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Monday, May 9, 2016

A Few Tips on Using Metalized Vinyl Films

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By Jim Hingst

 Before printing or plotter cutting a metalized vinyl film, such as RTape VinylEfx® films,  carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, before going into production, Test, Don’t Guess. Here are a few additional helpful tips to remember when working with these films. 

1.       Some metalized vinyl films can be airbrushed. If you decide to airbrush any vinyl film, test the compatibility of the paint system with the vinyl. Before  airbrushing, prep the surface by wiping down the film with isopropyl alcohol to  remove any skin oils or other contaminates from the substrate. That’s also good advice before printing on vinyl films. After airbrushing, protect your work by spraying it with clear coat. 


The reading “plumbing” in the above photograph was airbrushed using Createx-brand “Auto Air” paints.

 
A metalized vinyl film, used for the background of this panel was painted with urethane candy color paints and clear coated. I then gilded the emblem with 24-karat gold leaf and pinstriped the panel with 1Shot lettering enamel.
2.       If printed graphics, are subjected to gasoline spillage or abrasion, protect your work with an overlaminate.  (The graphic below was protected with Avery’s DOL1000 cast vinyl overlaminate and edge sealed using a SEALITPEN or 3M 3950 Edge Sealer.)




3. Clear coating with a urethane can also provide protection from UV light. The metalized vinyl graphic used to decorate the motorcycle below was buried underneath four coats of urethane clear. 



4.       After you complete your application, always protect the edges by edge sealing. As added protection, clear coating the entire graphics is added insurance.

Edge sealing with a SEALITPEN.


5.       Overlaying  a metalized vinyl film on top of a dark colored cast vinyl improves contrast in the design.    Using the cast vinyl film as a base layer can also aid in the removal of the film, when it comes time for “de-identification”.


6. Outlining a metalized vinyl film and drop shadows also improve readability and visual image of the graphic.



7.       Cut a ¼” (6mm) border around eco-solvent or solvent inkjet printed images to help prevent edge curl. Cutting into the printed graphic can result in edge lifting. 


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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
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