By Jim Hingst
In selecting a vinyl film for an application, the “Service
Temperature Range” is an important consideration. So what exactly is the
service temperature range? As you might guess, this term refers to the range of
temperature within which an applied graphic can function without failing after
being exposed to that temperature for a period of 24 hours.
For signage applications, the more important number is usually the higher value. When vinyl graphics are exposed to service temperatures that exceed the specified value for a long period of time, the facestock can start to degrade. In the case of metalized films, such as VinylEfx®, the metallization layer is often the first component to suffer the detrimental effects of heat exposure.
Here’s why. Prolonged exposure to heat will eventually degrade or depolymerize many vinyl films. In fact, when the PVC molecule breaks down, the vinyl chloride combines with hydrogen to form hydrochloric acid. When this happens to a metalized film, the acid attacks the aluminum layer and corrodes it. That’s what you are seeing when a metalized film blackens.
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
Prolonged exposure to heat will cause the PVC molecule to break down. When this happens vinyl chloride combines with hydrogen to form hydrochloric acid, which corrodes the metallization layer.
In the case of VinylEfx® vinyl films, the service temperature range is -4° to +140°F (-20° to +60°C). These temperatures refer to the temperature of the substrate, not to ambient temperature. While you may not realize it, the temperature of the substrate can get much hotter. And some darker colors absorb so much heat that you really could fry an egg on them. Now just imagine what they could do to a pressure sensitive vinyl film!
Several years ago, Darryl Liedel, RTape’s Technology Manager, and I recorded temperatures on different colored vehicles in New Jersey, when the outdoor temperature was a mere 90⁰ F (32⁰ C). The highest temperature that we measured on white vehicles was 110⁰ F (43⁰ C). On the other end of the spectrum, the highest temperature recorded on a black car, with the sun roof open, was a blistering 165⁰ F (or 74⁰ C).
Is it any wonder that the life expectancy of graphics in desert climates is significantly shortened? With the windows closed on an Arizonan summer day, the inside of a vehicle becomes an oven with the heat building to temperatures of 200⁰ F (or 93⁰ C). Graphics applied to the windows of a vehicle are also subjected to high heat and thermal degradation problems. On a 90⁰ F summer day, the temperature of glass can become as high as 136⁰ F (58⁰ C).
High temperatures on black substrates and on glass frequently result in discoloration of vinyl films. Extreme heat can also cause the PVC resin to break down. Because heat prematurely ages pressure sensitive materials, many vinyl film manufacturers have significantly reduced their warranties for graphics installed in the southern states of the U.S. and in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries to mitigate their exposure to service claims. Before you use any vinyl film for an application, consider the conditions to which the film will be subjected and study the film manufacturer's technical data sheets.
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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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