VAMO skin templates with multiple configuration options

[peraspera]

I skinned one of my VAMOs with an art deco inlay pattern using the 3D carbon vinyl. The vinyl is textured even though it doesn't show up in the photo.

I would highly recommend the 3D carbon vinyl to anyone who is tempted to give wrapping their own VAMO or any other PV a try. The vinyl is heavier than the inkjet printable vinyl, is repositionable many times and couldn't be more more forgiving when working with it. It's also very easy to remove air bubbles.

This is the template I used (plain, no deco pattern) which shows no gaps between the VAMO skin sections. The extension cap and battery section edges might become tatty looking in time because there is no metal underneath to support them.
Print at 100% - VAMO_template_carbon.pdf
Open source Inkscape should be able to edit this .svg file if you need to tweak dimensions. Also, most electronic cutter software should be able to import this file. - VAMO template carbon.svg.zip
Open source Inkscape should be able to edit this .svg file if you need to tweak dimensions. Also, most electronic cutter software should be able to import this file - VAMO template carbon.studio
Pattern for the deco design - print at 100% on printable vinyl. VAMO template carbon deco.pdf

If someone has access to an electronic cutter and wants the .svg or .studio file for the deco inlay pattern PM me and I will email the file(s) you want. Doing the inlay is an insanely fiddly, idiot's delight project so I didn't bother putting the files up on Dropbox.

 

[TxTunesLady]

He's got new designs up!! They are so kewl!!!

 

[Superneat]

Very tempted to get one of these skins!

 

[Dana A]

This purple marble is awesome! Where can I get it?

Apologies for anyone who has seen this photo in the Show us your girly, pretty, decorated, pink! thread but I thought people here might want to see what a template looks like when used to skin a VAMO.

I skinned this chrome VAMO and Vivi Nova (standard clear tank that comes with it) with some Papilio Inkjet White Waterproof Vinyl from this sample pack. I can verify that it is waterproof. I also tested leaving some 18 mg. juice on a piece with bright red, blue, purple and black inks. It didn't smear the inks.

I used the extra glossy paper setting on my Epson XP-600 which uses Claria inks. The Papilio site indicates the Claria inks may have some problems drying. However, I didn't have any ink drying issues at all. The inks dried right away and didn't rinse off.

This pattern I made effectively hides the places where the VAMO sections come together but I can feel them through the vinyl. Using the template pieces included in the files to cover the VAMO sections separately would look better if you use a single color or a pattern that doesn't hide sins.

These files include the template I used for skinning the Vivi Nova.
Print at 100%
Vivi Nova template.pdf
Open source Inkscape should be able to edit this .svg file if you need to tweak dimensions. Also, most electronic cutter software should be able to import this file.
Vivi Nova template.svg.zip
This is a cutting file that only works with Silhouette Studio software.
Vivi Nova template.studio

I've seen a few scattered posts indicating that this 3D carbon fiber vinyl also works well to skin mods although I haven't had a chance to try it yet.
SimCarbon 3D Carbon Fiber Vinyl Film Wrap BLACK 12" x 60" Sheet
SimCarbon 3D Carbon Fiber Vinyl Film Wrap WHITE 12" X 60" Sheet

 

[peraspera]

This purple marble is awesome! Where can I get it?

I made the marble pattern in Photoshop. You would have to print the file on some waterproof inkjet printable vinyl, print it on a DIY bumper sticker on Cafe Press or send the file to J-Wraps or Vapor Skinz for a custom wrap.

You can download the marble pattern file here by right-clicking on the image and saving it to your computer. However, it does need resizing.

 

[Dana A]

Thanks for the link. I am going to go check it out right now.

 

[xmr405o]

I skinned one of my VAMOs with an art deco inlay pattern using the 3D carbon vinyl. The vinyl is textured even though it doesn't show up in the photo.

I would highly recommend the 3D carbon vinyl to anyone who is tempted to give wrapping their own VAMO or any other PV a try. The vinyl is heavier than the inkjet printable vinyl, is repositionable many times and couldn't be more more forgiving when working with it. It's also very easy to remove air bubbles.

This is the template I used (plain, no deco pattern) which shows no gaps between the VAMO skin sections. The extension cap and battery section edges might become tatty looking in time because there is no metal underneath to support them.
Print at 100% - VAMO_template_carbon.pdf
Open source Inkscape should be able to edit this .svg file if you need to tweak dimensions. Also, most electronic cutter software should be able to import this file. - VAMO template carbon.svg.zip
Open source Inkscape should be able to edit this .svg file if you need to tweak dimensions. Also, most electronic cutter software should be able to import this file - VAMO template carbon.studio
Pattern for the deco design - print at 100% on printable vinyl. VAMO template carbon deco.pdf

If someone has access to an electronic cutter and wants the .svg or .studio file for the deco inlay pattern PM me and I will email the file(s) you want. Doing the inlay is an insanely fiddly, idiot's delight project so I didn't bother putting the files up on Dropbox.

I just wanted to post to say how I really like the look of this one, Peraspera! I have an idea of the design but I'm not really artistic. haha. But great job on your designs!

 

[peraspera]

xmr405o - Thank you for the kind compliment for my designs. However, you don't really need to be at all artistic to do your own DIY wraps. There are zillions of free designs on the internet that are licensed for personal use.

I've not yet ordered from them but I have seen Expressions Vinyl recommended as a good source for vinyl on several electronic cutting forums. They sell single sheets so the investment would be very small to try your hand at making your own wraps.

 

[Steviou]

People are seeming to have problems printing the right size with the currently available VAMO template file so I made one that should print accurately. The graphic portion of the page in the PDF file was saved to be no larger than the graphics themselves. That should be small enough allow it to be printed at 100%.

The dimensions in these files fit my version 2 chrome VAMO. However, I have no way of knowing if the dimensions are correct for all chrome VAMO production runs. Check with cheap printer paper before cutting the material you are using for the wrap itself. Delete the end tabs if you prefer the wrap edges to abut rather than overlap. The button placement is different than this template on my stainless steel VAMO.

Print at 100% size.
VAMO template chrome.pdf
Open source Inkscape should be able to edit it if you need to tweak dimensions. Most electronic cutters should be able to import this file.
VAMO template chrome.svg.zip
This is a cutting file and only works with Silhouette Studio software.
VAMO template chrome.studio


This photo shows the wrap pieces on the VAMO and illustrates the pieces in the template files.

hey i have a gunmetal v2 and tried your template but the placement of the buttons and the screen are off

 

[peraspera]

hey i have a gunmetal v2 and tried your template but the placement of the buttons and the screen are off

The template fits my chrome VAMO I got from Vapor Beast and the stainless one I got from Health Cabin. However, I don't have a black chrome to check the template for correct button and screen placement.

Given the normal oddities in Chinese manufacturing I'm a bit surprised the issue of the template not fitting someone's particular VAMO has not come up sooner. Do double check that you are printing the PDF at 100%. The defaults are often to print to fit.

If the template is incorrect for your black chrome VAMO when printed at 100% it would be super nice if you could tweak the controller section to fit your black chrome model and make the pdf available for downloading.

 

[Vaptor]

For those who want a clear wrap for non-slip surface, use Marbig Quick Laminate. (No endorsment here). It's a self adhesive laminate A4 sheet so it's much tougher than vinyl but feels similar and doesn't slip. I got it on Vamo, would send a pic but you would see anything because it
s very clear . I find it's usefull to protect all sorts of stuff but it doesn't stretch like vinyl so it's good only for straight surfaces.

 

[peraspera]

I used something similar for things other than making skins/wraps. It is tricky to work with as it is not repositionable. Does the Marbig brand allow repositioning?

 

[SPM3]

I just wanted to take the time to thank Peraspera for the time and effort that she put into making these excellent templates. I have a SS Vamo version 2 with the gold spring. The buttons seem to match up with her template pretty well, as I printed one out on paper to test. The only question I have is how in the heck did you cut out perfect circles, Peraspera? I tried with my hobby knife with a #11 blade, but did not have to patience to follow the press the knife thru the outline of the circle technique. Need to practice more I guess.

Thanks again Peraspera for your creativity

 

[peraspera]

I cut the white paper templates with my Silhoutte Cameo electronic cutter. However, before I put up the templates I cut several of the small buttons both on paper and vinyl. It's not particularly difficult to cut them but it does take time and patience. The vinyl is easier to cut nicely than the paper.

The electronic cutter really doesn't cut a true circle. This is a greatly enlarged screenshot of the actual cutting line for the "+" and "-" buttons. It illustrates the idea of how the X-Acto cuts should look. They are not circles and my experience in trying to cut circles that small with an X-Acto knife have always been exercises futility.

Someone else asked about using punches as an alternative to the X-Acto knife. I just checked using my cheapie leather hole punch, SE Leather Hole Punch Tool, Heavy Duty 2.0mm - 4.5mm. For the little "+" and "-" buttons you can use the next to the largest size for a hole that has a just a hair of maneuvering room to place the vinyl or use the next size down for a tighter fit.

This paper punch, Mcgills 5/16 Inch Round Hand Punch With 2 Inch Reach, should work for the firing button but that cut is much easier to do with your X-Acto knife.

Best of luck with your VAMO wrap.

 

[SPM3]

Thank you for the info on the circle parts, Peraspera
The big blow up picture gives me a better idea on how to do it.

The leather punch tool looks interesting. May have to pick that up

Thank you again

 

[jasta]

hi.. i like your drip tip.. where did you get that? it looks good.. i like the wide mouth for easy dripping..

 

[peraspera]

^ The tip pictured is one of these, Fatty Style Aluminum Drip Tips.

 

[meli.]

Oh no, I wish hadn't followed your link Peraspera. Saw the Lolita tips at the bottom of screen, and now I want...

 

[peraspera]

Glass tips are my downfall, Sagewood, Teena and Trippy Tips. All of them will do custom tips if you want something to match a favorite wrap.

 

[jasta]

^ The tip pictured is one of these, Fatty Style Aluminum Drip Tips.

thanks for the link.. i want em' do they absorb heat? or not?