By Jim Hingst @hingst_jim
There
are three primary reasons to use an overlaminate for large format graphics.
These are to beautify and protect the printed graphic and, when used for floor
graphics, to provide slip resistance.
1. Overlaminates Beautify.
For
indoor applications, overlaminates can
enhance the appearance of a print. Overlaminating films, such are RTape’s
Eclypse® brand of overlaminates, are available in variety of surface finishes.
Some indoor overlaminates are also available in unique patterned decorative
textures.
The
surface finish determines the gloss level of the print, which affects the
appearance of the image. Which surface finish is best depends largely on the
lighting conditions under which the print will be viewed and the application for the graphic.
2. Overlaminates Protect.
The
second reason to use an overlaminating film is to protect the print. Exterior
grade films provide a barrier protecting graphics from damaging UV light, air
pollution, moisture, chemical damage and abrasion. Without an overlaminate,
graphics can easily be scratched. Paper posters used for indoor promotions can
easily be torn without a protective laminate. And unprotected graphics can also
be easily vandalized with pens, markers and paint.
 |
| Overlaminates can protect vinyl films from the bleaching effects of sunlight, extending the life of the graphics. |
3. Overlaminates Provide Slip Resistance.
The
third primary use of an overlaminate is to ensure a floor graphic is
slip-resistant. In this applications, overlaminates are rigorously tested. The
standard industry test, the American Standard for Testing Materials (ASTM)
D2047 exam, checks the coating's coefficient of friction. In layman's terms,
this is the force required to move one material over another. In short, the
ASTM test measures the traction pedestrians could expect when walking on a
floor graphic.
Overlaminating Film Articles
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.
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