To help you in working with application tape, I have compiled some tips and tricks. This guide covers laminating the tape onto graphics, transferring graphics from the release liner and the basics of application. As important as this is, it's also important to select the right tape for the job. RTape offers several adhesive-tack levels for each paper grade. In selecting the right tape, the general rule of thumb is:
• For small, computer-cut lettering or general sign work, use a high-tack tape, such as 4075RLA or 4076RLA.
• For large- to medium-sized lettering and banner applications, use a medium-tack tape, such as 4050RLA .
• For large-format digital prints, use a low tack tape, such as 4000, 4000RLA or DigiMask Clear.
Laminating Application Tape.
In laminating
application tape to a graphic, use a single tape sheet (rather than overlapping
pieces) to cover the graphic. Otherwise, a fine line of tiny air bubbles will
appear where the tape pieces overlap. An easy way to hand apply application tape to a graphic
with a minimum of problems is to “stick
it in reverse” as explained in my article: Laminating
Application Tape and Hot Mask Films. Using this method, unwind
the application tape so that the adhesive side of the tape faces upwards and
the facestock is against your work surface. Turn the weeded graphics so that
the vinyl film faces down and lay the graphics panel on top of the sticky side
of the application tape. See the photo below.
Using a hard, nylon squeegee and good
squeegee pressure laminate the application tape to the vinyl graphic with
overlapping strokes. Avoid trapping air bubbles between the vinyl graphics and
application tape. Bubbles and wrinkles in the application paper generally
result in bubbles and wrinkles in the applied graphics. Working on a smooth
work surface without knife cut marks will prevent the creation of bubbles. During the
lamination process, avoid stretching the application tape — stretched tape
usually shrinks and causes the vinyl graphic to curl.
Transferring the Graphic.
Turn the graphic over so the application tape is against your work surface. Remove the release liner from the graphic exposing the adhesive side of the graphic, peeling the liner 180⁰ against itself.
Attempting to peel the graphic from the
release liner can result in transferring problems as shown below.
If the
graphics release with difficulty from the release liner, rub the back of the
liner against a sharp edge of your work table. This step helps break the bond
between the graphic and the release liner.
Surface Preparation.
Before performing any application, always clean the substrate. See my article: 3-Step Prep for Vehicle Graphics. Wipe the surface of the substrate with a rag saturated with solvent. Then dry the surface with a lint-free paper towel before the solvent dries.
Squeegee Technique.
When squeegeeing the graphics, use good pressure to force all of the air from under the vinyl film. Start in the center of the graphic and squeegee outward to force out the air from underneath the graphics. Remember, you're applying a pressure-sensitive film. It's called "pressure-sensitive" for a reason, so apply some pressure.
Tape Removal.
In removing the application tape, carefully pull the tape 180° against itself. This tape removal procedure prevents you from pulling the graphic off of the substrate. To minimize edge lifting, use a squeegee covered with a low friction sleeve to resqueegee the entire graphic, especially the edges. The low friction sleeve will prevent the squeegee from scratching the graphic.
If an application-paper tape isn’t
releasing easily following an application, lightly spray the paper with
application fluid, wait approximately 30 seconds and then remove it. The
application fluid will penetrate the paper facestock and soften the tape’s
water-based rubber adhesive, causing it to release more easily from the graphic.
RELATED ARTICLES
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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