Wrapping a Ferrari may sound like a sexy job – and it is – but it’s unlike most other vehicle wraps. Find out how. Few cars are curvier than a Ferrari. Discover how to navigate the challenges of applying vinyl to a racecar. What do you get when you cross Avery Graphics film with a […] Read more »
Peel Recommendations for Heat Transfer Films
After you heat press an applique to a garment, how long should you wait before peeling the carrier or the hot mask from the applique? A number of variables come into play, which are covered in my story: Heat Transfer Films: Hot, Warm or Cold Peel. The physical properties of the particular flex or flock film that […] Read more »
Cleaning Polycarbonate Sheet Before Vinyl Application
Polycarbonate is one tough plastic. Not even Dirty Harry with his .44 magnum could blast through a one-inch sheet. To use Harry’s words: “a man has to know his limitations”. Read more »
Gild like an Egyptian
Gilding is an ancient art that dates back to Egyptian times. Get some time-tested tips from modern-day pros. Gilding with gold leaf is the ancient art Egyptians used to decorate King Tut’s coffin, but 21st century artisans are continuing the tradition on everything from automobiles to store windows.om modern-day pros. Read more »
Illuminated Signs Help McGruff Take a Bite Out of Crime
The National Crime Prevention Council sanctions illuminated signs as a crime prevention tool. Find out how on-premise signs can help your business and your community. Need a new angle to sell on-premise illuminated signs? Several studies that show lighted signs help reduce crime are good weapons in your sales arsenal. Read more »
Comparing Heat Transfer Films with Screen Printed Graphics
A high quality polyurethane heat transfer film will outlast a screen printed garment hands down. In fact, if you properly process and care for a polyurethane heat transfer, the applique should last the life of the garment. We all know what happens to a screen printed shirt after a dozen washes. Plastisol inks crack. By […] Read more »
Banners Are Everywhere, but Professionals Want Vinyl That Pops!
Get rid of your humdrum banner designs and start creating vinyl banners that demand attention. Your customers will thank you. We’ve all seen them – and probably wished we hadn’t. You know those unsightly banners on buildings and in stores that only get your attention because they are so poorly designed. These banners are overloaded […] Read more »
Stripping Vinyl Graphics Made Easy
Stripping vinyl graphics may never become a sign makers’ dream, but it does not have to be a nightmare, either. Ask most sign makers about stripping vinyl graphics and they’ll cringe. Let’s face it. Stripping vinyl is not the most glamorous of tasks. “Stripping vinyl is the ugly side of our work,” said Frank Barbaria, […] Read more »
What Causes Ink Adhesion Problems?
The $64 question is: what causes ink adhesion problems when screen printing polycarbonate film? While some have suggested moisture absorption as the culprit, the most likely candidate is exposure to UV light and oxygen. As the polycarbonate absorbs UV light, it excites the photons of the atoms, which in turn creates free radicals. Free radicals […] Read more »
Screen Printing on Polycarbonate
Painting is not the only solution for decorating plastic signfaces. For high-volume jobs, screen printing is an economical solution. In selecting an ink system, ask your screen print supply distributor for a recommendation. The technical bulletin will give you printing recommendations. The type of mesh, squeegee, stencil and thinners are a few of the variables […] Read more »
