About VinylEfx® Films.
Eye-catching RTape VinylEfx® metalized vinyl media
give your designs a distinctive look, which attracts attention and creates
favorable visual impressions. Your graphics are noticed, read and remembered.
That’s your competitive edge! The rich look of these metallic vinyl films is
perfect for signage, POP, exhibits and store interiors.
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| Large Engine Turn Gold used for window graphics. |
VinylEfx® films are as easy to computer cut, weed and
apply as intermediate vinyl. That’s because VinylEfx® is vinyl. VinylEfx®
prints like vinyl too, using a variety of screen print inks, thermal transfer
systems, and latex, UV, solvent and ecosolvent inkjet printers. These films can
also be steel rule die cut, thermal die cut, embossed and domed.
Properly processed and applied, VinylEfx® Outdoor
Durable Series films provide up to 3 years exterior life. Durability varies
depending on environmental conditions, installation procedures, finishing, and
product suitablity to the intended application.
For interior applications, VinylEfx® Decorative Series
provides indefinite indoor life and short term exterior life. VinylEfx®
Decorative Series films are not warranted for exterior applications.
Product Description.
Coated with a permanent pressure sensitive acrylic
adhesive, RTape metalized VinylEfx® films are designed to duplicate the look of
metallic finishes in a variety of distinctive eye-catching patterns. VinylEfx®
films are hot-embossed, which produces deeper, better defined patterns for a
more realistic appearance.
RTape’s Durable Series metalized films provide
long-term indoor use as well good outdoor durability. All VinylEfx® films are
printable using screen print, digital print and offset inks formulated for
pressure sensitive vinyl films.
RTape VinylEfx® are exceptionally suited for general purpose signage applications and Point-Of-Purpose graphics and displays. Both decorative and durable series of films resist most marring and staining.
VinylEfx®
cut easily using computer plotter, steel rule or thermal die methods,
guillotine shear or rotary blade cutters. Both the durable series and the
decorative series of films can be printed using vinyl screen print inks,
thermal transfer systems, solvent-based ink jet printers and hot foil stamp
devices.
Facestock
Extruded
2.7 mil rigid PVC metallized film.
Adhesive.
Clear acrylic
adhesive.
Release Liner.
90#
Liner ( 92# Liner ) 6.9 Mils +/- .5 mils.
Application Surfaces.
Suitable for general purpose signage
applications on clean, smooth, non-porous, flat surfaces. Some clear coats and
automotive paints, which contain additives to repel dirt, grime, graffiti,
etc., are problematic and not recommended for application. Untreated low-energy
surfaces, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, are not recommended for
application. VinylEfx® is also not suitable for application to paper or
paperboard substrates. For information on special adhesive systems designed for
these unique applications, call RTape Customer Service. Metalized films, such
as many reflectives, polyesters, and VinylEfx® films, are not recommended for
application to untreated metal surfaces, because dissimilarity of metals can
result in galvanic corrosion.
Surface Preparation.
Prior to the application of VinylEfx® film, clean the substrate according to recommended industry standards. Failure to properly clean the application surface can result in film adhesion failure.
For more information on surface preparation
read my story: 3 Step Prep for Vehicle Graphics.
Application Limitations.
VinylEfx® films are not warranted for graphic
applications to:
- Stainless steel surfaces
- Improperly cleaned substrates
- Riveted or corrugated surfaces
- Tankers subject to petroleum or chemical spillage
- Painted surfaces with peeling paint
- Horizontal surfaces, such as the hood, roof or trunk of a vehicle
Dry Application Only.
VinylEfx® films must be applied dry. Wet
applications are not warranted.
Application
Temperature Range.
60°F to 90°F.
16°C to 32°C.
For additional information, read my story: Application Temperature Range.
Service Temperature Range.
-30°F
to 150°F.
-22°C
to 66°C.
For
more information, read my story on Service Temperature Range.
Chemical Resistance.
Resists
many chemicals with intermittent contact (not submersion).
Using an Overlaminate.
Printed
graphics, which are subjected to petrochemical spillage or abrasion,
should be protected with a vinyl
overlaminate.
Adhesion Properties (180°
Peel Adhesion PSTC- 101A)
Adhesion
to Stainless Steel
15
minute dwell: 68 oz/in
24
hour dwell: 87 oz/in
Shear:
24+ hours
The numbers given are
based on a small amount of data and may not have a statistical significance.
Fabricator Responsibility.
Prior to production, the fabricator needs to
determine the suitability of the raw materials for the intended application,
including testing the compatibility of the material with the printing or
decorating technique and adhesion to the intended substrate.
Gels.
Gels are inherent in the vinyl extrusion
process. A limited number is generally regarded as commercially acceptable. 2
gels per SY typical; Max 8 gels/SY; No gels greater than 3mm (1/8") in
length are acceptable.
Digital Printing.
VinylEfx® films are printable using a wide
range of digital printing technologies. Waterbased inks will not adhere
properly.
TEST, DON’T GUESS. Always test the vinyl with the ink system prior to production.
Print VinylEfx® using a profile for White
Intermediate High Gloss Vinyl at lower temperatures (35-40⁰C).
Profiles for many of the popular inkjet
printers are available for downloading at http://www.rtape.com/ICC-profiles.
Using high printer temperature settings can cause VinylEfx® films to expand and
contract resulting in tunneling on the release liner. Settings may vary from
one printer to another and from one ink system to another.
Humidity and temperature control are
critical! Make sure VinylEfx® is at room temperature (70⁰F/21⁰C)
prior to printing. Colder ambient temperatures could extend ink curing time.
Refer to ink manufacturer specifications.
Wiping down VinylEfx® with a lightly moistened towel prior to printing helps remove dust and other contaminants.
NOTE: Heavy concentrations of ink, especially ecosolvent inks, will contribute to shrinking and edge curl of VinylEfx®. Control your ink densities.
IMPORTANT: Allow at least a 1/4” (6mm) border around any printed image to minimize shrinkage. You may need to increase the size of the border for images with heavy concentrations of ink. NEVER cut into the printed image.
Screen Printing.
RTape VinylEfx® film is an ideal base film to
use in manufacturing screen printed OEM
emblems, decals, nameplates and fleet graphics. These films can be screen
printed and thermal die cut. And, when VinylEfx® films are printed and domed, their illusionary effects are
magnified, which makes the graphics especially dazzling.
Since many variables affect screen printing, the outcome, that one printer has, can differ greatly from that of another plant operation. Based on years of experience with screen printers, though, we have learned what does and does not work. The following are few suggestions, with respect to recommended ink and clear coats, and curing and die cutting practices.
Before using any ink or clear coat in production, the best course of action is: “Test, Don’t Guess”. Some acrylic and solvent-based inks and some solvent-based ink jet inks can adversely react with the PVC facestock of the VinylEfx® films. These reactions can cause the film to shrink, curl or crack. Providing an unprinted contour around the printed image can minimize the likelihood of these problems occuring.
Some of the inks that printers have used successfully are Sericol TMI II, Nazdar 3500 UV inks and 3M 9700 UV inks. Both Nazdar 3500 series and 3M 9700 UV inks print exceptionally well through a 355 or 380 mesh. Sericol TMI II is a solvent-based vinyl ink. This ink can be either air dried or jet dried. The advantage of jet drying and curing in a batch oven is to accelerate the production process. Excessive heat, though, can cause RTape’s VinylEfx® film to shrink.
To circumvent potential problems, our recommendation is to flash dry each color at 180F for 20 seconds. After the final color is printed, batch cure the graphics at 185F for 30 minutes. After clear coating with a product, such as Sericol UTMI clear coat, cure the graphics for 2 hrs. @ 185F.
UV curing also subjects VinylEfx® film to intense energy, which can cause film shrinkage, as much as 1/32”. This problem is not insurmountable. To minimize shrinkage, as well as to prevent puckering of the film on the release liner, always condition the material before printing. By conditioning, we mean sheeting the VinylEfx® film one day prior to production, and racking the sheets face-to-face. This “pre-seasoning” process allows the material to shrink on the release liner, so that the material can stabilize. The result is that better control of registration. Providing an unprinted contour around the print can also minimize heat shrinkage.
Thermal Die Cutting.
Cut at heat settings between 295 and 300⁰F
(146 -149⁰C), and dwell times between 1/4 and 1/2
second. Thermal die cut decals have slightly raised edges, which are prone to
edge lifting.
While UV lamps emit intense energy that can cause shrinkage, the results can be minimized significantly by reducing the energy level and speeding up the conveyor belt. Several of our customers adjust the setting of the UV curing lamps to 300 watts, and run the belt speed at 50 feet per minute. By making these adjustments, the amount of heat, to which the VinylEfx® material is exposed, is significantly reduced.
Don’t be concerned that the graphic will not receive sufficient energy to cure the ink and clear coat. If you print multiple colors and then clear coat the graphic, the VinylEfx® film is exposed to multiple exposures, whose curing effects are cumulative. In addition, after each exposure, the UV inks will continue to cure. This is called “post cure”. After each printing pass, you should check the ink for proper curing.
For more information, read my story: Thermal Die Cutting Tips.
Splices.
Occasionally, rolls of R Tape VinylEfx® film
have splices. To alert our customers of these, we mark the roll with a “flag”,
or colored marker, just before the splice. In addition, rolls with splices are
identified on the outside of the VinylEfx® carton with the letter “S”. To control the number of these splices, we
have established the following
specification detailing the allowable number in a roll:
NO
SPLICES ARE ALLOWED within a 10 yard roll.
No
more than 1 splice within a 50-yard roll.
No
more than 3 splices within a 250-yard roll.
Plotter Cutting.
VinylEfx®
cuts as easily as most glossy, white calendered vinyls. For best cutting
results, use a sharp 45° blade at slow cutting speeds with swivel type of
cutters.
Optimal cutting pressures vary depending on
plotter type and blade sharpness. Typical pressure is between 135 grams and 165
grams.
Vinyl Application Procedure.
For plotter-cut VinylEfx lettering and
graphics use a high tack application tape, such as RTape ApliTape 4075, or
Conform® 4075RLA, 4076RLA or 4775RLA or Clear Choice® AT65 or AT75. A medium tack
tape such as Clear Choice® AT60n works well for medium and large sized VinylEfx® lettering and
graphics.
For digitally printed and UV screen printed wide fromat graphics, use a low tack premask, such as 4000 or DigiMask Clear. These products are designed to remove cleanly from the printed image and not damage the print.
After applying the application tape, turn the graphic over so the application tape is facing down. Peel the liner from the vinyl, rather than pulling the vinyl off of the liner.
VinylEfx® films handle and can be applied
just like intermediate vinyl. However, since the Outdoor Durable adhesive is
not repositionable, using the “Hinge Method” during installation is a
recommended option.
Firm squeegee pressure is important to create a bond to the substrate. Maintaining good squeegee pressure is also critical in forcing air from under the vinyl.
Remove the application tape after final application by pulling it against itself at a 180⁰ angle. After removing the application tape, always re-squeegee the entire graphic, especially the edges and overlaps to prevent edge lifting. To prevent scratching the VinylEfx® film after removing the application tape, use a low-friction sleeve on your squeegee.
EDGE SEALING IS RECOMMENDED. Using a fine-tip brush, such as a #6 or #8 quill, paint the edges of the VinylEfx® film with a commercial-grade edge sealer.
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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