How can I round the corners on a car magnetic sign?

Question

I would like to find out what process is used to cut round corners on magnetic signs. I've tried taking a water bottle cap and tracing the corners and then cutting the magnetic sheeting, it worked but just not as smooth as I would like. Any tool that I could get a home depot or something? Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

One of the problems is that you are trying to cut a very tight radius because the bottle cap is so small. Why not try a larger circle to make the corner radius. Maybe a Campbell's soup can.

I once invested in a sign shop and we made a lot of these vinyl magnetic signs. We used to cut the corner radii with a Stanley utility knife. It pays to use a new blade. The material cuts very easily. It is best to cut on a flat metal surface because the point of the blade will get caught in the grain of a wood surface and ruin your cut. You might practice on some scraps if any are available.

Good luck with your sign project.

Answer 2

Practice cutting paper with scissors in a 1/4 circle. Once you can do it in one pass... while turning the paper and cutting gently, you have the technique for your project.
Open the scissors right up and use the whole blade in one motion and turning at the same time. Good Luck!