By Jim Hingst
Even if polycarbonate sheet was covered with a surface protection film, you should always consider the surface contaminated. That means that you must clean the sign face before applying the vinyl graphics. Before you prep the substrate with a solvent or detergent, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions. For most plastic-sheet applications, the most reliable cleaning method is a non-abrasive detergent and water. Solvents subject any type of plastic sheets to chemical stress, which can cause cracking.
Some professional decal installers
only apply vinyl graphics dry. In most cases, I agree that dry application is
preferable. However, applying a translucent vinyl graphics to a plastic sign face is the
exception to the rule, because the static in a plastic sign face tends to
attract vinyl like a magnet. Using a application fluid will kill the static.
This is one of those times in which a wet application is better than doing it
dry.
You can make your own application
fluid by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of a dishwashing detergent, 1/2 teaspoon of
isopropyl alcohol and 20 oz. of water. If you make your own concoction, don’t
use dishwashing liquid that contains moisturizing lotions, which contaminate
the vinyl’s adhesive and create failure.
I prefer using a commercial
application fluid, such as Rapid Tac, Window Juice or Splash. Let’s face it.
What is the likelihood that the guy assigned to mix up the application fluid is
going to measure anything? Not too likely.
On top of that, he will probably dump in the first thing that he finds
into the water. Do you really think that he will care a wit about the potential
contamination of the vinyl’s adhesive from surfactants or moisturizers? Even
more unlikely.
Avoid any potential problems and just
buy a premixed application fluid. Now that you’re ready to do your application,
here are a few more pearls of wisdom which should improve your odds of success.
Use the minimum amount to accomplish
the task. Lightly mist the surface with the fluid; an excess can create
unwanted residue. If the liner gets wet, the silicon layer can flake off and
contaminate the adhesive. When the sign is illuminated, these areas appear as
dark blotches.
When applying vinyl graphics, start in the
center. Apply enough squeegee pressure to force any application fluid from
under the vinyl film, and always use overlapping strokes. After removing the
application tape, re-squeegee the entire graphic using a squeegee covered with
a low-friction sleeve. This protects the vinyl from scratches.
When working with translucent vinyl graphics,
avoid seams if you can. When translucent films overlap, the seam will be
noticeable when the sign box is illuminated. Of course, overlaps aren’t always
avoidable, but keep them to a minimum. Seams generally shouldn’t exceed 1/16
in. Abutting films can shrink and leave a noticeable gap when the sign is lit.
The film’s light and color
transmission can vary from roll to roll — sometimes, even within a single roll.
Therefore, overlap films from the same roll or lot number. Even then, color
variations and inconsistencies can occur within the same roll. For this reason,
if a film needs to be seamed, take the time to match colors to ensure
consistent appearance.
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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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