Screen Printing VinylEfx Vinyl Films

You can screen print on RTape VinylEfx®  films with either a solvent-based or UV-curable vinyl ink. VinylEfx®  films make an ideal base film for manufacturing OEM emblems, decals, nameplates and fleet graphics. And, when printed VinylEfx®  films are domed, their illusionary effects are magnified, which makes the graphics especially dazzling.

The test panels (pictured above) were screen printed and domed. Doming not only accentuates the illusionary appeal of VinylEfx® films, but also extends the useful service life of the graphic.

Since many variables affect screen printing, the outcome, that one printer has, can differ greatly from that of another plant operation. Based on years of experience with screen printers, though, we have learned what does and does not work. Here are few suggestions, with respect to recommended ink and clear coats, and curing and die cutting practices.

Before using any ink or clear coat in production, the over-riding or prevailing maxim should be: “Test, Don’t Guess”. Some of the inks that printer have used successfully are Sericol TMI II, Nazdar 3500 UV inks and 3M 9700 UV inks. Both Nazdar 3500 series and 3M 9700 UV inks print exceptionally well through a 355 or 380 mesh. 

Sericol TMI II is a solvent-based vinyl ink. This ink can be either air dried or jet dried. The advantage of  jet drying and curing in a batch oven is to accelerate the production process. Excessive heat, though, can cause VinylEfx®  films to shrink.

To circumvent potential problems, our recommendation is to flash dry each color at 180°F for 20 seconds.  After the final color is printed,  batch cure the graphics at 185°F for 30 minutes. After clear coating with a product, such as Sericol UTMI clear coat, cure the graphics for 2 hrs. @ 185°F.

The Swisher Sweets graphic was screen printed and then later laminated with a scuff-resistent film to produce a P.O.P. counter mat. 

UV curing also subjects VinylEfx® vinyl films to intense energy, which can cause film shrinkage, as much as 1/32”. This problem is not insurmountable. To minimize shrinkage, as well as to prevent puckering of the film on the release liner, always condition the material before printing. By conditioning, we mean sheeting the VinylEfx®  film one day prior to production, and racking the sheets face-to-face. This “pre-seasoning” process allows the material to shrink on the release liner, so that the material can stabilize. The result is that better control of registration.

While UV lamps emit intense energy that can cause shrinkage, the results can be minimized significantly by reducing the energy level and speeding up the conveyor belt. Several of our customers adjust the setting of the UV curing lamps to 300 watts, and run the belt speed at 50 feet per minute. By making these adjustments, the amount of heat, to which the VinylEfx®  material is exposed, is significantly reduced.

A custom “Iris” pattern film was screen printed for use as a decorative background for these Toys”R”Us display headers.

Don’t be concerned that the graphic will not receive sufficient energy to cure the ink and the clear coating. If you print multiple colors and then clear coat the graphic, the VinylEfx® vinyl  film is exposed to multiple exposures, whose curing effects are cumulative. In addition, after each exposure, the UV inks will continue to cure. This is called “post cure”.  After each printing pass, you should check the screen printing ink for proper curing.

Slides of VinylEfx films used for store graphics.

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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

© 2012 Jim Hingst