Written By Mike Learn

ARTIST PROFILE

Mike Learn

DATA

Mike picked up his first airbrush in 1978 and has been hooked ever since.   Though art was always a huge part of his life, Mike chose to first pursue his music career, even while attending art school.   Soon after cutting his first album, Grunge took over the Metal Scene and Mike decided to put his energy into his art career.   He moved from Pennsylvania to Arizona and began working in a small custom paint shop. Today Mike and Diana work out of their new shop in Colorado.  

Airbrush : Mike’s Signature Precision MOJO, Mike’s Signature Bottle Fed MoFlo
Spray Guns:
Paint Media: SEM/Color Horizons Kandies and Bases, Spies Hecker Mixing Bench
Surface Media: Motorcycles, Guitars, Vehicles, Fine Art/Illustration, Album Covers
Lighting : Natural and Florescent.
Plotter: Roland GX-24
Toolbox: CorelDRAW, Corel Painter

HOW TO LAY VINYL ON A CURVED SURFACE: 

A VERY Frequently Asked Question 

 There are actually several methods that you can use to lay vinyl on a curved surface. The methods you choose has much to do with the design and the actual surface. Here is one.

The subject: a motorcycle tank.
The mask: a set of tribal flames.
The object: lay the vinyl symmetrically on either side of the tank.

As you can see here, Mike started with a center line of fine line tape. The left side mask has been put into position. The challenge here is to lay the right side down flat, and perfectly symmetrical to the left.

We will go through the application of the right side step by step.

 The design was cut out, weeded, and then the transfer tape was applied. As you can see, the transfer tape was trimmed down to a minimum. This helps immensely in the application. When doing the initial placement, be sure to just barely stick the transfer tape until you have the piece in its approximate location. Transfer tape is very low tack and can be easily repositioned.

Once you are happy with the initial position, lightly rub the vinyl in to place. Notice how the "tail" piece on the side is being placed carefully, by itself and following the natural curve of the side of the tank. This is why you want to really trim your transfer tape down.

Now, using a vinyl scraper, begin setting the vinyl on to your surface. You will want to start at the top of the design and work your way down. As you press the pieces straight, you may need to lift an reposition a portion as seen in the second photo above. This is why you only lightly press the vinyl until you have worked your way through the whole piece.

Using the centerline and clear reference points, you can acheive symmetry with this design. Because it was cut out on a vinyl cutter, you know the shapes are exact. It is now all about placement.

When you are done with the scraper, remove the transfer tape.

There is still time to make a few adjustments if needed. Notice again how the flame is lifted and placed following the natural curve.

Another thing to point out here is the design. When you know you are going to be working on a curved surface, keep that in mind as you design. Long flowing pieces, or designs that have a natural "break" are very conducive to curved surfaces, and are easy to work with.