vinyl lettering and graphics are best applied to clean, dry, smooth, non-porous surfaces such as glass, vehicle windows, acrylic, smooth plastic, aluminium composite panels and other suitable smooth sign surfaces.

Vinyl may stick to some painted metal, painted timber or painted surfaces, but this depends on the paint type, surface condition, age of the paint, cleaning products used and how well the paint is bonded to the surface.

We do not recommend vinyl for rough, dusty, oily, textured, flexible, fabric, canvas or uneven surfaces. Painted walls, painted vehicles, boats and delicate painted surfaces should be treated with caution, as vinyl may mark, damage or lift paint when removed.

If you are unsure whether your surface is suitable, please mention it when requesting your quote.

What if I have a few lines of text?

We can create your custom vinyl lettering as one prepared job piece, so you can apply the wording to your glass window or other suitable flat surface as one layout instead of trying to line up every word yourself.

Before the job is cut, we may provide a layout proof showing the suggested font size, spacing and placement to suit the area you have measured. This allows you to check the wording, spelling and layout before approval.

Can I apply vinyl lettering to the inside of my shop or business window?

Yes. If you want the vinyl applied to the inside of the glass and read correctly from outside, let us know when requesting your quote.

We can cut the vinyl in reverse, also called mirror cut, so it can be applied to the inside of the window and still be read correctly from the outside.

What colour is best to use on glass?

For shop windows and business windows, white vinyl is often the most visible colour because it stands out well against glass and darker backgrounds.

For rear car windows, white vinyl is also commonly recommended for readability. Other colours can still be used depending on the background, glass tint and the effect you want.

What fonts can I use?

We can cut a wide range of TrueType fonts. You can tell us the style of font you prefer when sending your quote request, or you can provide the name of a font you would like us to check.

Some fonts are better suited to vinyl cutting than others. Very thin, delicate or highly detailed fonts may not cut or apply well at small sizes. For smaller lettering, a slightly thicker and clearer font usually gives better adhesion and readability.

What size letters can you cut?

We can cut letters from approximately 25mm high up to around 450mm high, depending on the font, layout, vinyl colour and job requirements.

Where do I measure my font height?

Font height is usually measured from the height of a capital letter in your wording. Lowercase letters may appear slightly taller or lower depending on the shape of the letter.

For example, letters such as “p” or “y” can hang below the baseline, while other letters sit within the normal line height. If you need an exact line height, using all capital letters can sometimes make the sizing clearer and easier to measure.

Will there be a background behind my vinyl letters or graphic?

No. Vinyl lettering and graphics are individually cut, not printed onto a background. Once applied, only the vinyl design remains on the surface.

The spaces around and inside the letters or graphic are open, so the window, sign panel, vehicle glass or surface colour shows through.

What is a vector file?

A vector file is a graphics file made from lines, curves and shapes instead of pixels. Vector artwork can be scaled up or down without losing quality, which makes it ideal for logos, lettering and vinyl cutting.

Common vector file types may include AI, EPS, SVG or PDF, depending on how the artwork was created. If you are not sure what file you have, send it through with your quote request and we can check it.

What is weeding vinyl?

After the artwork is prepared and sent to the vinyl cutter, the machine cuts the design into the vinyl. The unwanted vinyl around the letters or graphic then has to be manually removed. This process is called weeding.

Weeding is done carefully by hand, often with fine tools or tweezers, to leave only the lettering or design that will be transferred to the final surface.

How do I apply my vinyl letters or vinyl graphics?

Your vinyl will be supplied with backing paper and application tape so it can be positioned and applied to the surface. We recommend applying vinyl slowly and carefully to a clean, dry surface.

Larger jobs may be easier with two people, especially long lines of text or larger graphics. Application guidance can be supplied with your order.

How long will my order take?

Most custom vinyl orders are cut within 1–2 working days after the artwork/layout has been approved and payment has cleared.

Delivery time depends on Australia Post and your location. Many orders arrive within a few working days after dispatch, but regional and remote areas may take longer.

What payment methods do you accept?

Payment options will be confirmed with your quote or invoice. Payment may be available by bank transfer or card payment, depending on the job and checkout method used.

Custom vinyl jobs are not cut until the layout has been approved and payment has cleared.

How much is postage?

Postage is quoted with your job before payment. Custom vinyl lettering and graphics are carefully packed in protective postal rolls or suitable packaging, depending on the size and type of order.

Most orders are sent by Australia Post with tracking. Postage costs can vary depending on the size of the roll, delivery location, order value and whether Extra Cover or Signature on Delivery is required.

If your order is higher in value, we may recommend or require Extra Cover and/or Signature on Delivery. These details will be confirmed on your quote or invoice before payment.

What happens if my order is lost or damaged in the post?

If a parcel is lost or damaged by Australia Post, we will help you with the information needed for a claim where tracking, Extra Cover or Signature on Delivery has been used.

If an address error is made by Glass Vinyl Graphics, we will work with you to correct the issue. Please make sure the delivery details you provide are accurate before payment and dispatch.