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....
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Application Temperature Range

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...
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Problems with Static Electricity

In much of the country September ushers in climatic changes.  As the autumn air becomes colder, the humidity of the air outdoors decreases.  The drop in humidity can result in an increase of problems related with static electricity. Static problems in print shops are further exacerbated, as we switch from air conditioning to a heating...
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Staining and Varnishing

Staining and varnishing is a great way to finish an interior sign, if the wood used has a beautiful natural grain, such as mahogany. Stains contain pigments that tint and accentuate the grain of the wood.  To create the directory sign  pictured above, Dr. Francis Lestingi hand carved a mahogany panel. To enhance the beautiful rich...
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Premask Puckering on Screen Printed Graphics

A number of factors can cause puckering and tunneling of a premask or application tape laminated on a screen printed vinyl graphic. These factors fall into three broad categories: environment, material processing and product selection. Controlling your plant environment and your processing are certainly important. High humidity causes many tunneling and puckering issues.  When the...
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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...
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Adhesion Testing

Testing the Bond of an Ink or Paint Whether you are screen printing or painting, the coating must bond to the substrate for the service life of the product.  Depending on the physical properties of the coating that you have selected for a project and the substrate to which the coating will be applied, the...
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