Which Films Stick to Coated Fabrics?

Just before the beginning of WWII, American chemists developed synthetic polyamides.  Polyamides are complex molecules called polymers, which are comprised of smaller “amide” monomers. In nature, these polyamide molecules occur as proteins in fibers, such as silk and wool. In the modern world, the best known polyamides are nylons.   Because of their strength, elasticity and […] Read more »

System Inc. Takes Dominion on Powerboat Wrapping Industry

Feeling creative? The water sports industry is hungry for cutting-edge designs printed on vinyl and applied to powerboats that are ultimately seen by hundreds of thousand of people in competitions around the country. Read more »

Vehicle Wrapping Contracts 101

Wrapping vehicles without a signed contract that spells out what the customer should expect – and shouldn’t expect – from your sign shop is a mistake that could cost you. Find out how to avoid liabilities with a solid contract. Read more »

Processing and Installing VinylEfx Films

ABOUT VINYLEFX® FILMS Eye-catching RTape VinylEfx® metalized vinyl media give your designs a distinctive look, which attracts attention and creates favorable visual impressions. Your graphics are noticed, read and remembered. That’s your competitive edge! The rich look of these metallic vinyl films is perfect for  signage, POP, exhibits and store interiors. 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 »

Reading, Writing and Profits With The School System Near You

You can position your company for profitability by serving the growing market for in-school advertising. When George Mason High School needed funds to install lights in its new football stadium, it looked for advertisers to foot the bill. Read more »

Painting Polycarbonate Sheet

The extraordinary clarity of polycarbonate makes it an excellent substrate for backlit signs.  Generally, but not always, the sheet is sprayed on its second surface. Because the paint faces the inside of the sign cabinet, it is protected from the elements. Any painting done on the first surface of the sign face must be clear […] 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 »