Why Pressure Sensitive Materials Fail to Adhere to Powder Coated Surfaces? Adhesion failures of pressure sensitive materials, such as labels, decorative films, foam tapes and graphic panels, to powder coated substrates are quite common. Just as there are several reasons for these failures, there are several steps that the fabricator can take to avoid […] Read more »
Traditional Water Gilding
While you might have experience in oil gilding exterior signage or water gilding on glass, you may never have attempted traditional water gilding, or what is also called bole gilding. This technique is used for interior applications, primarily gilding wood picture frames. The process involves coating the wood with several layers of gesso and clay […] Read more »
New Clariguard™ Laser Engravable Polycarbonate
CET Films, a division of Nekoosa Coated Products, has introduced Clariguard™, a laser engravable polycarbonatefilm. The new CET film provides a cost effective solution for producing tamper-proof security-sensitive documents. Read more »
How to Dome Vinyl Graphics
Because metalized vinyls exude an opulent aura, these eye-catching films are a popular choice in the design and manufacture of OEM emblems and trim. What’s more, their attractive and luxurious appeal complements the appearance of high-ticket products, such as RV vehicles and marine craft. Read more »
Testing for Outgassing
Outgassing refers to the release of a gas from some type of material. Natural materials, such as plywood, can outgas vapors as the glues used in its manufacturing cure. Just about any synthetic substance will outgas, too. The list of synthetic materials includes paint, polycarbonate and fiberglass. Read more »
How to Flash Press FlexCut™ Sticky LT
Heat Transfer Tip Saves Time & Money RTape has a new heat transfer solution that saves time and money. Here’s how. When decorating a heat sensitive fabric, RTape’s FlexCut™ Sticky LT (low temperature) is typically heat pressed at 235°F (115°C) for 17 seconds Read more »
Sign Media & Floor Graphics
In Sign Media Canada , Jodie Sawyer of Flexcon writes: “Floor graphics have been used in the retail sector for years to help shoppers find products on shelves or to direct their attention to special merchandising promotions. Studies have shown they typically result in a seven to 16 per cent sales lift. Read more »
Caring for your Brushes
Your investment in quality lettering and pinstriping brushes can easily amount to hundreds of dollars. To protect your investment, you must properly care for your brushes. Read more »
Using SuperFrog’s Frog Juice
For years I have recommended edge sealing the RTape VinylEfx® films with SuperFrog’s Frog Juice, which is an acrylic enamel automotive grade clear coat. While it is great for protecting vinyl graphics, you can also use it for other applications, such as clear coating digital prints and even gold leaf. Read more »
Color Trends
Popularity of colors among designers and consumers can vary from year to year. To keep pace with color trends, vinyl film manufacturers and paint companies try to gauge changes in the marketplace. Colors from the world of fashion and interior décor have impacted color selection in the automotive market and in corporate graphics. Bold and […] Read more »
