Printable Matte Silver VinylEfx® Films

RTape, a division of Nekoosa Holdings, announces the introduction of its Matte Silver VinylEfx® metalized films, available in both Decorative and Durable series.  The metalized matte vinyl presents an elegant and appealing high-tech appearance, which attracts the viewer’s attention without distracting from the marketing message.

The image above was printed on RTape’s Matte Silver VinylEfx® film using an HP DesignJet 25600 Latex printer.

The new vinyl films are perfect for a variety of graphics applications. Decorative series films are ideal for indoor applications, such as wall graphics, tradeshow posters, point-of-purchase displays and museum graphics. Durable series films are suitable for outdoor graphics, providing up to three years exterior durability.

Printability. If you can print on vinyl, you can print on RTape’s new matte silver. Unlike silver polyesters, VinylEfx® films require no special top coating. The films are printable using thermal transfer, solvent, ecosolvent and UV inkjet digital print technologies.  VinylEfx® films are also printable using solvent-based and UV curable screen print inks.

The photo above was printed on RTape's new matte silver film with a UV inkjet printer

The new VinylEfx® vinyl is also printable using latex inks. For printing on the VinylEfx® metalized vinyls,  X-Rite Color Services recently completed printer profiles for the HP DesignJet 25600 for Onyx and Caldera RIPs. These ICC color profiles are posted on the RTape website . The printable VinylEfx® matte silver vinyl films are available in 15”, 24”, 48” and 54" roll widths in 10yd. and 50yd. roll lengths.

Slides of VinylEfx films used for store graphics.

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