By Jim Hingst @hingst_jim
1. If you apply paint mask to a painted surface, the paint must be thoroughly cured. If it doesn’t, the paint’s solvents will likely outgas and react with the mask’s adhesive. These solvents can turn the adhesive into a gooey mess, leaving a residue when removing the paint mask.
2. Installing paint-mask film is much easier
than applying regular vinyl. If a wrinkle or bubble appears in the film, don’t
worry about it. It won’t affect the paint job.
3. When painting vehicle graphics, just
apply the paint mask over an obstruction, such as a rub rail or louvered vent. After carefully removing the application
tape, squeegee all paint-mask edges again. Be sure the mask’s edges fit tightly
against the surface. If it doesn’t, paint will blow back underneath. Where the
vinyl lifts or tents at the edges of the obstruction, slit the film with an
X-acto® knife. Be careful not to cut the substrate surface. After tucking in
the paint mask as tightly as you can, tape any gaps where the cuts were made
with masking tape. Use only premium masking tape. It makes no sense to save a
few cents buying a cheap tape; there are no shortcuts to quality and value.
Some cheaper masking tapes allow paint to bleed through.
4. Application tape is a self-wound product.
The tape’s paper backing often picks up minute amounts of adhesive. As you
squeegee paint mask in place, you may potentially transfer some adhesive to
unmasked areas, which, if left, contaminates the paint. To prevent this, use a
low-friction sleeve on your squeegee. Like a magnet, the sleeve picks up
adhesive particles and prevents substrate contamination.
5. After applying the paint-mask vinyl, sand
the substrate surface with 500- to 1,000-grit sandpaper before painting.
Sanding roughs the surface, promotes good paint adhesion and minimizes defects.
Use an air hose to blow off paint dust. Then, wipe the surface clean using a
tack cloth.
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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