Printing VinylEfx Films with First Generation Latex Printers

Harry Truman said that if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. That’s good advice if you are a politician. On the other hand, if you are a printer and the media can’t stand the heat, just turn the down the heat. When printing on heat sensitive materials with an earlier generation of latex printer, that may be the only viable solution.

Printing on the RTape VinylEfx films with some latex printers can be problematic. The high heat required to cure these inks can distort the microembossed patterns on the second surface of the film. The results can be pretty funky. And in most cases, the customer will not be happy.

For example, typical printing temperature of 100° C (212° F) can turn the glossy finish of Smooth Silver into a matte finish. The high heat can also result in tunneling of the film on the release liner. Temperature control in some earlier generations of latex printers can exceed 104°C  (220°F).

Correcting these heat related issues requires adjustments to a standard profile. Typically, you can print on the VinylEfx films using a profile for a gloss calendered vinyl film.  When printing with latex printers, such as the HP 25500 model, try the following settings:

Printing temperature: 88° C  (190°F)

Drying temperature: 55° C (131°)

Increase the blower to 30% (this increases the air flow to facilitate drying)

Pass rate: 12 pass

The amount of ink that you are printing and your shop environment may necessitate adjustments to the above recommendations.

Be aware that by lowering the printing temperature, the ink will not be completely cured after printing. This means that once out of the printer, the ink will smear. For this reason, you must wait for the ink to thoroughly dry, before stacking prints or laminating.

Some colors will take longer than others to dry. Black and blue, for example, will take longer to dry than yellow. Shop humidity also affects how long it takes for the inks to fully dry. In humid conditions, it will take longer for the water in the latex inks to evaporate. In some cases, a print may not be completely dry for as long as two days.

Special thanks to my friend, Tom Zambito, for his suggestions regarding printing on VinylEfx films using an HP 25500 latex printer. 

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