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 »

New Mexico Neon on Route 66

Sign makers are getting their kicks restoring vintage neon signs along New Mexico’s portion of Route 66. Brightly-lit sombreros and teepees are entertaining youngsters who are anxious to arrive at their destinations. And many other characters and critters that personify Route 66 are once again being lit up with pride. Read more »

Wrapping Vegas

The basic elements are the same with wraps of all sizes, but large mass transit wraps offer some additional challenges that offer valuable lessons from graphics installers of all shapes and sizes. Read more »

Problems Transferring Graphics?

Are you having problems  with you application tape transferring all of the letters from the release liner? Here are a couple of suggestions: 1.  In applying the application tape, use either a 3M gold nylon squeegee or a Teflon squeegee. Softer plastic squeegees and felt squeegees do not have sufficient hardness to cause the adhesive […] 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 »

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 »

Comparing Heat Transfer Films with Screen Printed Graphics

A high quality polyurethane heat transfer film will outlast a screen printed garment hands down. In fact, if you properly process and care for a polyurethane heat transfer, the applique should last the life of the garment.  We all know what happens to a screen printed shirt after a dozen washes.  Plastisol inks crack. By […] Read more »

Cleaning Vinyl Graphics

Sign makers should assume that many of their customers will do some pretty stupid things when cleaning graphics. For this reason they must provide the end user with instruction covering proper cleaning and care of any graphics.  When I sold fleet graphics, many years ago, I would give my customers an instruction sheet which included the do’s and don’ts listed […] Read more »

Mottling and what to do about it

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 »