There’s more than one way to varnish. And there’s more than one way to make a mess with varnish, too. The good news is, if you use the right printer and the right materials, varnishing can add profits to your bottom line. Read more »
Why Install Graphics in a Relaxed State
Years ago professional decal installers were taught to install vinyl graphics in a relaxed state without stretching the film. While vinyl films today are much more robust and can withstand the stresses encountered when wrapping a vehicle, you are much less likely to experience film failure, if you adhere to some of the old rules. […] Read more »
Processing Instructions for CoolPrint
Some articles, such as umbrellas, backpacks, computer bags and raincoats, are difficult if not impossible to heat press.Now you have a cool new option from RTape Corp. It’s a printable, pressure-sensitive polyurethane film called CoolPrint. The new film sticks to virtually every surface. It even sticks to surfaces with a hydrophobic coating. And it sticks […] Read more »
Chalk Versus Liquid Chalk Markers
Which is Better for Writing on Chalkboard Film? There’s nothing wrong with using chalk to write on chalkboard films. We designed our ChalkTalk™ film with chalk in mind. Nevertheless, I believe that the new liquid chalk markers, such as the Chalk Ink® brand of markers, are much better suited for writing on our chalkboard film. Read more »
The Effect of Clear Coating Matte Silver VinylEfx Film
Spraying RTape Matte Silver VinylEfx® film with a clear coat will change its appearance from a matte finish to a satiny finish. The reason for the change is that this VinylEfx® pattern is textured on the first or outside surface of the film. Other VinylEfx® patterns are embossed on the second surface. When you spray […] 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 »
Correcting Plotter Cutting Problems When Cutting Heat Transfer Films
Troubleshooting Checklist If you are having problems cutting polyurethane heat transfer films, check the following possible causes: 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 »
Surface Prep for Glass Gilding
Proper prior preparation of a glass surface is absolutely critical to achieving good adhesion of the gold to the window. Contaminants on the glass could cause the gold leaf to flake off of the surface, if not immediately, than later down the road. Read more »
Wrapping Oil Rigs
A Texas sign shop is wrapping the big rigs and we don’t mean trucks. Discover the ins and outs of wrapping in an oil field. Read more »
