Which is Better for Backlit Signs: Cast or Calendered? Vinyl manufacturers, such as 3M™ and Arlon, produce a broad color selection of translucent cast vinyl films for backlit signage applications. In addition to backlit building signage, other applications include taxi-top signage, mall and airport-terminal advertising, menuboards and canopy fascias. Read more »
Outgassing and Health Concerns
I have received several letters from those who have read my story about outgassing. I certainly did not intend to cause alarm. Plastics outgas (also referred to as off gassing or degassing). The rate at which this outgassing occurs depends on the resin type, time, temperature and atmospherics. The good news is that outgassing of a […] Read more »
More on What You Need to Know About Rivets
Discover the ins and outs, dos and don’ts of installing vinyl graphics over rivets. What you find out may surprise you. Dealing with rivets is the price you pay for greater profits. But applying over rivets need not be a nightmare if you have the right knowledge and skills. Read more »
Should You Buy Ink in Bulk?
Discover the pros and cons of buying ink in large quantities. Want to save money on your ink budget? Barring using third-party inks, you have two options: buy in bulk or install a bulk ink system. Read more »
Application of Vinyl Graphics to Acrylic Signs
When decorating acrylic sheet, selecting the right vinyl film for the job depends on a variety of factors: 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 »
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 »
Tips on Buying a Digital Printer
When you are buying any digital printer, here are some things that you should consider, especially if you are a first time buyer: Anything mechanical can breakdown. What reputation does the manufacturer have for building reliable equipment? In the event of a problem, what service and technical support does the manufacturer provide? Read more »
The Fine Art of Inks
Large format printers with special inks are producing top quality prints that sell in museums for tens of thousands of dollars. Find out what you need to know to take your cut by producing these fine art prints. Read more »
