Application of Vinyl Graphics to Acrylic Signs

Learn how to apply vinyl graphics to acrylic sheet.

Photo by Andrey Bayda / Shutterstock.com

When decorating acrylic sheet, selecting the right vinyl film for the job depends on a variety of factors:

·         Requirements of the application

·         Compatibility of the adhesive on the vinyl film with the acrylic sheet

·         Durability requirements

·         Customer expectations

·         Budget

Usually vinyl films stick to acrylic like white on rice. But not always.  Additives in the acrylic sheet can inhibit adhesion causing failure of the graphics.  Even if the film adheres well initially, lubricants and plasticizers in the sheet can eventually weaken the adhesive bond, causing the vinyl to peel and delaminate from the substrate. 

As a precaution against failure, the best bet is to “Test, Don’t Guess”.  Ideally, you should test adhesion immediately following application and then twenty-four hours after application. If the adhesion drops dramatically a day after applying the film, it tells you that something in the acrylic sheet has adversely interacted with the vinyl film’s adhesive. 

For internally illuminated signage, both cast and calendered vinyl films are used.  The type of film that you select for a project often depends on the application, durability requirements and your customer’s budget. For less demanding interior applications, such as menu boards, a calendered translucent vinyl suffices. For long-term, outdoor backlit applications, a cast vinyl film is your best choice.  

An internally illuminated sign boxes can get hot.  Really hot.  Over 150° F! Subjected to prolonged high temperatures, many calendered films can discolor, shrink and crack.  

In selecting translucent films, you also need to evaluate the appearance during the day and when the signage is illuminated.  The appearance of some calendered films may be acceptable during the day, but inconsistencies in color and film gauge readily appear when the sign box lights up. Variations in film gauge can yield a blotchy appearance when the sign is illuminated.

Vinyl  Application Procedure. 

Even if a plastic sheet includes protective masking, you must clean the sign face before applying the graphics. Some professional decal installers only apply vinyl dry. In most cases, I agree that dry application is the way to go.  However, applying a translucent vinyl to a plastic sign face is the exception to the rule, because the sign face tends to attract vinyl like a magnet. For this reason, I believe wet applications serve such jobs better. You can make your own application fluid by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of a dishwashing detergent, 1/2 teaspoon of isopropyl alcohol and 20 oz. of water. If you make your own concoction, don’t use dishwashing liquid that contains moisturizing lotions, which contaminate the vinyl’s adhesive and can create adhesion failure. 

The much better alternative is to use a commercial application fluid, such as Rapid Tac. Here’s my reasoning.  What is the likelihood that the person you assign to make your homemade application fluid is going to measure anything?  On top of that, if that person cannot find a dishwashing liquid, isn’t it also likely that the first thing that he finds that is remotely close to it, he’ll toss into the mixture.  

The point is that companies that make application fluid know what they are doing. They use the right ingredients. All of those ingredients are precisely measured.  And their products are routinely checked for quality assurance. So why not spend a little bit more on a commercial application fluid and use a product that won’t contaminate the adhesive and cause a failure?

Now that I have convinced you to use application fluid and use the store-bought kind, I have a few rules on using the product that will probably differ from what the application fluid makers will tell you.  

Rule number one is whenever you use application fluid, use the least amount to accomplish the task. Lightly mist the surface with the fluid; an excess can create unwanted residue.  

Rule number two: be careful not to get the release liner wet, if it is a kraft paper type of liner. Chunks of the siliconization layer can flake off of the liner and contaminate the adhesive. When the sign is illuminated, these areas appear as dark blotches.  

When applying graphics, many installers start in the center.  From that starting point, apply the graphics on one side and then work to the other outside edge.  This isn’t the only method of application. The key is to find a technique that works for you. When you find it, continue to use it.  If an application technique isn’t working, find one that will.    

Rule number three: however you decide to tackle the application, you must apply enough squeegee pressure to force any application fluid from under the vinyl, and always use overlapping strokes.  

Rule number four: if the graphic is covered with an application tape, after removing it, re-squeegee the entire graphic using a squeegee covered with a low-friction sleeve. The sleeve will protect the vinyl from scratches. More importantly, re-squeegeeing will ensure that any edges that may have pulled away from the surface, when you removed the application tape, are secure.  

When working with translucent films, avoid seams if you can. When translucent films overlap, the seam will be noticeable when the sign box is illuminated. Of course, overlaps aren’t always avoidable, but keep them to a minimum.  

Seams generally shouldn’t exceed 1/16 in. for cast film. Shrinkage of calendered film is about twice that of cast so the overlap should be a 1/8^th of an inch. Abutting films can shrink and leave a noticeable gap when the sign is lit. 

The film’s light and color transmission can vary from roll to roll — sometimes, even within a single roll. Therefore, overlap films from the same roll or lot number. Even then, color variations and inconsistencies can occur within the same roll. For this reason, if a film needs to be seamed, take the time to match colors to ensure consistent appearance.

New! Click here to visit my new blog about heat transfer films

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