PROBLEM: Poor adhesion of
the overlaminate to the print.
CAUSES:
- Print not dry.
- Incompatibility of component parts.
SOLUTIONS:
- In RIP phase use ink limiting setting to reduce ink deposit.
- Let ink dry for 24 hours, or longer…. Always follow the instructions of the ink & media manufacturers.
- Laminated prints should lay flat 24 hours before rolling.
- Leave an unprinted border to which the overlaminte can bond.
- Match components for compatibility… Test, Don’t Guess!
PROBLEM: Tunneling.
CAUSES:
- Improper handling: Print improperly rolled or the print was rolled too tightly.
- Incompatibility of the system components.
SOLUTIONS:
- Follow manufacturer’s recommendations regarding rolling & handling… Never roll prints with PET or PP overlaminates.
- Roll with the print side to the outside of the roll.
- Test, Don’t Guess – Match components for compatibility; when you find a winning combination, stick with it.
PROBLEM: Edge Lift
CAUSES:
- Warped, damaged or dirty rollers causing uneven pressure.
SOLUTIONS:
- Burnish edges of the print after laminating.
- Use of a sled can even out the pressure across the web.
- Wait 24 hours before trimming the edges & rolling the print.
PROBLEM: Outgassing —
bubbles under the print.
CAUSES:
- Outgassing most commonly occurs when the ink is not cured.
SOLUTIONS:
- Allow the inks to cure for at least 24 hours before laminating.
PROBLEM: Wavy Print
CAUSES:
- Excessive laminator roller pressure.
SOLUTIONS:
- Reduce roller pressure.
- Ensure uniform pressure across the web.
- Control the laminator speed – Faster is not better (3ft./min.)
PROBLEM: Print Curl
CAUSES:
- The overlaminate is stretched during lamination.
SOLUTIONS:
- Reduce tension on unwind roll.
- Tell the customer that the print has been “pre-rolled” – Only kidding!
PROBLEM: Wrinkles.
CAUSES:
- Roller nip pressure too high.
- Roller tension too low.
SOLUTIONS:
- Adjust the roller pressure, as needed.
PROBLEM: Silvering.
DESCRIPTION: Tiny spots over the print appear hazy.
CAUSES:
- Adhesive does not "wet out" sufficiently.
SOLUTIONS:
- Increase pressure to 60 psi. will increase adhesive cold flow.
- Slow operating speed to 2 ft. to 3 ft./min.
- Increasing temperature setting up to 110°F will help wet out the adhesive and accelerate initial bond.
- Use a “sled”, especially with polycarbonate or mar-resistant overlaminates.
- Wait 24 hours for the adhesive to wet out.
- Burnish silvered areas to aid adhesive wet out.
PROBLEM: Line over the print.
CAUSES:
- The adhesive on the overlaminate picks up the impression of the release liner, at the point where the liner and the film separate.
SOLUTIONS:
- Once you start laminating a print, DON’T STOP…continue until you have finished the job.
- If you have a line over the print, burnish the line with your thumb nail to aid the adhesive wet out.
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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