Cutting around matrix

Thought it about time i tried this tip of the week business, please dont shoot me down if its been said before!!

If you find it hard to cut close to the matrix when using dark films and dont want to keep moving a light about inside try putting a cheap vinyl pinstripe around the matrix on the outside of the glass. When you are ready to cut just follow the line with your blade! saves time messing about with a lead light too.

p.s be gentle with me some of the replies i see are just plain scary!!

you'll just be waistin' vinyl,i say, spend some cash, or whatever u call it in uk(lol), on a decent sized shoplight to illuminate the whole bg at one time

pinstripe is cheap as crap. this i actually find to be one of the better tips. do you run your blade over the pin stripe or use it as an edge for the blade to follow or just close to it?

as an edge, i usually find the cheaper the pinstripe the thicker.

i suppose you could run the blade over it, would reduce the chance of scratching.

also this method can give you a smoother straighter cut.

good tip. where do you buy the stripe?

I cut below the matrix with 5% film all the time and never have to move the 500watt halogen work lamp around at all (cost $13) ..just throw it inside the car and cut away

If you don't have a good lamp, I guess it's a good idea

Nice Tip, thats the way i allways cut the 3 rd Brakelight and the Bg`s like that

I cut the vinyl Stripes with my small Plotter CG 60 as long and so much i need them. with the rest films of our signmaking Jobs.

needs a few seconds to finish but saves me a lot of time cutting Bg`s and side matrix windows this way!

good tip got my vote

thats a good tip
you got my vote

Halogen worklight = smokin hot! Are you the member with the sweet getup that extends through the vehicle suspended?

Sounds like a cool idea. I would prolly have to feel it out once or twice to see if its for me

That is a very good tip and deserves to be the TOTW. Usually cutting the bottom portion of the tint is difficult when working with a dark film and dark interior. What I do is use a white piece of paper and place it between the rear deck and glass so I can see the matrix before cutting. Of course some lighting will help too. Also if you turn off the shop light, you will be able to see what you are cutting more easily when you have light inside the car.

I am going to buy a roll of white pin stripe tape and try this out. Thanks for the tip!