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. ...
http://supply55.com/blog/2014/02/painting-flames-3/

Supply55 Expands Product Offering with the Addition of UV Adhesion Promoters

Ann Arbor, Michigan, February 26, 2014 – Supply55, Inc. a leading provider of unique value added products to the sign, screen and graphic arts market is pleased to announce the release of AP2155TM and AP3155TM adhesion promoters for use with UV printers. AP2155TM is an adhesion promoter, anti-static and cleaner for use with UV and...
http://supply55.com/blog/2014/02/supply55-expands-product-offering-with-the-addition-of-uv-adhesion-promoters/

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...
http://supply55.com/blog/2014/02/choosing-the-best-ink-to-print-on-vinyl/

Blasting Your Way to Profits with Glass Etching

Blasting glass can help boost your bottom line. Find out how sandblasting glass is the same ­ and different ­ from other substrates. Can you sandblast with the best of them? If you’ve got the equipment and the skill to blast stone, ceramic or wood, then there’s no reason not to consider expanding your business...
http://supply55.com/blog/2014/02/blasting-your-way-to-profits-with-glass-etching/

Applying Vinyl Over Curves, Body Creases and Molding

Installing graphics on vehicles ­ or wrapping entire vehicles for that matter ­ presents some unique challenges rarely encountered on other substrates. Find out how to get around these difficult issues. Need some practical tips, tricks and techniques for applying vinyl over curves, molding and body creases? Read on for information that will add to...
http://supply55.com/blog/2014/02/applying-vinyl-over-curves-body-creases-and-molding/

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...
http://supply55.com/blog/2014/02/take-me-out-to-the-ball-game/

Applying Vinyl Graphics to Aircraft

Are you ready to let your business fly high? Applying vinyl graphics to aircraft may be your next big opportunity. There are opportunities to apply vinyl to aircraft, but it takes special materials and a steady hand to get into the business. Have you ever seen those massive logos on the tails of airplanes, or...
http://supply55.com/blog/2014/02/applying-vinyl-graphics-to-aircraft/

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. The wet application method applies a vinyl...
http://supply55.com/blog/2014/02/when-to-use-wet-2/

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. That makes architectural signage one of...
http://supply55.com/blog/2014/02/the-challenges-of-creating-architectural-signage-2/

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...
http://supply55.com/blog/2014/02/soaring-profits-from-glistening-gateways/

Processing Printable Heat Transfer Films

If you have a solvent, ecosolvent or latex inkjet printer, you can decorate t-shirts, jackets and jerseys with colorful graphics and corporate logos using RTape Tatoo™, printable polyurethane heat transfer films.  Selling printed appliques to your existing customer base is a great way to increase your shop’s sales at high profit margins without a lot...
http://supply55.com/blog/2014/02/processing-printable-heat-transfer-films-2/

Heat Transfer Films: Hot, Warm or Cold Peel

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. The answer depends in part on the physical properties of the hot melt adhesive and the type of carrier used on the heat transfer...
http://supply55.com/blog/2014/02/heat-transfer-films-hot-warm-or-cold-peel/

Removing Rock Hard Tape Adhesive

 Application Tape Tip Every so often, I get a service call involving a sign maker or painter, who cannot remove the adhesive of our application tape from a substrate. I just receive one yesterday from a woman in southern California, who had left masked painted panels in the sun. The panels became so hot that...
http://supply55.com/blog/2014/02/removing-rock-hard-tape-adhesive/

The New Guardian Calender Video is Live

The new Guardian Calender overview video is live at http://supply55.com/calender.html. Another awesome project completed by the Supply55 design team! Check it out. 
http://supply55.com/blog/2014/02/the-new-guardian-calender-video-is-live/

Maintaining Color Quality & Uniformity

A Horse Of A Different Color A customer had encountered a problem whenever she printed grey.  When the prints were viewed inside, the color was dead on.  But viewed outside, in the sun the grey immediately turned green. The other day she printed a beautiful grey horse and laminated it. As soon as the print...
http://supply55.com/blog/2014/02/maintaining-color-quality-uniformity-2/

How to Apply Vinyl Graphics Over Rivets

Applying vinyl graphics on vehicle surfaces with rivets is challenging for most sign makers. Vinyl failures to these surfaces are all too common. Here are some tips and procedures, used by professional decal installers, which will make these demanding applications easier and more trouble-free. 1. Choose a film with a repositionable adhesive. In the summertime,...
http://supply55.com/blog/2014/02/how-to-apply-vinyl-graphics-over-rivets-2/