Why Application Tape Tears Unexpectedly

From time to time application tape will tear when you least expect it.   When this happens the graphics can be trashed.  Frustrated sign makers want to know the cause of these mishaps.  There’s no one single answer why this happens. Application tape can tear when it is unwound for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the possible causes:

1. Application tapes that are cut on baloney slicers, are prone to damage on the ends of the roll.  A nick in the cutting blade usually causes a nick in the paper – a perfect place for a tear to begin.

2. Baloney cutting can also generate so much heat that the glue of the tape melts and smears on the outside end of the rolls.  This can bond one layer of tape to another, which can result in tearing.  

3. The pressure of the cutting blade slicing through the log of tape can compress the edges of the roll causing one layer of tape to stick to another.  

4. Regardless of who handles a roll of application tape, use some tender loving care. If you damage the end of tape roll through careless use, it can result in unexpected tearing as you unwind the tape.

5. Old tape can block up on the roll making unwinding the mask difficult if not impossible.  So what is blocking?  Have you ever discovered an old roll of masking that has been tucked away in a junk drawer for years. The bond of the adhesive grows so strong to the facestock, that the tape is fused to itself. The result is a big block of tape. The maximum shelf life for application tape and premask is 12 months.  Rotate your tape inventory. The material first entered into stock should be used first.

6. Always store application tape rolls upright.  Laying a roll on its side causes a flat spot, which makes unwinding difficult, occasionally resulting in tearing.

Buying application tape, which has been razor cut at the factory, can eliminate many paper tearing problems.  Each layer of tape is slit perfectly, one layer at a time. There are  no adhesive balls, no gapping between layers of tape to dry out the adhesive and no nicked edges, which can cause tape tears.  Proper storage and handling of the tape can also ensure trouble-free product performance. 

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