Troubleshooting Checklist If you are having problems cutting polyurethane heat transfer films, check the following possible causes: Read more »
Correcting Plotter Cutting Problems When Cutting Heat Transfer Films
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 »
Digital Printing on Banners
Advancements in digital print technology and the introduction of top coated fabric have allowed printers to expand their product offerings to include fabric banners. These technological advancements include: the ability of the machinery to feed and process heavier weight materials; improved compatibility of the inks with fabrics; and higher print quality. Read more »
Applying Vinyl Graphics to Textured Wall Surfaces
With the right film, the right application tools and the right techniques, vinyl graphics can be applied to textured wall surfaces such brick and concrete block. Many of old time decal applicators would heat a cast vinyl with an industrial heat gun, and burnish the hot, pliable film into the textured surface using a rivet […] Read more »
How to Apply Vinyl Graphics Over Rivets
Applying vinyl graphics on vehicle surfaces with rivets is challenging for most sign makers. Vinyl failures to these surfaces are all too common. Here are some tips and procedures, used by professional decal installers, which will make these demanding applications easier and more trouble-free. 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 »
Vinyl Banner Material Selection
Laminated vinyl material is still the most popular choice among sign makers for banner applications. A wide range of material is available for both outdoor and indoor applications. Read more »
Wind Slits in Vinyl Banners
Opinions about wind slits in banners vary. The purpose of these semi-circular cuts in the vinyl banner material is to relieve the wind load that can shred a banner to pieces. Sign makers often use anything from soup cans to coffee cans as templates for cutting slits with an Xacto knife or utility knife. To […] Read more »
