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Saturday, April 7, 2012

Wet Application of Vinyl Graphics with Rapid Tac


By Jim Hingst

Learn how to perform a wet application the right way.



Using an application fluid can aid the application of a vinyl films that have an aggressive adhesive system. The application fluid helps float the graphic onto the surface to prevent pre-adhesion (the vinyl sticking before you want it to). Nevertheless, for most vinyl installations, you should not apply the graphics wet, especially if you can do a dry application. 

 NEW VIDEO:  RTape’s Jim Hingst demonstrates the right way to perform a wet application.





That golden rule of decal application was true thirty two years ago, when I started in the fleet graphics business. And it still holds true today. While there are some exceptions to this rule, here are some instances when the rule should never be broken:

Never wet apply fleet graphics over rivets. Application fluid collects underneath rivet heads, creating a residue that later seeps out and causes vinyl to tent and eventually crack. Fluid under trailer-panel seams can also cause edge lifting.



Never wet apply reflective or metalized films onto unpainted metal. Application fluid acts as an electrolyte or conductor between the metallization layer of the film and the metal substrate. Electrical particles (ions) flow from the metalized layer to the substrate. During an electrical reaction, one becomes the donor metal, while the other becomes the acceptor metal. As the aluminum in the metallization layer of film loses ions, it corrodes and blackens. This reaction is called galvanic corrosion.

Never perform a wet application when using an air-egress vinyl.  These repositionable vinyl films have micro tunnels embossed in their adhesives.  These tunnels will trap application fluid that will most likely result in adhesion failure.  Air-egress vinyl films are easy to reposition. There is no reason to use an application fluid when installing these films. 

Did I mention that there are a few exceptions to the “always apply dry rule”? Application to an acrylic sign face is one exception to the rule. In fact, I will go so far as to say that you should never apply vinyl to an acrylic sign face dry. Here, an application fluid is required because the vinyl's adhesive wants to grab onto the plastic surface.



Now that you know when not to perform a wet application, below is a step-by-step procedure for doing it the right way:
  1. Clean the substrate by wiping it with a rag saturated with solvent. Then dry the surface with a lint-free paper towel before the solvent dries.

  1. If the graphics release with difficulty from the release liner, rub the back of the liner against a sharp edge of your work bench. This step helps break the bond between the graphic and the release liner.

  1. Peel the liner from the back of the graphics, rather than trying to pick the graphics off of the liner.

  1. Lightly mist the substrate with Rapid Tac application fluid. Use the least amount of fluid to accomplish the application process.

  1. Usually spraying the adhesive side of the graphics with Rapid Tac application fluid is unnecessary, unless applying large panels. Spraying cut vinyl letters with fluid can also cause the lettering to loosen up on the application tape or cause the lettering to fall off.

  1. When squeegeeing the graphics, use good pressure to force all of the application fluid from under the vinyl film. Start in the center of the graphic and squeegee outward to force out the fluid from underneath the graphics. Remember, you're applying a pressure-sensitive film. It's called "pressure-sensitive" for a reason, so apply some pressure.

  1. If the application tape releases with difficulty from the graphics, spray the tape with fluid allowing about 30 seconds for the fluid to soak in.



  1. In removing the application tape, peel the tape 180ยบ against itself.  After removing the application tape, mop up the residue with a paper towel.


  1. After removing the application tape, resqueegee the entire graphic with a squeegee covered with a low-friction sleeve. The low-friction sleeve protects bare vinyl from scratches caused by a hard squeegee. This step is essential in preventing edge lifting.
10. Complete the job by post heating the entire graphic with an electric heat gun. Post heating ensures good adhesion and will cause surfaces scratches on the vinyl to disappear.

Tip: In performing wet applications, some application tape adhesive systems can leave a milky residue on the surface of the applied graphics.  In most cases, you can clean off this residue from the vinyl film with Rapidtac’s RapidPrep cleaner. 

RECOMMENDED VINYL GRAPHICS APPLICATION TOOLS

Rapid Tac Application Fluid for Vinyl Graphics

  • Makes vinyl installations faster and easier.
  • Aids in application without bubbles.
  • Allows for re-positioning of graphics.
  • Bonds in as little as 90 seconds when squeegeed.





Rapid Tac Rapid Prep Surface Cleaner for Vinyl Graphics Wraps

  • Use to clean surfaces prior to graphics installation or painting.
  • Safe and effective deep cleaning water based solvent.
  • Removes dirt, grease, wax, oil, and silicone.
  • Works on automobile paint, bare metals, sign materials, and glass.




SEALITPEN

 ● Felt tipped marker filled with acrylic clear coat. 
● Use the SEALITPEN to edge seal a vinyl graphic. 
● A clean way to apply edge sealer - no brush required. 



3M Brand 3950 Edge Sealer


● Seals exposed edges of vinyl graphics.

● Prevents pressure-sensitive vinyl films from lifting resulting from environmental exposure or cleaning.

● Easy to apply clear edge sealer with a small artist’s paint brush or sign maker’s quill.

● Essential sealer for any professional graphics installer.


● Suitable for graphics applications in temperatures from 50°F to 100°F.



3M Tape Primer 94 1/2 Pint 8oz For Vinyl

● Promotes adhesion of all brands of pressure sensitive vinyl films and 3M™ VHB™ Tape.
● Use when vinyl graphics will be stretched into concave areas.
● Use complex vehicle contours, such as bumpers.
● For use on difficult to stick to and low energy surfaces such polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS, PET/PBT blends, concrete, wood, glass, metal and painted metal surfaces.
● Dries to a clear finish.
● Cleans up with isopropyl alcohol.




Steinel HG 2510 ESD Programmable IntelliTemp Heat Gun with a LDC Display 


● Temperature range: 120°F - 1200°F.
● LCD display enables temperature selection in 10°F increments
● Ideal for applications requiring precision control.





RollePro Vinyl Application Roller
● Using a RollePro eliminates the need to puncturing holes in vinyl films. No need to use a rivet brush. 

● Reduces the speed of applying vinyl graphics over rivets up to 50%. 

● Install vinyl graphics faster to make more money.




RollePro™ Textured Surface Kit

 The RollePro™ Textured Surface Kit includes a standard handle, an original wheel and a high temperature wheel. The high temperature wheel can be used on a variety of surfaces such as brick and concrete.

Visit My Vinyl Sign Techniques Community

Other Vinyl Application Articles




Vinyl Application Videos

Squeegee Technique. Nothing is more basic in vinyl application than the squeegee. But some squeegees work better than others. And there are right ways and wrong ways to use this simple tool. This video clip reviews squeegee selection, squeegee care and squeegee technique. Click to Link

Wet Applications. Dry applications are typically recommended for most vinyl applications. For those exceptions to the rule, this instructional video explains the right way to perform a wet application. Click to Link

Application of Window Graphics. Installing vinyl graphics on glass can be challenging, because the adhesive aggressively grabs onto this high energy surface. Repositioning graphics on window is generally difficult, if not impossible. This instructional video explains how to dry apply window graphics right the first time. It also describes the necessary steps required for surface preparation. Click to Link

Transferring Frosted Window Graphics Films.  Because frosted window films are highly textured, transferring cut vinyl graphics can be problematic. This video provides direction in selection of the right application tape and how to apply these films quickly, easily and without problems. Click to Link

3-Step Surface Prep. This instructional video describes how to properly clean the surface of a vehicle before applying pressure sensitive vinyl graphics to a trailer or doing a full wrap of a car or van. This three step surface prep involves detergent washing, solvent cleaning and a final wipe down with IPA. Click to Link


Vinyl Application Over Rivets. Applying vinyl graphics on vehicle surfaces with rivets is challenging for most sign makers. Vinyl failures to these surfaces are all too common. This video demonstrates some tips and procedures, used by professional decal installers, which will make these demanding applications easier and more trouble-free.  Click to Link

Vinyl Application to Corrugations. Learn how to apply vinyl graphics to corrugations in a relaxed state. Forcing films into the valleys of corrugations puts too much mechanical stress on the film. Sooner or later, the vinyl will lift or tent in valleys. Click to Link

Applying Air Egress Vinyls. Vinyl films with air egress release liners have almost eliminated bubbles and wrinkles from applied graphics. Air egress release liners with their highly textured surface structure are problematic. Not much will stick to these liners other than the vinyl film. At RTape our best premask solution for air egress liners is a special Conform® tape called 4761RLA. Click to Link


About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.

Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer.  Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.

Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for  publications, such as  Signs Canada, SignCraft,  Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and  Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 325 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published.  Vinyl Sign Techniques is available at sign supply distributors and at Amazon. 

Slides of Jim's Artwork

© 2016 Jim Hingst

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