When Never to do a Wet Application

By Jim Hingst @hingst_jim

Link to Vinyl Application Videos

Using an application fluid can aid the application of a vinyl films that have an aggressive adhesive system. The application fluid helps float the graphic onto the surface, to prevent pre-adhesion (the vinyl sticking before you want it to). Application fluid also allows an installer to easily reposition the graphics without distortion. Here are some things that you should not do with application fluid. 

1.     Don’t use application fluid, if you can install the graphics dry.

2.     Don’t use too much application fluid. The rule of thumb is to use the least amount to accomplish the task. If the application tape gets too wet the adhesive can delaminate from the tape. Cleaning this residual adhesive can be annoying and time-consuming.

3.     Don’t use application fluid to apply vinyl to surfaces with rivets. Application fluid collects underneath rivet heads, creating a residue that later seeps out. This causes vinyl to tent and eventually crack. Fluid under trailer-panel seams can also cause edge lifting.

4.     Don’t use application fluid to install graphics with a metallization layer, such as reflective sheeting or VinylEfx® films. The application fluid can cause delamination of the face-stock's adhesive and accelerate galvanic corrosion.

5.     Don’t dilute a commercial application fluid with water. If you dilute your application fluid, you'll dilute the adhesion-promoting characteristics.

6.     Never use glass cleaner as an application fluid. Some glass cleaners contain silicone, ammonia and other additives that can impair the adhesion of vinyl graphics. (Windex isn't even recommended for preparing the application surface.)

7.     Don't waste your time trying to duplicate a commercial application fluid. Commercial application fluids are worth the investment because the formulations' quality and consistency yield consistent results. Some popular products on the market today include Rapid Tac, Rapid Tac II, Splash, Actiontac, Window Juice, Quick Stick and Position Perfect. Dishwashing liquid and similar soaps contain additives such as surfactants, emulsifiers, moisturizers and perfumes, all of which are detrimental to an adhesive. Surfactants, for example, help cleaners break dirt's bond with the substrate. They have the same effect on adhesives, causing bonding failure and edge lifting.

8.     Do not perform a wet application when using an air-egress vinyl.  These repositionable vinyl films have micro tunnels embossed in their adhesives.  These tunnels will trap application fluid that will most likely result in adhesion failure.  Air-egress vinyls are easy to reposition. There is no reason to use an application fluid when installing these films.  

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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