Vinyl lettering is cut from thin, adhesive-backed film and applied directly to a surface, such as a boat hull, a window, or a truck door. It’s clean, durable, and cost-effective, which makes it one of the most popular ways to letter almost anything. However, not all vinyl is the same. At our shop in Edgewater, Maryland, we cut our lettering from one film only: Avery 950 series premium cast vinyl.
Why We Use Avery Premium Cast Vinyl
There are two main kinds of vinyl film. Calendered vinyl is rolled and stretched into shape, so it tends to shrink back over time, and its edges can lift. Cast vinyl, on the other hand, is poured as a liquid and set into a thin, relaxed film. As a result, it stays put, conforms to curves, and holds its color much longer in sun and salt air. That matters on a boat or a truck, where a sign has to survive the weather for years. So we use Avery premium cast vinyl for every boat name and lettering job we do.
Vinyl Boat Names
Most of our vinyl work goes on boats. We design each name around the hull and the owner’s style, then cut it and install it by hand. For example, the name on Moon Shadow uses two layers of premium cast vinyl in two colors. For Sedona Blue, we added a sprayed color fade across the letters. Fishing boats get bold, simple names, like Bite Me. Likewise, sailboats such as Brier Patch get clean, classic lettering.
Etched-Look Vinyl on Glass
Vinyl also works beautifully on glass. Etched-look film gives a door or window the appearance of frosted, sandblasted glass at a fraction of the cost. For instance, we applied it to a framed glass sign at Burr Yacht Sales in Edgewater. For Weitzman Advertising on Church Circle in Annapolis, we used reverse surface lettering on the inside of an acrylic panel. We also made etched door logos for their office in Easton.
Life Rings, Trucks, and More
We letter custom life rings in vinyl too, including Avery metallic gold, as on this luxury yacht ring. In addition, we install truck and van lettering for local businesses, along with real estate panels and illuminated sign faces. Learn more about our life preservers and stainless steel boat names.
See the Work
- Two-color name for Moon Shadow
- Sprayed fade for Sedona Blue
- Fishing boat name for Bite Me
- Two-color name for Top Cat
- Frosted glass look at Burr Yacht Sales
- Metallic gold life ring
Browse the full boat name gallery and our lettering gallery. Our What We Do page shows everything we build.
Contact Designs & Signs
Ready for a new boat name or lettering? Send us a message through our contact form, or call (410) 798-5115.