---
title: Blog | RTA lettering and vinyl
description: RTA lettering and vinyl | We use state-of-art, computer-aided signmaking systems and techniques to create high-impact, cost effective signs that get you results.
---

[![cost effective signs and banners](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/hs-fs/file-2242600172-gif/images/thesignstudioonline-logo.gif "cost effective signs and banners")](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/)

[![TS_logo.png](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TS_logo-1.png?width=2400&name=TS_logo-1.png "TS_logo.png")](http://www.thetrophystudio.com/)

The Sign Studio  
 831 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank CA 91505  
[818-843-9200 | info@signstudiola.com](mailto:info@signstudiola.com)

# Southern California Sign Blog

## [Burbank Signs | Ready to Apply Vinyl Lettering Signs](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/Design-Tips-for-Effective-Signs/blog/bid/47556/Burbank-Signs-Ready-to-Apply-Vinyl-Lettering-Signs)

 Posted by [Julie and Chris Ramirez](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/author/julie-and-chris-ramirez) on Mon, Dec 27, 2010 @ 07:12 AM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

**READY TO APPLY LETTERING – also known as RTA Lettering. **

If you are looking to save yourself some money and are confident in your application abilities, the following directions on how to apply your own vinyl lettering will help you to install your own signage. 

1. Apply window cleaner, soapy water, or denatured alcohol to clean the surface where the lettering will be placed.  Use a lint-free cloth to wipe the surface dry. 
2. Use a water-soluble pencil to draw guidelines and centerlines to help align the lettering. 
3. Fill a spray bottle with a mixture of water and 3 drops of liquid dish detergent.
4. Before applying, rest the lettering on a flat surface and carefully squeegee across the transfer tape that covers the bottom.
5. Find the center of the lettering and make a small mark at that point on the transfer tape. 
6. With the lettering face down, peel the backing paper away from the lettering, which will remain adhered to the transfer tape.
7. Lightly spray the exposed sticky side of the lettering with the soapy water solution (if the letters are being applied to glass and are smaller than 1” in height, do not use the spray, it could cause misalignment.)  Small letters should be applied dry. 
8. Place the lettering and transfer tape onto the surface, using any guidelines and centerlines you have made to help align the lettering.
9. Squeegee the lettering from the center outward toward the edges, overlapping your strokes to prevent air and water from being trapped under the lettering.
10. Leave the application tape attached to the lettering and let it dry for about one hour. 
11. Remove the application tape.   Put the tape back at a 180-degree angle (flat) to the surface.  This will minimize the chance of the lettering being pulled up along with the tape. 

If you have any questions of need help with your Installation, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or e-mail us at [thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net](mailto:thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net). 

 ![The Sign Studio, Burbank CA, RTA signs, vinyl graphics, vinyl application, vinyl signage](http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5249/5234019044_64e183a60c.jpg)

 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/Design-Tips-for-Effective-Signs/blog/bid/47556/Burbank-Signs-Ready-to-Apply-Vinyl-Lettering-Signs#comments-listing)

 Topics: [ready to apply vinyl letters](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/topic/ready-to-apply-vinyl-letters), [vinyl lettering](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/topic/vinyl-lettering), [RTA lettering and vinyl](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/topic/rta-lettering-and-vinyl), [vinyl signs](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/topic/vinyl-signs), [vinyl decals](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/topic/vinyl-decals)

[All posts](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/all)

[![The Sign Studio Video Los Angeles](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/36106/51b40736-3436-4a0f-985a-18a991a25bfa.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/36106/51b40736-3436-4a0f-985a-18a991a25bfa)

### Subscribe by Email

### Most Popular Posts

### Posts by Month

- [December 2012 (33)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2012/12)
- [July 2013 (31)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2013/07)
- [November 2012 (28)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2012/11)
- [June 2013 (28)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2013/06)
- [January 2013 (26)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2013/01)
- [September 2011 (25)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2011/09)
- [May 2013 (25)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2013/05)
- [August 2011 (22)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2011/08)
- [April 2013 (22)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2013/04)
- [January 2011 (21)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2011/01)
- [March 2012 (21)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2012/03)
- [April 2012 (21)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2012/04)
- [June 2012 (21)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2012/06)
- [January 2012 (20)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2012/01)
- [May 2012 (20)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2012/05)
- [October 2012 (20)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2012/10)
- [August 2012 (18)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2012/08)
- [February 2013 (18)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2013/02)
- [December 2010 (17)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2010/12)
- [February 2012 (17)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2012/02)
- [July 2012 (17)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2012/07)
- [March 2013 (16)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2013/03)
- [September 2012 (15)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2012/09)
- [February 2011 (11)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2011/02)
- [April 2011 (11)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2011/04)
- [July 2011 (11)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2011/07)
- [December 2011 (11)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2011/12)
- [November 2011 (9)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2011/11)
- [March 2011 (8)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2011/03)
- [November 2013 (8)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2013/11)
- [October 2014 (8)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2014/10)
- [January 2014 (7)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2014/01)
- [June 2016 (7)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2016/06)
- [March 2015 (6)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2015/03)
- [March 2016 (6)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2016/03)
- [July 2016 (6)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2016/07)
- [October 2011 (5)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2011/10)
- [August 2013 (5)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2013/08)
- [October 2013 (5)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2013/10)
- [September 2014 (5)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2014/09)
- [November 2014 (5)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2014/11)
- [December 2014 (5)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2014/12)
- [January 2015 (5)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2015/01)
- [April 2015 (5)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2015/04)
- [May 2015 (5)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2015/05)
- [June 2015 (5)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2015/06)
- [August 2015 (5)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2015/08)
- [October 2015 (5)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2015/10)
- [November 2015 (5)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2015/11)
- [January 2016 (5)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2016/01)
- [August 2010 (4)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2010/08)
- [May 2011 (4)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2011/05)
- [June 2011 (4)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2011/06)
- [September 2013 (4)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2013/09)
- [December 2013 (4)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2013/12)
- [February 2015 (4)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2015/02)
- [July 2015 (4)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2015/07)
- [September 2015 (4)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2015/09)
- [December 2015 (4)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2015/12)
- [April 2016 (4)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2016/04)
- [August 2016 (4)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2016/08)
- [September 2010 (3)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2010/09)
- [November 2010 (3)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2010/11)
- [February 2014 (3)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2014/02)
- [July 2014 (3)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2014/07)
- [February 2016 (3)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2016/02)
- [May 2016 (3)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2016/05)
- [September 2016 (3)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2016/09)
- [July 2010 (1)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2010/07)
- [March 2014 (1)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2014/03)
- [April 2014 (1)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2014/04)
- [May 2014 (1)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2014/05)
- [June 2014 (1)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2014/06)
- [August 2014 (1)](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/design-tips-for-effective-signs/blog/archive/2014/08)

A proud member of the Burbank, Glendale, Los  
 Angeles, Montrose, La Canada and Pasadena  
 Chambers of Commerce

**[Banners](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/banner//banner/)  |  [Vehicle Graphics](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/vehicle/) | [Window Graphics](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/window/) | [Regulatory Signs](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/regulatory-signs/) | [Site Signs](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/site-signs/) | [Monument Signs](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/monument/) |  
  [Architectual](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/architec/)  | [Sand Blasted](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/sand/)  | [Dimensional Letters](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/dime/) | [Illuminated ](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/illumin/) | [Graphic Design](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/graphics/)  
| [ADA Signs](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/ada-and-title-24-signs/)**

© 2014 The Sign Studio 2006 All Rights Reserved

[Site Resources](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/site-resources) | [Links](https://www.thesignstudioonline.com/links)