The Sign Makers’ Workshop Sign & Digital UK 2026
Returning in 2026 is The Sign Makers’ Workshop! Hosted by experienced sign maker, Paul Hughes, sign makers and print service providers can watch live demonstrations and get hands-on in practical workshops. Whether you are a vinyl veteran or taking your first steps into vinyl application, this is a special feature area you will not want to miss!
The Sign Makers’ Workshop schedule The running order will be repeated across the three days of Sign & Digital UK. 10.30am Basic application of vinyls
11.15am Applying large areas of vinyl 12.00pm Vehicle livery 1.00pm Application challenge
Session details
Basic application of vinyls This session is for anyone looking to take their first steps in vinyl application. Paul will show you the basics of applying vinyl graphics and offer hints and tips for which products and techniques you should use and when.
He will give clear and practical demonstrations on:
• Weeding and applying application tapes.
• Preparing surfaces for the application of vinyl.
• Use of water/ application fluids. • Applying basic text. • Moving on from the basics. • Applying multi-layers of vinyl.
• Flood coating of the substrate with vinyl.
A crowd watches on as Paul Hughes delivers a session
Applying large areas of vinyl Once you have mastered the basics, it’s time to look at the skill of applying a large area of vinyl to a variety of surfaces. This could be digitally printed or plain coloured vinyl film, applied directly to boards, glass or other substrates.
In straightforward steps, Paul will show you:
• Basic technique. • Use of water/ application fluids. • Squeegee choice and technique.
• Demonstrate applying large panels of vinyl to boards/ facias/ glass.
• Working on glass-etched films. Vehicle livery
Paul Hughes leads sessions on areas of vinyl application
| 40 | January/February 2026
Vehicle graphics can mean applying vinyl lettering and logos to the side of a van
2.00pm Basic application of vinyls 2.45pm Applying large areas of vinyl 3.30pm Vehicle livery
or the complete wrapping of the vehicle. Paul will show visitors the basics of applying simple cut-vinyl lettering and the basics of vehicle wrapping and even give them a chance to try it for themselves.
The demonstration will include:
• General advice on layout – easy and hard areas to fit graphics to.
• Cleaning and preparation of the vehicle.
• Basic application of vinyl to the vehicle – making it look straight is harder than you think!
• Flood coating recessed panels.
• Handling large panels of vinyl and their application.
• Applying vinyl over recesses and basic curves.
• Applying large-cut vinyl graphics.
Application challenge In this hands-on session, Paul will be challenging visitors to have a go at applying some vinyl themselves. He will be on hand to offer advice and guidance to make sure visitors gain vital experience in vinyl application.
There will be a gift for everyone who enters. There will also be prizes for the best job each day as well as an overall winner.
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