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 »
Cleaning Vinyl Graphics
Sign makers should assume that many of their customers will do some pretty stupid things when cleaning graphics. For this reason they must provide the end user with instruction covering proper cleaning and care of any graphics. When I sold fleet graphics, many years ago, I would give my customers an instruction sheet which included the do’s and don’ts listed […] 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 »
Vinyl Application to Polycarbonate Sheet
Even if polycarbonate sheet was covered with a surface protection film, you should always consider the surface contaminated. That means that you must clean the sign face before applying the graphics. Before you prep the substrate with a solvent or detergent, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions. For most plastic-sheet applications, the most reliable cleaning method […] Read more »
Hygroscopic Plastics
Outgassing: Problems Arising Out Of Thin Air Some plastics can absorb moisture from the air. These materials fall into the category called “hygroscopic plastics”. The best known product in this group is polycarbonate. It’s not, however, the only hygroscopic plastic. Nylon and polyester can also absorb water vapor. Read more »
Surface Preparation of Unpainted Aluminum
How to Remove Oxidation on Aluminum Many years ago, some of the tankers and trailers had unpainted aluminum skins. Direct application of pressure-sensitive vinyl graphics to these surfaces often resulted in adhesion failures. The cause of adhesion problems on aluminum is usually oxidation on the surface of the metal. Whether you are applying an emblem […] Read more »
Solvents and Fire Safety
Fire is undiscriminating. It can flare up at any time. And can happen to anyone. After finishing a vinyl graphics application job, a former colleague and mentor had loaded the back seat of his car with rags which had been soaked in solvent for cleaning, before heading down the road. As John drove, he attempted […] Read more »
The Challenges of Creating Architectural Signage
Understanding the common pitfalls of creating indoor and outdoor architectural signage before you begin can save headaches for you and your customers. Your clients depend on architectural signage to do more than communicate a message. Architectural signage must also help build the brand name of the company it serves. Read more »
Dealing with the “R” Word…Rivets
Learn the time-tested techniques of how to properly apply vinyl over rivets. Discover a five-step process that will help you deal with these annoying, yet necessary fasteners. Wouldn’t life be easier without rivets? Maybe for the vinyl installer. But let’s face it. Rivets are not going away. Learn some tips and tricks from the pros and […] Read more »
