Application of Floor Graphics

Installing vinyl graphics on floors is similar to installing other pressure-sensitive, vinyl material. Prior to application, inspect floors for broken or loose tiles and uneven surfaces. To ensure good adhesion, floors must be cleaned using a commercial floor cleaner, such as a citrus-based product.

Grease and tar can be removed with rubbing alcohol and the application of some elbow grease. Of course, you can also remove grease and tar with a strong solvent, such as Du Pont's 3919S Prep Sol or a wax and grease remover. The strong solvent odor, however, will be obnoxious in a retail environment.

Before the solvent evaporates, wipe the floor dry with a clean, lint-free cloth to prevent residue that could affect adhesion.

Use good squeegee technique when applying floor graphics.  A hard nylon squeegee, good pressure and overlapping strokes will promote the flow out of the adhesive onto the substrate and ensure good adhesion. 

Use common sense when positioning the graphic. Although today's overlaminates are durable, they won't withstand continuous forklift and heavy-equipment traffic. In addition, graphics shouldn't be installed in areas that may get wet, such as in an entranceway. While overlaminates must meet slip-resistance standards, wet graphics can become hazardously slick

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Floor graphics applications should always be applied dry; never use application fluid. To prevent edge lifting, always squeegee the graphics' edges twice. Following the installation, wax the vinyl graphics and floor surface to seal the edges and prevent moisture from seeping between the graphic's layers and floor surface.

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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