Graphics Troubleshooting

Yesterday I received an email with a couple of pictures of applied vinyl graphics with what looked like bubbles underneath the film. See the photo below. The message that accompanied the pictures read: “Could you please take a look at the enclosed pictures and help us with your assessment.”

GRAPHICS TROUBLESHOOTING Read more »

Sign Software in Action

Discover how signmakers are using industry specific software to raise revenues, increase production – and get creative. All softwares are far from equal.  See how sign industry specific software can make your company more money faster than ever before.   Read more »

The Differences Between Polyurethane and Vinyl Films

Many in our industry use the all-encompassing term “heat transfer vinyl” to refer to any heat transfer flex film.  The fact of the matter is that many of the heat transfer films on the market today are not vinyl at all. Much of what is sold today is polyurethane or a polyurethane blend. Read more »

Arlon’s DPF 8000

An Ideal Solution for Wall Graphics Many shops, which have printed wall murals in which the ink bleeds to the edge of the panel, have experienced edge curl issues with a variety of vinyl films. For permanent wall graphics applications, I would consider using Arlon’s DPF 8000 film.  DPF 8000 is a 3.5 mil (90 […] Read more »

Picture Perfect Wall Graphics

Applications to Smooth Walls Applying graphics to a flat, smooth, painted wall is easy. Still problems can and do occur.  Rarely are these graphics failures the result of application technique.  Instead improper surface preparation and poor material choices account for most problems.  If you follow the few simple rules in this article, your applications should […] Read more »

Marvelous Magnets Can Open Up New Revenues from Tradeshows to Vehicles

What do you get when you combine magnets with vinyl? Some marvelously magnetic creations that demand attention. Flexible magnets are opening new marketing doors for companies large and small. In fact, the possibilities are virtually as endless as your imagination. Read more »

Stripping Vinyl Graphics Made Easy

Stripping vinyl graphics may never become a sign makers’ dream, but it does not have to be a nightmare, either.  Ask most sign makers about stripping vinyl graphics and they’ll cringe. Let’s face it. Stripping vinyl is not the most glamorous of tasks. “Stripping vinyl is the ugly side of our work,” said Frank Barbaria, […] Read more »

Difficult to Transfer Vinyl Graphics

Pick Up Tips Who hasn’t had the occasional problem in transferring vinyl graphics from its release liner? In many cases, the solution may be as simple as selecting a higher tack tape, or making a slight change in your application procedure. Here are a few pick up tips to make transferring vinyl a more uplifting […] Read more »

Priming and Painting for Wall Graphics Applications

Drywall Preparation, Priming and Painting In my story, Preventing Wall Graphics Failures, I mentioned that new drywall must be primed and painted properly to ensure good adhesion of pressure-sensitive vinyl wall graphics. You wouldn’t think that applying vinyl wall graphics to newly painted drywall should be a problem.  Of course, problems can and do happen. Especially when […] 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 »