Learning the Language of Light for Trade Show Signage

Get some tips and tricks for communicating with the language of light so you can offer value-added advice to your customers. Sign makers can cash-in on fabricating trade show signage, but if you don’t understand lighting, then that signage may not offer customers the desired return on their investment. Learn about lighting and become a […] Read more »

Application Temperature Range

To avoid problems with vinyl or any other pressure-sensitive material, carefully read the vinyl manufacturer’s technical data sheet. Product bulletins will usually contain all of the information you need, including application temperature range. The application temperature range for most vinyl films is usually between 50⁰ and 90⁰F (10⁰ to 32⁰ C). For some films, the […] Read more »

Problems with Static Electricity

In much of the country September ushers in climatic changes.  As the autumn air becomes colder, the humidity of the air outdoors decreases.  The drop in humidity can result in an increase of problems related with static electricity. Static problems in print shops are further exacerbated, as we switch from air conditioning to a heating […] Read more »

The Difference between FlexCut Sticky and FlexCut Sweet

Both FlexCut Sticky and FlexCut Sweet are 100% polyurethane films. Other than that one similarity the two films are very different. Each product has its own unique performance properties. And these differences make one film a better choice for a specific application versus the other.  Still both films have their place in the product mix. And […] Read more »

How Calendered Vinyl Films are Made

I usually compare the calendering  process to rolling out pie dough. In reality, the manufacturing process is a little more complex than that. In the calendering process, PVC material is squeezed between gigantic, heated, polished-steel rollers that form the vinyl into a very thin sheet of film. Read more »

Peel Recommendations for Heat Transfer Films

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, which are covered in my story: Heat Transfer Films: Hot, Warm or Cold Peel. The physical properties of the particular flex or flock film that […] 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 »

Illuminated Signs Help McGruff Take a Bite Out of Crime

The National Crime Prevention Council sanctions illuminated signs as a crime prevention tool. Find out how on-premise signs can help your business ­ and your community. Need a new angle to sell on-premise illuminated signs? Several studies that show lighted signs help reduce crime are good weapons in your sales arsenal. 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 »

Banners Are Everywhere, but Professionals Want Vinyl That Pops!

Get rid of your humdrum banner designs and start creating vinyl banners that demand attention. Your customers will thank you.  We’ve all seen them – and probably wished we hadn’t. You know those unsightly banners on buildings and in stores that only get your attention because they are so poorly designed. These banners are overloaded […] Read more »