Dimples in Paper Application Tape

Dimples on a person’s face are usually regarded as being attractive and desirable. But dimples on the surface of paper application tape…not so much!  In fact, dimples in the application tape are aesthetically unappealing. In most cases, however, a little dimpling does not mean the roll is bad and can’t be used. Generally, sign makers can easily work through this condition without experiencing problems.  

Sometimes, though, dimpling can contribute to wrinkles and bubbles when laminating the tape to vinyl graphics. When that happens, that could spell trouble. Here’s why. Wrinkles  and bubbles in your application tape often result in wrinkles and bubbles in the applied graphics.

So what causes dimpling on the surface of application tape? And is there anything that you can do about it?

Dimpling is caused when a dried paper sheet absorbs moisture in the air. I have often observed dimpling in the summertime in humid parts of the country. As the paper facestock absorbs moisture, it expands resulting in dimples, tunnels and sometimes wrinkles. To minimize the dimpling there are steps that manufacturers, distributors and shop owners can take.

A significant part of the problem occurs in manufacturing. After the application paper is primed and coated with adhesive, the sheet is dried in a series of ovens. If the curing process is not controlled precisely, the paper can be over-dried. In addition to controlling the drying process, manufacturers can also re-moisturize the paper, after the sheet exits the ovens.

“Sometimes 'over drying' is not evident until the roll is unwrapped and  is exposed to different levels of moisture at an end user’s location,” says Ken Graver, Operations Manager for RTape Corp. and CET Films.  “Dimpling can occur in areas of extreme heat, cold or high levels of humidity.  Paper is hygroscopic and will readily absorb moisture or dissipate it as it equalizes itself to the surrounding environment.” 

Distributors and shop owners can also help control this problem. My first suggestion is to keep the rolls of application tape in their cartons until you are ready to sell it or use it. At RTape many of our larger rolls are packaged in clear plastic sleeves. When you remove these sleeves, you expose the paper to humidity. Keep the application tape covered. The sleeves also prevent the tape from getting dirty. If you are a shop owner, and part of your shop is air-conditioned, store the tape in air conditioned area.

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