Discover the challenges of wrapping a monumental can — and keeping it realistic from top to bottom. How would you go about wrapping a beer can so big that Paul Bunyan would have had to use two hands to slug it down? Impossible? Not according to Avery Dennison Graphics and the wide-format graphics designers at […] Read more »
Thermal Transfer Printing on VinylEfx® Films
One unique characteristic of our VinylEfx® product is the deep embossing, which creates the 3D illusion in patterns, such as MultiLens® and Diamond Plate™. Deeply embossed patterns, however, can cause problems, when printing with thermal transfer systems, such as the Gerber Edge®. Printing on films, which are not perfectly smooth, can result in flaking, in […] Read more »
3-Step Prep for Vehicle Graphics
Whether you are installing trailer graphics or doing a full wrap of a car or van, surface preparation involves a three-step process of detergent washing, solvent cleaning and a final wipe down with IPA. Step 1. Vehicles should be washed the day before vinyl application with detergent and water. This should remove much of the […] Read more »
Printing Claritex® Top-Coated Polycarbonate Films
Tips for Digitally Printing & Laminating Top-Coated Polycarbonate Films RTape’s Claritex® 10 mil bright white velvet-matte polycarbonate films feature a specially formulated ink-receptive coating for solvent, ecosolvent and latex inkjet printers. The good hold out characteristic of the top coating keeps the colorant of the ink on its surface for brilliant color reproduction. The coating […] Read more »
Painting Flames
And Other Uses for Application Tape. Protecting and transferring vinyl graphics aren’t the only uses for application tape. Here are some other uses for paper application tapes. 1. High tack application tapes, such as RTape 4075, are also used by painters and artists as a paint mask for custom painting of motor cycles, cars and trucks. […] Read more »
Choosing the Best Ink to Print on Vinyl
Some digital print shops stick to the ink their printer manufacturer offers. But that might not always be the best choice for your vinyl print job. Your overarching goal is to match your ink to your media. Find out what you need to know. There are enough ink options on the market to make your […] Read more »
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark offers proof positive that effective sign design can inform, entertain, commemorate and stand out in a crowd. Signs speak volumes. But signs in hustling bustling environments often speak too much, too loud, or perhaps even too subtlety to communicate the message. Let’s face it. Poorly designed signs breed a sense […] Read more »
The Challenges of Creating Architectural Signage
Understanding the common pitfalls of creating indoor and outdoor architectural signage before you begin can save headaches for you and your customers. Your clients depend on architectural signage to do more than communicate a message. Architectural signage must also help build the brand name of the company it serves. Read more »
When to Use Wet
While most professionals and manufacturers prefer to install vinyl dry, there are occasions when wet is the way to go. While it’s true that the dry installation method of vinyl application saves time and money, let’s face it, not every graphic installer has the necessary skills or experience. Read more »
Soaring Profits from Glistening Gateways
Airports are bustling with opportunities as architects bring sign builders into the design process to capitalize on 21st century trends. From wayfinding and security symbols to retail and promotional signage, modern airports are adopting new strategies and it’s paying dividends for sign builders. Success begins with understanding the latest trends in airport signage and identifying […] Read more »
