Optimal Application Temperature for Vinyl Graphics

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 minimum application temperature […] Read more »

How to Make Vinyl Film Removals Easier and Faster

The process of removing vinyl films generally requires the use of  both heat and chemicals. Some removers contain hazardous chemicals, such as toluene, that can cause health problems. Before using any chemical remover, read the manufacturer’s MSDS sheet and instruction bulletin. Always wear the recommended safety equipment. Read more »

The Benefits of UV Curable Inkjet Inks

Compared to solvent and ecosolvent inks, UV curable inks have several advantages. No VOCs to pollute the air; the inks dry fast but don’t clog in the print head; and good adhesion to a wide range of substrates, including styrene, expanded PVC, polycarbonate, acrylic, gatorboard and corrugated polypropylene. Read more »

Priming and Painting for Wall Graphics Applications

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 contractors rush to get the job done. Read more »

Which Typeface Should You Use?

Readability and Legibility When I worked in advertising, 40 years ago, I was taught that a serif type, such as Times Roman, was more readable than a sans serif type because the first words that we read in elementary school primers are in that family of typeface. The morning newspaper is also set in a […] Read more »

Window Graphics and Window Displays

It’s Not Just Window Dressing We all know that the economic recovery is anemic – arguably the worst recovery since the Great Depression. Drive through any business district in any town and you will witness one vacant storefront after another. A conservative estimate is at least 10% of our nation’s retailers are in financial trouble.  Read more »

Vinyl Application Tool Box

At a vehicle wrap workshop I spoke with a “old school” decal installer who scoffed at new tools that were being demonstrated.  “Why do you need to buy another gimmick for vinyl application?” According to him, all you need to apply vinyl graphics is a squeegee, rivet brush, knife, tape measure, propane torch and air […] Read more »

NEPATA Digital Summit 2020

Save the date so you can participate in the NEPATA Digital Summit Tuesday, March 31st through April 2nd, 2020. Read more »