A High Tack Solution for Problem Graphics

For difficult to transfer graphics RTape recommends its high tack AT75 film application tape. 

Vinyl Application Problems. 

Some types of vinyl films are difficult to work with. Here are some of the problems that sign makers have encountered in the past. In one case a designer wanted to use a carbon fiber wrap film for cut vinyl lettering. I know this is not the typical application for these wrap films that the manufacturer intended. But designers will come up with all types of unusual applications for products.  The application tape that the designer typically used would not sufficiently adhere to the texture of the film’s surface to transfer the lettering.    

From time to time, I also get calls from sign makers, who have difficulty transferring the highly textured window graphics films, such as 3M™ Dusted Crystal. Wet applications on glass can compound these problems. Applying lettering cut from matte finish wall graphics films, such as Oracal 631, can also be challenging. Either the graphics won’t transfer from the liner. Or the application tape won’t release from the applied graphics.

Link to Vinyl Application Videos

 

Thermal die cut graphics require a special high tack application tape.
Photo courtesy of Earl Mich Company

Transferring thermal die cuts is another application requiring a special application tape. Here’s what causes all of the problems.  Thermal die cutting works by heat and pressure. The heat melts the film along at the cut lines. This   creates a noticeable lip on the edge of the vinyl, which is referred to as a burled edge.  The pressure of the die against the release liner will usually break through the siliconization layer, exposing the fibers of the liner’s paper base.  Over time the adhesive of the vinyl  flows into the cutline, bonding with the paper fibers.

Application Tape Solution: 

There is a solution for these problem graphics. For these applications many sign makers have used RTape’s AT75 Clear Choice®. This is an embossed clear film application tape that looks a lot like medical tape. The higher tack adhesive coated on the film can transfer problematic films and make these tough applications easier. 

Success in using this tape depends on three factors: time, temperature, and time.  In laminating the tape to the graphic be sure to apply good pressure. Remember, the adhesive is called a “pressure sensitive” for a reason. You must use pressure so the adhesive will adequately flow out over the surface of the vinyl.

Because the adhesive is embossed, it initially only makes contact at the high points of the adhesive's surface. While the adhesive is high tack, it will take time for the adhesive to flow out. As it does, increases the surface area that makes contact with the substrate.  

Time also helps. Here’s a tip from my friend Tom Zambito, who runs the wholesale graphics shop of Earl Mich Company. Tom regularly produces thermal die cut decals for sign shops. After applying AT75 to the die cuts, he waits for at least a half of an hour before attempting to transfer the die cuts. This gives the adhesive time to build to the graphics.  This tip also works when working with other types of difficult-to-transfer graphics.

Temperature is always a factor affecting adhesive flow out. When ambient temperatures in a shop are colder, the adhesive is stiffer and does not flow out so readily. 

Application Tip: If the graphics release with difficulty from the release liner, rub the back of the liner against a sharp edge of your work bench. This step helps break the bond between the graphic and the release liner and facilitates transfer of the graphics.

AT75 Applications. 

The unique performance characteristics features of AT75 make it a great tape to have on hand for those problem applications. Here are some of the applications for which the tape is particularly well suited:

• Multiple Color Overlays

• Small Lettering

• Textured and Matte Finish Vinyl Wrap Films

• Textured Window Graphics Films

• Wall Lettering

• VinylEfx® Graphics

• Thermal Die Cuts

Other AT75 Features.  

The deeply embossed surface of  AT75 impresses a grid pattern of  air-egress micro tunnels in the adhesive. This air-egress feature helps make lamination of the tape to vinyl films bubble-free. That’s a big deal because if you entrap air bubbles between the application tape and the film, you are almost guaranteed to get bubbles in your applied graphics.  The deeply embossed surface also allows the user to tear AT75 by hand, in a straight line, for easy dispensing in the shop.

At the job site, the film’s easy-to-handle characteristics make graphics applications easier, faster and remarkably trouble free.  If the adhesive side of the film accidentally folds onto itself, AT75 pulls apart easily without adhesive delamination! Good clarity also helps alignment of multiple colors.  After the graphics are installed the application film removes easily. This feature is critical when applying wall graphics or performing wet applications on windows. Other high tack film application tapes that don’t release easily often pull the applied graphics from the substrate.  

Test, Don’t Guess. 

If you are having problems transferring graphics, my advice is to put AT75 to the test. You can order a sample of this or any other RTape product from one of their stocking distributors.  Or call RTape directly.  We will make every effort to find a product solution that satisfies the particular requirements of your job.  

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. 

Slides of Jim's Artwork

© 2016 Jim Hingst