Boosting Adhesion in Dry Applications

Dry applications can be more challenging for beginners. Learn how to get the best adhesion with this installation method. There’s a great debate in the sign industry over vinyl installation: Is it better to apply wet or dry? The wet application method applies a vinyl graphic to a substrate by using a fluid to assist...
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Seaming Vinyl Banners: Calling on the Chemical Weld, RF & Heat Methods

Chemical welding is an inexpensive way to seam banners ­ and it’s longer lasting than banner tape. But there’s also something to be said for RF and heat welding processes that last much longer than brush-on solutions. Using banner tape as a seaming mechanism is great for a short-term solution. But let’s face it. Banner...
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Testing for Outgassing

Outgassing refers to the release of a gas from some type of material. Natural materials, such as plywood, can outgas vapors as the glues used in its manufacturing cure. Just about any synthetic substance will outgas, too. The list of synthetic materials includes paint, polycarbonate and fiberglass. Some materials, such as polycarbonate, outgas because they...
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How to Dome Vinyl Graphics

Because metalized vinyls exude an opulent aura, these eye-catching films are a popular choice in the design and manufacture of OEM emblems and trim. What’s more, their attractive and luxurious appeal complements the appearance of high-ticket products, such as RV vehicles and marine craft. To enhance the appeal of these graphics, some OEM printers coat...
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How to Flash Press FlexCut™ Sticky LT

Heat Transfer Tip Saves Time & Money RTape has a new heat transfer solution that saves time and money. Here’s how. When decorating a heat sensitive fabric, RTape’s FlexCut™ Sticky LT (low temperature) is typically heat pressed at 235°F (115°C) for 17 seconds Did you know that you could also “flash press” FlexCut™ Sticky LT onto regular...
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Sign Media & Floor Graphics

In Sign Media Canada , Jodie Sawyer of Flexcon writes: “Floor graphics have been used in the retail sector for years to help shoppers find products on shelves or to direct their attention to special merchandising promotions. Studies have shown they typically result in a seven to 16 per cent sales lift. Recently, the sign industry has...
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Caring for your Brushes

Your investment in quality lettering and pinstriping brushes can easily amount to hundreds of dollars.  To protect your investment, you must properly care for your brushes. Brush care is not merely cleaning your brushes after each use. It should begin immediately after you  buy the brush. The first thing that you should do is to...
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Using SuperFrog’s Frog Juice

For years I have recommended edge sealing the RTape VinylEfx® films with SuperFrog’s Frog Juice, which is an acrylic enamel automotive grade clear coat. While it is great for protecting vinyl graphics, you can also use it for other applications, such as clear coating digital prints and even gold leaf. Frog Juice is available in...
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