Which Film is the Best? Today you have many more overlaminate options for floor graphics than were available ten years ago. Polycarbonate and vinyl films — most of which are pressure-sensitive — are often used to protect floor graphics. Read more »
Safety and Latex Paints
In my articles on wall graphics I make a few recommendations on painting with latex paint. What I did not do was make any recommendations regarding safety. Who would think that there are any health concerns when painting walls with latex paint? I never did. After all, latex paint is water-based and that’s safe, isn’t […] Read more »
Dimples in Paper Application Tape
Dimples on a person’s face are usually regarded as being attractive and desirable. But dimples on the surface of paper application tape…not so much! In fact, dimples in the application tape are aesthetically unappealing. In most cases, however, a little dimpling does not mean the roll is bad and can’t be used. Generally, sign makers can […] 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 »
Adhesion to Powder Coated Paints
Why Pressure Sensitive Materials Fail to Adhere to Powder Coated Surfaces? Adhesion failures of pressure sensitive materials, such as labels, decorative films, foam tapes and graphic panels, to powder coated substrates are quite common. Just as there are several reasons for these failures, there are several steps that the fabricator can take to avoid […] Read more »
Traditional Water Gilding
While you might have experience in oil gilding exterior signage or water gilding on glass, you may never have attempted traditional water gilding, or what is also called bole gilding. This technique is used for interior applications, primarily gilding wood picture frames. The process involves coating the wood with several layers of gesso and clay […] Read more »
New Clariguard™ Laser Engravable Polycarbonate
CET Films, a division of Nekoosa Coated Products, has introduced Clariguard™, a laser engravable polycarbonatefilm. The new CET film provides a cost effective solution for producing tamper-proof security-sensitive documents. Read more »
Seaming Vinyl Banners: Calling on the Chemical Weld, RF & Heat Methods
Chemical welding is an inexpensive way to seam banners and it’s longer lasting than banner tape. But there’s also something to be said for RF and heat welding processes that last much longer than brush-on solutions. 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 »
Testing for Outgassing
Outgassing refers to the release of a gas from some type of material. Natural materials, such as plywood, can outgas vapors as the glues used in its manufacturing cure. Just about any synthetic substance will outgas, too. The list of synthetic materials includes paint, polycarbonate and fiberglass. Read more »
