A Proactive Approach to Reducing the Risk of Fire The old saying, “forewarned is forearmed”, should remind us that conducting regular fire inspections is the best way to keep the incidence of fires low. By identifying fire hazards in your shop, you can correct them before they cause a fire. 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 »
Heat Pressing on Dye Sublimated Fabrics
What is Dye Sublimation? Most polyester fabrics, such as many of the popular “Performance Garments”, are dyed using a sublimation process. The dye sublimation process uses high heat to permanently fuse the colorant into a polyester fabric. Heat serves two critical functions in this dying process. First, the heat causes the pores of the polyester fabric […] Read more »
Reverse Painting on Glass
Painting a scene is a challenge for most people. Now, imagine painting everything in reverse. It can be mind-boggling. As I struggled with the learning curve, I soon realized that I needed help. I was fortunate to have some veteran sign painters coach me through the process of reverse painting on glass. If you are up for […] 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 »
Toning Metal Leaf with Liver of Sulfur
Exposed to the elements, many metals oxidize. When they do, they change colors. Copper and bronze will sometimes develop an attractive verdigris of green. As they weather, metals will also darken, turning their brassy colors to antique hues of brown. The term most frequently used for the weatherworn coloration that metals develop is patina. Read more »
E-Waste Plastic Sign Substrate
Waste Not, Want Not Adversity brings out the best and the worst in people. In some parts of the country, the theft of aluminum signs has risen dramatically during this protracted recession. Is it any surprise? With rising raw material costs, aluminum is valuable as scrap. To thwart criminals, traffic sign manufacturers are replacing aluminum […] Read more »
Applying Vinyl Over Curves, Body Creases and Molding
Installing graphics on vehicles or wrapping entire vehicles for that matter presents some unique challenges rarely encountered on other substrates. Find out how to get around these difficult issues. Need some practical tips, tricks and techniques for applying vinyl over curves, molding and body creases? Read on for information that will add to […] 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 »
When to Use Wet
While most professionals and manufacturers prefer to install vinyl dry, there are occasions when wet is the way to go. While it’s true that the dry installation method of vinyl application saves time and money, let’s face it, not every graphic installer has the necessary skills or experience. Read more »
