In this story Jim Hingst explains the rules for successfully applying vinyl graphics to painted wood. Read more »
Why Paint and Pigments Degrade
Paint and pigment selection is extremely important for the serious artists because the colors used in the works of art are subject to degradation. Some of the great works of artists, such as Vincent van Gogh, are either fading, flaking, cracking, chalking or darkening. Read more »
Puff, the Magic Inflatable Heat Transfer Film
Textile screen printers have used plastisol puff inks for years. These inks contain a special additive that causes the ink to expand after it is exposed to heat. RTape/SEF FlexCut Sweet Puff films work in much the same way. Read more »
Caring for Garments with Heat Transfers
Garments decorated with heat transfers will withstand washing and drying twenty times and more, if they are cared for properly. Jim Hingst reviews the right way to wash, dry and iron garments decorated with heat transfers. Read more »
The Trouble with Shrinking Shirts
What can you do to prevent wrinkled heat transfer appliques? Possible solutions include buying pre-shrunk tee-shirts or pre-pressing garments prior to heat pressing an applique. Read more »
Stretching Garments Prior to Heat Pressing
Some screen printers, who print directly onto t-shirts or who print plastisol heat transfers, will stretch the garment before printing or heat pressing. By doing this, the weave of the shirt opens up allowing the ink to better penetrate the fibers of the fabric. This practice is believed to prevent cracking of the ink. Read more »
Correcting Plotter Cutting Problems When Cutting Heat Transfer Films
Troubleshooting Checklist If you are having problems cutting polyurethane heat transfer films, check the following possible causes: Read more »
Application Tape Guide
To help you in working with application tape, I have compiled some tips and tricks. This guide covers laminating the tape onto graphics, transferring graphics from the release liner and the basics of application. As important as this is, it’s also important to select the right tape for the job. RTape offers several adhesive-tack levels for […] Read more »
Preventing Wall Graphics Failures
Getting good adhesion to painted wall surfaces has been a problem for sign makers and the manufacturers of vinyl films. Flat finish paints are especially a problem. To help your customer avoid the pitfalls that result in vinyl graphics falling off the wall, here are some guidelines to follow before beginning a wall graphics installation. Read more »
Outgassing Paint and Vinyl Graphics
Have you ever seen the effects of outgassing paint on applied vinyl graphics? It’s not pretty. When the problem starts, it looks as if the surface of the film has had a breakout of severe acne. Tiny bubbles underneath the film grow until they merge together forming larger, more ominous bubbles. Read more »
