Back of bus mural idea!

[centrix29]

I have had the pleasure lately to work on the finishing touches on the exterior of our bus.  The back end used to be dented and the top portion still showed the previous company's lettering (what was left of the glue).  I now have a beautiful behind!  I repaired the dent with Bondo type automotive product and covered a large part of the rear doors with mirrored vinyl.  I then added a Prevost logo on top of it. 

Also, I prepared a mural on my computer which I got printed on vinyl to cover the top portion of the rear end.  I started with high resolution pictures that I put together to represent Canada.  I am very happy with the result.  See for yourself.  Here are a couple pictures.

Good luck with your project!  I had a lot of fun with mine.

Pat

[H3Jim]

Looks great, was the vinyl expensive?

[centrix29]

The cost of printing was about 400$.  That's printing and installation.  I did the picture "montage" myself.  You could bring any other image you wanted though, as long as it is high resolution.

Pat

[Jeremy]

Goodness, for the first time ever I think I've found something which is actually cheaper in the UK. It so happens I've just had some vinyl printing done myself (for an exterior retail display) which cost £60 ($120) for a 3m x 0.7m area, which must be pretty close to the area of your bus picture.

It was the first time I had had such printing done, and like you I was pleased with the end result - definitely something worth considering for my bus when the time comes.

Jeremy

[Bob Gil]

I had these done about 4 years back when I was single.

I took the pictures of my trucks and had them made and installed them on the inside of the Windows myself.  They are made on screen so you can still see out.  Not sure if it is the exact material they use when you don't need to see Thur them.

Cost about $80.00 then not sure about what it would run now.

[JackConrad]

We did a similar project. We used the logo from one of our early Bussin' rallies. The original artwork was done by Alan Baker and the vinyl was printed at Dorsett Signs in Venice, Florida. I think we paid $35 or $40 for the artwork which is approx. 18" x30".  Lettering had been installed a year before the artwork.  Jack

[larryh]

I take a picture and print it on clear microfilm then put in opaque projecor and adjust to area and then air brush on to area some take about 4-8 hours then clear coat the final after approval. but sure like your result will check into it more.

Larry H

[HighTechRedneck]

All of those look great!  When I get further along on mine I may consider vinyl graphics.

BTW, anyone thinking about it, you might contact Dr. Dave here on the forum for a quote.  He can do large format vinyl printing and cutouts.  His quote may be better than local shops and it would help him out.

[RJ]

  I . . . covered a large part of the rear doors with mirrored vinyl. 

Pat -

Do you suppose the mirror vinyl will help awaken the idiots behind you who insist on driving with their high beams on??   

Very nice work, and a great idea, too.

FWIW & HTH. . .

[Cary and Don]

That is really nice.  Where do you get the mirror vinyl? We wanted to do a narrow chrome type trim on the front, but a mirror vinyl over a fiberglass strip would be perfect. 

Don and Cary
GMC4107
Neoplan AN340

[Jeremy]

I've not seen vinyl that produces a 'mirror' as such, but if you mean chrome-effect vinyl you can get it from any decent vinyl manufacturer, as well shiney gold and other metal effect vinyls. A sign maker would be able to supply you with some, or you could probably find some on Ebay etc. There are companies on Ebay that will supply it in tape form, which is ideal for making the standard plastic front grilles on cars look like expensive aftermarket items.

I use chrome and gold vinyl etc in my sticker business; it is a different animal to regular vinyl, feeling much more like a sheet of foil (quite easy to tear etc) than plastic. It also feels like it doesn't stick as well when you apply it compared to regular vinyl, but I am sure it actually sticks ok if you do it properly. The lifespan is very short as well - usually no more than 2 years when used externally, probably less in a hot environment, which would be a major consideration when using it on a bus.

Jeremy