How can I add a white background and a cutting line for decals to this logo?

[siriofernando]

  

 

I need to add a white background to the Interior Refinishing logo and a cutting line for a decal that's going to be applied to a yellow surface.

I like to get something like a cloud cut, see sample attached

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

text needs to be outlined, strokes need to be outlined.

Then select all and Object > Path > Offset path - this will also make a copy.

In the Pathfinder panel then Unite. There might still be holes in it, so Pathfinder Divide and then Unite again.

[Jacob Bugge · Accepted solution]

siriofernando,

As I (mis)understand it (that you wish to obtain the same as in the first two samples), you can:

1) Select all the artwork and Group it, then apply Object>Path>Offset with an offset that is sufficient to create a continuous outer boundary (everything overlapping) of a suitably smooth shape;

2) Hide the original artwork in the Layers panel (the topmost Group), then select the offset artwork and apply Pathfinder>Unite/Add to shape area, then apply Object>Compound Path>Release, then apply Pathfinder>Unite/Add to shape area, to have one full path, then give it a white fill and a the right stroke to serve as cutline;

3) Apply Object>Path>Offset with a negative offset that is less than the offset in 1) by an amount equalling the desired width of the white backgraound.

Edit: And the necessary initial outlining that Monika mentioned while I was delayed in posting, the general approaches being similar.