The
rule of thumb among professional installers is always apply vinyl graphics dry; never
use application fluid. In my opinion, there are a few exceptions to the rule.
Installing vinyl graphics to a plastic signface
with using a application fluid can result in a zillion tiny bubbles. Although
these bubbles will breathe out from under the film and disappear after a few days of summer heat, the correct way to apply vinyl films to a flat plastic surface is with a commercial
application fluid. Note that I specify a "commercial-grade" product, not
some concoction that you make yourself.
Extremely
hot application temperature and vinyl films with aggressive adhesive systems
are a couple of other exceptions to the rule.
A hot surface can cause the adhesive of graphics to preadhere to
substrate. Preadhesion means that the vinyl sticks before you want it to stick,
leaving you stuck with a graphics disaster.
With
application fluid, you to avoid preadhesion problems. These fluids aid installations, by allowing you
to float the graphic onto the surface, so you can reposition the graphic without distortion, until you register the graphics panel to the right location.
Years
ago, when I worked for Arlon, I told signmakers they could make their own
concoction by mixing 20 oz. of water with 1/2 tsp. of a dishwashing liquid and
1/2 tsp. of isopropyl alcohol. At that time, I believed application fluid was
that simple. I was wrong. In doing a side-by-side test of my mixture vs. the
real stuff, I learned that commercial fluids work better because they promote
faster vinyl adhesion to the substrate.
Don't
waste your time trying to duplicate these products, because you'll never
achieve the same consistency. Dishwashing liquid and similar soaps contain
additives such as surfactants, emulsifiers, moisturizers and perfumes, all of
which are detrimental to an adhesive. Surfactants, for example, help cleaners
break dirt's bond with the substrate. They have the same effect on adhesives,
causing bonding failure and edge lifting.
I
recommend using a commercial application fluid, such as Rapid Tac®,
Clearstar’s Action Tac and Splash, or
GAP’s Quick Stick. Manufacturers of these fluids produce a consistent product.
At
$23 and $27 a gallon, application fluids
can seem a little pricey. The high cost
of these fluids prompts some sign makers to "extend" their supply of
the mixture by adding water. Remember, if you dilute your application fluid,
you'll dilute the adhesion-promoting characteristics.
To learn how to perform a wet application properly read my story: The Right Way to do a Wet Application.
RECOMMENDED VINYL GRAPHICS APPLICATION TOOLS
SEALITPENRECOMMENDED VINYL GRAPHICS APPLICATION TOOLS
● Felt tipped marker filled with acrylic clear coat.
● Use the SEALITPEN to edge seal a vinyl graphic.
● A clean way to apply edge sealer - no brush required.
3M Brand 3950 Edge Sealer
● Seals exposed edges of vinyl graphics.
● Prevents pressure-sensitive vinyl films from lifting resulting from environmental exposure or cleaning.
● Easy to apply clear edge sealer with a small artist’s paint brush or sign maker’s quill.
● Essential sealer for any professional graphics installer.
● Suitable for graphics applications in temperatures from 50°F to 100°F.
3M Tape Primer 94 1/2 Pint 8oz For Vinyl
● Promotes adhesion of all brands of pressure sensitive vinyl films and 3M™ VHB™ Tape.
● Use when vinyl graphics will be stretched into concave areas.
Steinel HG 2510 ESD Programmable IntelliTemp Heat Gun with a LDC Display
● Temperature range: 120°F -
1200°F.
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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