Have you ever occasionally noticed a dull, hazy or blotchy appearance on the surface of some vinyl films or overlaminates? This is a condition called mottling. There’s no reason to get too excited. While this hazy appearance certainly detracts from the aesthetic appeal of your graphics, mottling can easily be remedied, which I will explain […] Read more »
Moving and Wrapping Around the World
Are wrapping techniques any different in London than they are in Los Angeles? Find out from one of the United Kingdom’s top vehicle wrapping companies. From the U.S. to the U.K. sign makers are making more than signs wrapping vehicles. They are making profits. Find out how to turn a vehicles into a rolling advertisements. […] Read more »
Seamless Wraps 101 – Deciding when to go seamless and when not to
Discover how – and when – to do a seamless vehicle wrap. Seamless wraps demand careful planning – and even then they can be a challenge. Find out how to approach a seamless wrap and when to consider a partial wrap instead. The seamless wrap. It’s the Holy Grail of the vehicle wrapping industry. Some […] Read more »
Thermal Transfer Printing on VinylEfx® Films
One unique characteristic of our VinylEfx® product is the deep embossing, which creates the 3D illusion in patterns, such as MultiLens® and Diamond Plate™. Deeply embossed patterns, however, can cause problems, when printing with thermal transfer systems, such as the Gerber Edge®. Printing on films, which are not perfectly smooth, can result in flaking, in […] Read more »
Printing Claritex® Top-Coated Polycarbonate Films
Tips for Digitally Printing & Laminating Top-Coated Polycarbonate Films RTape’s Claritex® 10 mil bright white velvet-matte polycarbonate films feature a specially formulated ink-receptive coating for solvent, ecosolvent and latex inkjet printers. The good hold out characteristic of the top coating keeps the colorant of the ink on its surface for brilliant color reproduction. The coating […] 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 »
Soaring Profits from Glistening Gateways
Airports are bustling with opportunities as architects bring sign builders into the design process to capitalize on 21st century trends. From wayfinding and security symbols to retail and promotional signage, modern airports are adopting new strategies and it’s paying dividends for sign builders. Success begins with understanding the latest trends in airport signage and identifying […] Read more »
Heat Transfer Films: Hot, Warm or Cold Peel
After you heat press an applique to a garment, how long should you wait before peeling the carrier or the hot mask from the applique? A number of variables come into play. The answer depends in part on the physical properties of the hot melt adhesive and the type of carrier used on the heat transfer […] Read more »
Maintaining Color Quality & Uniformity
A Horse Of A Different Color A customer had encountered a problem whenever she printed grey. When the prints were viewed inside, the color was dead on. But viewed outside, in the sun the grey immediately turned green. The other day she printed a beautiful grey horse and laminated it. As soon as the print […] Read more »
