Processing Instructions for CoolPrint

Some articles, such as umbrellas, backpacks, computer bags and raincoats, are difficult if not impossible to heat press. Now you have a cool new option from RTape Corp. It’s a printable, pressure-sensitive polyurethane film called CoolPrint. The new film sticks to virtually every surface. It even sticks to surfaces with a hydrophobic coating. And it sticks leather. (See my article Heat Pressing Appliques on Leather.)

CoolPrint sticks to virtually every substrate including leather and  surfaces with a hydrophobic coating.

CoolPrint is printable with solvent and ecosolvent inks. You can also cut it with a plotter with either a drag knife or tangential knife. Prior to production, perform a test cut to ensure that the plotter is cutting properly. Adjust the blade depth, downforce pressure and offset value as needed. (Many of the recommendations in my story, Plotter Cutting Heat Transfer Films, apply to cutting CoolPrint.) Make sure that the plotter blade is not cutting too deeply into the paper release liner. Deep cuts in the liner can cause the paper to tear, making weeding very difficult.

To minimize the cold flow of the adhesive into the cut lines, you should weed the matrix from the graphic within one to two hours. After cutting and weeding the excess film from the graphic, laminate RTape 4885 ultra-high tack application tape to the applique.

To transfer the graphic to the substrate, remove the paper release liner. Only apply CoolPrint to a clean, dry substrate.  Never try to apply CoolPrint using an application fluid. Using the same techniques that you use to apply vinyl, burnish the pressure sensitive polyurethane film to the substrate using a plastic squeegee. 

Keep in mind that the adhesive on CoolPrint is highly aggressive. It is not repositionable. You only get one shot to get it right. Once CoolPrint sticks, it’s stuck. With this in mind, if you are applying a large CoolPrint graphic, consider using a side hinge or similar installation technique to aid application.

Unlike adhesives coated on vinyl films, the CoolPrint adhesive is an extraordinary advancement in the pressure sensi­tive field. Every 24 hours, the adhesion value of this film doubles in peel strength, until ultimate adhesion is reached. Depending on the type and texture of the article, full adhesion is attained in two to seven days. Once the bond builds to its maximum level, the applique is generally impossible to remove without destroying the substrate.

For additional information about CoolPrint, call your RTape distributor or call RTape direct at 800-440-1250 or 908-753-5570. To find the nearest distributor for RTape flex and flock films click on this link.

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COMMENTS PLEASE

To contact Jim Hingst, write him at hingstjim@gmail.com or at Jim Hingst, PO Box 671, Chesterton, IN 46304 USA. For immediate assistance, call RTape at 1-800-440-1250 or 908-753-5570.