The Sign Makers’ Workshop

Returning in 2026 is The Sign Makers’ Workshop! Hosted by experienced sign maker, Paul Hughes, sign makers and print service providers can watch live demonstrations and get hands-on in practical workshops. Whether you are a vinyl veteran or taking your first steps into vinyl application, this is a special feature area you will not want to miss!

 

The schedule, which will be repeated each day, is as follows:

  • 10.30am Basic application of vinyls
  • 11.15am Applying large areas of vinyl
  • 12pm Vehicle livery
  • 1pm Application challenge
  • 2pm Basic application of vinyls
  • 2.45pm Applying large areas of vinyl
  • 3.30pm Vehicle livery

Session details

 Basic application of vinyls

This session is for anyone looking to take their first steps in vinyl application. Paul will show you the basics of applying vinyl graphics and offer hints and tips for which products and techniques you should use and when.

He will give clear and practical demonstrations on:

  •  Weeding and applying application tapes.
  •  Preparing surfaces for the application of vinyl.
  •  Use of water/ application fluids.
  •  Applying basic text.
  •  Moving on from the basics.
  •  Applying multi-layers of vinyl.
  •  Flood coating of the substrate with vinyl.

Applying large areas of vinyl

Once you have mastered the basics, it’s time to look at the skill of applying a large area of vinyl to a variety of surfaces. This could be digitally printed or plain coloured vinyl film, applied directly to boards, glass or other substrates.

In straightforward steps, Paul will show you:

  •  Basic technique.
  •  Use of water/ application fluids.
  •  Squeegee choice and technique.
  •  Demonstrate applying large panels of vinyl to boards/ facias/ glass.
  •  Working on glass-etched films.

Vehicle livery

Vehicle graphics can mean applying vinyl lettering and logos to the side of a van or the complete wrapping of the vehicle. Paul will show visitors the basics of applying simple cut-vinyl lettering and the basics of vehicle wrapping and even give them a chance to try it for themselves.

The demonstration will include:

  • General advice on layout – easy and hard areas to fit graphics to.
  • Cleaning and preparation of the vehicle.
  • Basic application of vinyl to the vehicle – making it look straight is harder than you think!
  • Flood coating recessed panels.
  • Handling large panels of vinyl and their application.
  • Applying vinyl over recesses and basic curves.
  • Applying large-cut vinyl graphics.

Application challenge

In this hands-on session, Paul will be challenging visitors to have a go at applying some vinyl themselves. He will be on hand to offer advice and guidance to make sure visitors gain vital experience in vinyl application.

There will be a gift for everyone who enters. There will also be prizes for the best job each day as well as an overall winner.