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Friday, June 8, 2012

How to Apply Vinyl Graphics Over Rivets


This story explains the step-by-step procedure for applying vinyl graphics over rivets using a rivet brush. It also answers several questions about graphics application:

● Which type of vinyl film should you select?
● Learn how heavyweight application tape aids vinyl graphics installations.
● Why are vehicle surveys important in the application process?
● How do you prep the surface prior to graphics application? 
● Why is edge sealing an important final step in installation?

By Jim Hingst


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

1. Choose a film with a repositionable adhesive.


In the summertime, when temperatures are high, adhesives will flow out more readily, which makes the graphics stickier.  Often the adhesive sticks before pressure is applied. And once the graphic sticks, you are usually stuck.

You can really make your life easier when performing hot weather applications by using vinyl films with repositionable adhesives. Applications are performed in less time. You will experience fewer mishaps.  And because damage to graphics will be reduced, so will costly rework.

2. Choose a conformable film.


For applications to vehicle substrates with rivets, corrugations or compound curves, you need a flexible cast vinyl film that will conform to these irregular surfaces.  Many non-cast films are not conformable enough for these applications.

3. Use a heavyweight application tape.


RTape premium grade application tapes are one mil thicker than standard grade application tapes. That little bit of extra paper can make a big difference in your shop and on the job site. (Read my story Why Use a Heavyweight Paper Application Tape.) 

In the squeegeeing process, the added thickness of the premium tape gives extra body to flimsier films, so it is less likely that you will form wrinkles and bubbles, especially when applying vinyl over rivet heads. 

Following an application, the premium grade heavyweight application tapes remove more easily in one sheet from the graphics, instead of coming off in little bits and pieces.

The heavyweight premium grade application tape removes easily in one piece instead of little bits and pieces.


4. Vinyl Application Practice.


Surely you have heard the axiom that perfect practice makes perfect.  This rule especially applies to vinyl application. By attending workshops and watching videos you can learn the right way to install vinyl over rivets. Then it’s up to you to hone your newly learned skills with practice.

5. Vehicle survey.


Before you commit to a job, know what you are getting to. Conducting a vehicle survey will help you spot conditions that could cause vinyl failures.  In your inspection of the vehicle, note the condition of the substrate.  Check for rust, peeling or chalking paint, and surface damage requiring repair.

6. Planning the Vinyl Application.


Performing an application in an indoor facility is generally preferable to being at the mercy of the elements.  In the bidding phase of the job, make arrangements to secure shop facilities.  If your customer does not have a shop where you can work, you may need to rent space. Don’t forget to include the cost of shop rental in your quotation.

7. Surface preparation.


Generally, cleaning a trailer prior to graphics installation is a three-step process. 
When scheduling a job, make arrangements for the vehicle to be washed the day before the application.  This allows enough time for any moisture underneath the rivet heads and under the panel seams to dry completely.

Simply washing the trailers will not remove all of the surface contamination. On the day of the installation remove any residual tar, soot or grease with a cleaner, such as Du Pont's™ 3919S PrepSol.

The final step is to wipe down the trailer with isopropyl alcohol (IPA).

After prepping the surface, moisture may still remain underneath the rivet heads and panels seams.  By passing the flame of a propane torch over these areas, any residual moisture will evaporate. Using this process any dirt trapped under the rivets will be expelled as the water boils away. 

(See 3-Step Prep for Vehicle Graphics and  DuPont Surface Cleaners for additional information on surface prep.) 


8. Vinyl Application Procedure.



a. Job layout.


Before starting an application, you will need to layout the job. After carefully studying the installation print, tape all of the graphics sections in place to ensure that all of the pieces fit. If the graphics are too large for the surface of the vehicle, adjust the layout.  When you make these changes, record them on the installation print, so you can maintain the integrity of the design from one unit to another. 

One of the first steps in vinyl graphics application is to tape all of the panels in place. You do this for a couple of different reasons. First, you want to make sure that all of the graphics will fit. In some cases, you may need to adjust the layout. Second, taping the panels in place allows you to make sure that graphics panels line up with one another. Installing graphics with multiple points of alignment can make an installation challenging. Finally, as an installer, you need to pay careful attention to the colors from one panel to another. The application will not look right if there is a drastic color shift from one panel to another. 

b. Using tape hinges.


Using a top tape hinge will aid you in the application of large letters.  To create a top hinge, apply a couple of pieces of masking tape along the top edge of the premasked graphic.  Using a scissors, cut between each of the letters and install each section separately, starting at the top of each letter. 

c. Remove the release liner.


There’s a right way and a wrong way to transfer vinyl graphics from the release liner.  The wrong way is to use the application tape to pull the vinyl off the liner.  The right way is way is to peel the liner away from the vinyl, exposing the adhesive.

If you are installing a large panel, it would be prudent to remove a little of the liner at a time as you squeegee the graphic.  

d. Squeegee the graphics.


To squeegee most graphics, begin in the middle of the graphic with a center stroke that divides the graphic into two halves. This initial stroke should serve as your centerline, with all subsequent strokes working away from this line. 

Use firm strokes in the application process. As you making a pushing stroke, your thumb should be at the bottom of the squeegee.  As you pull the squeegee, you fingers should be at the top of the tool.  Each stroke must overlap the previous one. As you overlap the strokes, angle the squeegee slightly away from the centerline, as if you are forcing the air out from underneath the vinyl. 

e. Repositioning the graphic.


If you encounter a problem when installing graphics, such as wrinkle or bubble, you will need to reposition the film.  The technique in repositioning involves snapping the graphic from the substrate with a quick, jerking motion.  The snapping movement should pull the vinyl film perpendicularly off of the substrate.

In repositioning the graphic, don’t make the mistake of slowing pulling the pliable cast vinyl film   from the surface.  All that you will accomplish is to distort the film. 


f. Cutting the vinyl along the panel seams.




Before removing the application tape from the graphic, cut the film at the edges of the panel seams. After cutting the film, use the edge of your squeegee to tuck the film into the panel seam.

g. Removing the application tape.


Remove the application tape by carefully pulling it 180° against itself. If the application tape is not easily removing from the vinyl, you can expedite the process by spraying the backside of a paper tape with application fluid. The fluid will penetrate the paper and soften the adhesive, allowing the tape to release more quickly.

h. Puncture the film around the rivet heads.




Using an air release tool or pin, puncture the vinyl in several places around the rivet heads. The holes will allow the air to escape as you burnish the graphic around the rivet.

i. Burnishing the film around the rivets.


Installers use either a squeegee or a rivet brush to burnish a vinyl film around rivet heads.  A rivet brush is generally the tool of choice for most people. Using a rivet brush is a three-step process.

The first step is to brush the large bubble around the rivet head with a firm, back and forth, horizontal stroke.  Brushing the rivets with short, choppy strokes will compress the large bubbles into a much smaller bubbles.  

The second step is to heat the vinyl with an industrial heat gun or a propane torch. Whatever application technique or tool you use, successful graphics applications to rivets require heat and good mechanical pressure. Heat is important in these applications because it softens the vinyl, letting it conform to the irregular shapes of the corrugations and rivet heads.

The final step is to use a rivet brush in a circular motion to burnish the vinyl around the rivet heads. As you burnish the film to the head of the rivet, rotate your wrist so the bristles are angled at 45° to the edge of the rivet head.


j. Resqueegee all graphic edges.


After the application tape is removed, use a squeegee covered with a low-friction sleeve to squeegee the entire graphic again. This step prevents edge lifting and ensures good adhesion.

k. Inspect your job.


Before you pack up, always inspect your work to make sure that the vinyl conforms tightly to rivets and that there is no lifting of the film at the edges.

l. Edge sealing.


Some films, such as reflective sheeting and our VinylEfx films, should be edge sealed to prevent edge lift.  Using a fine tipped brush, paint the edge sealer with a ¼” stroke, half on the vinyl, half on the substrate.  Or you can use a SEALITPEN for edge sealing, as shown in the picture below.



m. Clean up.


When the job is done, remember what your momma repeatedly told you: “Pick up your mess.”

A Final Vinyl Word. 


Producing a professional looking vinyl application requires the right materials for the application, training and practice, and professonial tools.  Several years ago we filmed an graphics application to a sports car. The video concluded with the installer showing what tools he used and why these tools are important. You can view the segment on tools by clicking on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNEYfTMKkXI



VINYL GRAPHICS APPLICATION TOOLS
Here are some tools that you should include in your vinyl graphics application tool box:

  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.






RELATED VINYL GRAPHICS ARTICLES

Banner Care
Selling Banners
Hemming Vinyl Banners
Installations of Banners to Walls
How to Apply Vinyl Graphics to Banners
Design Basics for Banners
The Effect of Wind Loads on Banners
Buying Vinyl Banner Material
Fire Rating of Banner Materials
Pressure Sensitives 101 Made Easier
A High Tack Solution for Problem Graphics
Problems Transferring Graphics?
Taking Marketing to the Streets


For more information on surface preparation and graphics application, refer to my book, Vinyl Sign Techniques. It is available on Amazon.com and at some sign supply distributors. I also recommend reading The Graphic Installers Handbook. This comprehensive guide to vinyl graphics installation is a “must have” resource for the beginner or seasoned professional. Written by Rob Ivers, the certification director for the PDAA (Professional Decal Application Alliance), the handbook covers every aspect of vinyl graphics installation. Contact Rob at www.robivers.com for more information about his book. Rob also offers PDAA certification classes as well as private graphics training.




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. 



© 2016 Jim Hingst

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2 comments:

  1. Reflective Vinyl December 12, 2012 at 2:16 AM

    Hello,
    Great information about vinyl graphics.,

    ReplyDelete
  2. jadeApril 29, 2015 at 1:54 AM

    contracted with us to create signs for their new store opening in Oceanside, vinyl banners chicago

    ReplyDelete