we design, cut and apply
Cut Vinyl Graphics
Cut vinyl graphics are made by running self-adhesive vinyl film through a plotter, which cuts letters, shapes and logos to exact dimensions.
The result is a clean, precise graphic with crisp edges at any size. It is a practical and cost-effective method for solid colour work, and it gets used across a huge range of signage, from shop windows to vehicle doors to wall graphics.
Part of the Signbiz New Zealand Network of 11 Branches Nationwide
A Core Part of How Most Signs Get Made
Simple process, wide application
Cut vinyl is not a niche product. It is involved in the production of most signs we make. Any time you see a solid-colour logo, a set of lettering on a window, or a vehicle with text down the side, that is very likely cut vinyl.
The vinyl itself is a coloured film with a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the back. It comes on rolls in hundreds of solid colours, textures and finishes. A plotter cuts the artwork to shape, the excess material is removed by hand, and the finished graphic is applied to the surface.
It works well for text, logos, shapes and anything else that does not require a photograph or a colour gradient. For those jobs, we use digital print instead. Many signs combine both methods, using cut vinyl for text over a digitally printed background.
Cut Vinyl Gallery
stickers and decals applied by our teams across the country
Key Features and Benefits of Cut Vinyl
Solid colour, crisp edges, rated for outdoors and removable when you need to change it
Crisp at Any Size
Because the vinyl is cut along a vector line by a plotter, the edges are always clean and precise. There are no resolution issues, no matter how large the sign gets.
Unlimited Colours
Gloss, matte, satin, metallic, reflective, frosted, chrome. Solid colours come in a very wide range and we can almost always find a match for your brand colours. If we cannot, we can print a custom colour.
Durable Outdoors
The vinyl we use has UV protection built in. Depending on the product, the placement and the environment, it can last well over five years outdoors. For sheltered or indoor applications it will last considerably longer.
Easy Removal
Cut vinyl can be removed cleanly, which makes it practical for temporary signage, promotional messaging, or situations where part of a sign needs to be updated without replacing the whole thing.
Designing for Cut Vinyl
What to know before you send us files
Artwork must be vector
A plotter can only cut along a vector line. This means all artwork for cut vinyl must be in a vector format, typically an .ai or .eps file from Adobe Illustrator, or a compatible CAD program like CorelDraw. If your logo only exists as a JPG or PNG, our design team can redraw it as a vector before cutting.
Raster images and photographs cannot be cut as vinyl graphics. Those jobs go to digital print.
Keep shapes simple and weeded cleanly
After cutting, a sign maker removes the excess vinyl by hand. This is called weeding. Very fine detail, tiny gaps between letters, and shapes with a large number of nodes make weeding difficult and increase the risk of tearing. Good cut vinyl artwork is clean and legible, not overly intricate.
As a rule, avoid letter heights below about 10mm for smaller text, and check that any fine lines or thin strokes in a logo are not too delicate to survive the cutting and weeding process. Our team will flag anything that looks risky before we cut.
Colour matching
The vinyl colours available come from manufacturer ranges such as Avery Dennison and Orafol. We can match most brand colours from these ranges. If your brand has a specific Pantone reference, tell us and we will find the closest available film. In most cases we can get very close. Where an exact match is not possible from stock colour, we can print a custom colour digitally and use that instead.
Surface preparation
Cut vinyl needs a clean, smooth surface to adhere properly. Textured, porous or contaminated surfaces cause adhesion problems. If your surface is rough, powder-coated, or has an unusual finish, mention it when you get in touch and we can advise on the best approach.
From File to Finished Graphic
How the process works
File Setup
Our team checks the artwork is vector format, the colours are correctly specified, and the shapes are suitable for cutting. Any issues get resolved before we proceed.
Cutting
The file is sent to the plotter, which cuts the artwork from the vinyl sheet or roll with precision. The plotter only cuts the vinyl surface, not the backing paper, leaving the cut shapes sitting on the carrier.
Weeding
The excess vinyl around and between the cut shapes is removed by hand. What remains on the backing is just the finished graphic, ready for application.
Transfer Tape
A sheet of transfer tape is laid over the weeded graphic to hold all the pieces in position during application. When the backing is peeled away, the transfer tape carries the graphic as one piece to the surface.
Application
The graphic is positioned on the substrate, pressed down firmly, and the transfer tape is peeled back, leaving the vinyl adhered to the surface. On large jobs an application table with a roller is used for flat panels. On-site application to walls, windows and vehicles is done by hand by our installation team.
Check
The finished graphic is checked for air bubbles, lifted edges and alignment. Any issues are sorted before the job is signed off
Where Cut Vinyl Gets Used
If the surface is smooth and the design is solid colour, cut vinyl can almost certainly go on it
Vehicle Wraps & Graphics
Text, logos and designs applied to cars, utes, vans, trucks and trailers. Often used on its own for simple lettering, or applied over a digitally printed wrap to add solid colour elements.
Office & Interior Signage
Reception logos, wayfinding text, wall quotes, privacy frosting on partitions. Cut vinyl handles interior work well and applies cleanly to most smooth indoor surfaces.
Shop Windows & Glass
Logos, trading hours, promotional messaging and decorative frosting. Glass is one of the most common surfaces for cut vinyl and the results are clean and professional.
Wall & Fascia Signage
Text and logos applied directly to painted walls, ACM panels, foam PVC and other flat substrates. A common way to letter a building exterior without fabricating a full sign structure.
Safety & Compliance
Reflective markings on vehicles and equipment, floor graphics, hazard identification. Where reflective or high-visibility vinyl is specified, a plotter cuts it to the exact shape required.
Stickers and Decals
Smaller cut graphics applied to products, equipment, helmets, boats and other items. The same process, smaller scale.
Why Choose Signbiz?
What sets us apart.
In addition to premium signage, and great service, Signbiz is pleased to offer its ‘Workmanship Guarantee’ to give customers additional confidence in every project delivered.
As the saying goes, You get what you pay for.
What Sets Us Apart?
As the saying goes: “You get what you pay for”.
In addition to premium signage, and great service, Signbiz is pleased to offer its ‘Workmanship Guarantee’ to give customers additional confidence in every project delivered.
After Care Service
Signbiz offers an After-Care Service for completed projects.
Warranties & Insurances
We use premium products with excellent lifespans and warranties.
Quality Assurance
Products leaving our workshop undergo rigorous quality checks.
Machinery & Tech
We use advanced manufacturing, application, and installation technology.
Health and Safety
A Certified Site Safe company with a dedicated Safety Officer.
Staff Qualification
Staff hold highly skilled qualifications and additional, internal training is provided.
