To begin, I printed off several different sizes and shapes of the font, and lined them up along the head to see what would fit without going over the edges. I used a back light to make sure nothing hung over. When I got the exact sizes I wanted, I started to work on the logo. I had to separate the logo according to each of the colors in it. This way, I could dye them one at a time. White, grey, and light blue were all put down before the final coat of brown, making it a complex logo to align using stickers.
I put down the tusks, then dyed the throat grey. After this, I put down the parts of the elephant that would remain grey before using RIT color remover. This lightened the head for the next coat of blue. I wanted to make sure the light blue wasn’t affected by the grey. After the blue was on, I put on the overall outline of the Jumbo, leaving everything inside protected for the final color brown.
For the rest of the head, I cut each name into strips, and used the application tape to help lay down each one. After I lined them up in the light, I carefully tapped each one down, and then mashed them with a smooth pen to make sure they held. I tried to leave on the application tape to protect them while I finished them all. For the scoop, I put down the “National Champions” part while the head was still white. I did the same for the “One More” motto on the front of the head.
When all stickers had been laid down and triple checked, I went to work on the brown. I found that using the vinyl stickers can be tricky if they aren’t electrical tape. TO make sure the adhesive held, I boiled the water, then took it off of heat and poured it into my dye bucket. This makes sure that the stickers don’t get overheated. It might take a bit longer to get the color I want, but it’ll be worth it.
When I finally have the final brown just right, I take it out and rinse it in warm water. I used to use cold water, but I think it’s better for the plastic if you keep it away from drastic temperature changes as much as possible throughout the process.
Peeling all the letters takes a bit, but just use your fingernails and scrape in long lines. You can go back later with Goo Gone to clean it up.
That’s it! Congratulations to the Jumbos for a season well done. Stay tuned this holiday season, I have a ton of stuff I’ve been working on, and it will all be posted soon. Until next time, have a good one.