RTape Introduces AT65 Clear Choice®, The Universal High Tack Film Application Tape for General Sign Applications
At the 2013 SGIA Expo in Orlando RTape launched its new AT65 film application
tape, their latest addition to the Clear Choice® product family. This versatile
high tack film is engineered to be the ultimate clear tape for general sign
applications. We expect that among the
other Clear Choice® films, AT65 will soon become the “go to” film tape product, because it satisfies the
majority of the sign makers’ needs.
NEW VIDEO: Installing multiple color overlays with a paper application tape is not much easier than driving in the dark without your headlights. For these challenging applications, RTape developed its AT65, the universal high tack film. This video clip explains the features and benefits of this remarkable new film application tape.
Results from our field tests conducted across the United
States have shown an enthusiastic acceptance to the performance of this
product. AT65’s new universal adhesive system is optimized to transfer the
widest variety of pressure-sensitive vinyl films. Here are the most outstanding features of
this remarkable new film application tape:
- Universal high tack film for most sign applications.
- Well suited for transferring small computer cut copy films with fine detail.
- Static control for easier handling.
- Exceptional lay flat resists tunneling and edge curl on liners.
- Works well in wet applications with no adhesive residue.
- Superior clarity aids registration of multiple color overlays.
- Recommended for transferring vinyl films utilizing liners with tighter release.
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| RTape developed AT65 as their universal higher tack film application tape for general sign applications. |
Following lamination to plotter cut graphics, RTape’s new AT65 film exhibits good lay flat to the exposed portions of smooth, non-embossed release liners and resists curling and tunneling.
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| AT65 works well in transferring small computer cut copy and is recommended for use with intermediate calendered vinyl films, such as Oracal 651. |
AT65 is designed to unwind easily for
trouble-free handling. The adhesive is also formulated to prevent build-up of
adhesion to vinyl graphics, even if the graphics are stored for prolonged
periods.
Improved adhesive
anchorage improves the film’s water resistance and performance. When used in wet
applications, the adhesive stays bonded to the facestock, leaving no adhesive or
milky residue, after the application tape is removed from the applied graphics.
AT65 serves as the nucleus of the Clear Choice® family of film application tapes.
Serving
as the nucleus of the Clear Choice® family of film application tapes, AT65 is
complemented by the AT60n and AT75 clear films. The low tack AT60n is designed
for transferring medium and large letters and for protecting wide format
digital prints. AT75 is a high tack, deeply embossed film application tape. The
air-egress feature of AT75 allows the novice installer to easily laminate the
film to vinyl graphics without entrapping bubbles.
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
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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