Category : Wall Applications

Wall Applications

Understanding Wall Types: A Key to Successful Vinyl Applications

Dec 18,2023 / By / No Comment

When it comes to vinyl applications, one size does not fit all. The type of wall on which you apply vinyl significantly impacts the adhesion, appearance, and longevity of the final product. With a variety of wall types out there, it’s essential to understand their unique characteristics and how they affect vinyl applications. 

1. Painted Drywall 

Painted drywall is perhaps the most common interior wall type. It provides a relatively smooth and non-porous surface, making it a good candidate for vinyl applications. However, the type of paint used on the drywall can affect adhesion. It’s also essential to ensure the paint is fully cured before applying vinyl, as outgassing from uncured paint can lead to bubbling or peeling. If you need a graphic film with repositionable adhesive, DPF 4600GLX is a great product to consider. IF repositionability is not a priority and you need a bit more tack, go with DPF 8200X.

2. Brick and Concrete 

Brick and concrete walls offer a unique aesthetic, but their rough and porous surface can pose challenges for vinyl application. These wall types require high-tack adhesives, a heat gun, and a roller applicator to ensure the vinyl conforms to the texture and achieves proper adhesion. It’s also critical to clean these surfaces thoroughly to remove any dust or debris that could interfere with adhesion. 

DPF 8000 and DPF 8200 are viable options to adhere to textured walls. However, for maximum texture conformability, a cast film like DPF 6700, will be necessary. We recommend you pair any of those graphic films with Series 3310 PVC-Free for maximum protection and texture conformability.

3. Plastered Walls 

Plastered walls can be smooth or textured, which affects the choice of vinyl and application method. Smooth plastered walls behave similarly to painted drywall, while textured plaster may require a more aggressive adhesive like DPF 8200. Additionally, moisture content in the plaster can affect vinyl adhesion, so it’s important to ensure the wall is dry before application. 

4. Wood Paneling 

Wood paneling can offer a rustic aesthetic, but the grooves and grains can make vinyl application challenging. Vinyl with a high degree of flexibility, such as DPF 6700, and even an aggressive adhesive, like DPF 8000, can help ensure a successful application on wood paneling. As with other types of walls, the paneling should be clean and dry before application. Any clear coating on the wood must be taken into account. 

5. Wallpaper

Applying vinyl to wallpapered walls can be tricky. The success of the application depends largely on the quality and condition of the wallpaper, the texture, and whether the wallpaper is coated or uncoated. Testing adhesion on a small, unnoticeable area is recommended before proceeding with a full application. Consider using a graphic film with a removable adhesive like DPF 4400 or DPF 4200 to ensure easy removal without damaging the existing wallpaper.

Conclusion 

Understanding the type of wall you’re working with is crucial for a successful vinyl application. Whether it’s painted drywall, brick, concrete, plaster, wood paneling, or wallpaper, each wall type presents unique challenges and considerations. 

In addition to the texture and type of wall, the paint is a significant variable for the success of your project. We’ve tested several paints and primers for walls which you can see here:  

Tip #33: Digital Printing Installation on Painted WallsDownload

By understanding these factors, you can choose the right vinyl product and application method to achieve the best results. Always remember to clean the surface, ensure it’s dry, and test the adhesion before full application.

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Signage Wall Applications

Tips for Installing High Tack Wall Films

Jun 15,2020 / By / No Comment

Wall graphics provide a great opportunity to increase your sign shop’s revenue; they’re mostly straightforward, the surfaces are relatively flat, and they are faster to apply compared to a vehicle wrap. But what about high tack wall films? Unlike other wall films, the tack of these films can create a unique set of challenges. The good news is, we are here to help with our application tips for installing high tack wall films. 

Application Tips

Use an Overlaminate

When it comes to walls, the thickness of a high tack film is your friend. Although tackiness is primarily a feature of the adhesive, increasing the film’s thickness will stiffen it. A stiffer film will help reduce pre-tack and prevent pre-stretching.

Thoroughly Clean the Surface

Although some contaminants on the surface may ease the installation process by reducing the tack of the product, you also run the risk of the film failing prematurely.

  1. Clean the surface by first brushing it dry to knock off loose dirt. Follow it up with a wash either with a sponge and soapy water for painted smooth walls or power washing for exterior textured walls. NOTE: Soap works best as a degreaser because isopropyl alcohol does not wash off oils or grease.
  2. Rinse and let the surface completely dry.
  3. For painted smooth walls, wipe the surface with a 50% water/alcohol solution with multiple and heavy passes on the top, bottom, and side edges.

Aim For The Right Surface Temperature

The ideal surface temperature is between 65°F – 90°F (18°C – 32°C). It’s essential to stay the optimal application temperature range for the best performance, but we understand that’s not always a possibility. When applying in colder climates, the risk of the film tearing or shattering is very high. One of the best ways to avoid these issues is to take your time ensuring the proper alignment; this way, you won’t have to reposition the film risking a tear or shatter.  When applying in hotter climates, timing is key. Avoid the hottest hours of the day and apply when the sun is down or in the shade.

Dry-fitting and Registration Marks

Dry-fitting refers to taping up the panels onto the wall without removing the liner. This step allows you to preview the location of each panel and adjust if necessary. Once all the adjustments are made, create registration marks with a water-soluble pencil or tape.

Identify Your Key Panel

In some cases, the first panel does not have any of the design elements to be a proper reference for the remaining panels, like a text that needs to be level with the floor. Consult the mockup to identify your key panel and apply that first. For a more in-depth look into identifying panels, read our  Basic Guide to Registering Vinyl Graphics.

Consistent Technique

Having a consistent technique will help you avoid mistakes when applying a high tack film. There are several ways to start your panel–hinge, half-moon, full liner rip, etc.–but whichever method you use, make sure to use the same method and at the same distance from the top edge one for the remaining panels.

Support the Film’s Weight

Most installers just leave the bottom half of the film hanging as they apply the top half. The problem with this approach is the film’s weight will slowly stretch it without you noticing until it’s too late. Here’s a simple setup with a tube cut in half and zip-tied onto the scissor lift:

If you dry fit your panels and made registration marks ahead of time, as mentioned in Step #4, you won’t have to worry whether the graphics down low will still be aligned as you apply the top portion.

Site survey and the Wall/Building Questionnaire

The wall itself can also hinder the application because it has special paint that makes it not receptive to adhesive. So when surveying the site, make sure you use our wall/building questionnaire to aid you in determining the correct product(s) for your project.

Using the right application tips and proper setup will help alleviate any challenges you might have when applying a high tack film. If you’re looking for the right film for your next wall wrap, we’ve got you covered from hard-to-stick surfaces like brick, stucco or concrete to flat wall applications.

Get money back on wall wraps! From now until July 31st, we’re running our Essential Rebate promotion to learn more about what product qualify in your region click the links below.

Get money back on high tack wall films! From now until July 31st, we’re running our Essential Rebate promotion

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Signage Wall Applications

Basic Guide to Application Tape

Apr 21,2020 / By / 2 Comments

Nowadays, there are endless types of application tapes on the market, and spending time deciding on which one to use can take up valuable install time.  To help you speed up the process, we’ve compiled a comprehensive basic guide with everything you need to know about application tape — from the different types to how to choose the right one for your next project.

What is Application Tape?

Application tape (app tape for short) is “a pressure-sensitive tape used to transfer cut vinyl graphics and printed films from their release liners to the application substrate.” Depending on its use, app tapes can be categorized as premask, pre-spacing tape, or transfer tape.

  • Premask – covers the entire panel of a graphic film and protects during storage, transport, and handling. It also provides extra stiffness to graphics with a liquid laminate instead of a film overlaminate.
  • Pre-spacing Tape –  used to mask cut graphics. It maintains the relative alignment and spacing between the letters and emblems within the same panel.
  • Transfer Tape – tape for heat transfer graphics commonly used for custom apparel.
Application Tape can be used to apply window graphics when using material such as Arlon's Ever Etched Cal/Cast.
Application Tape can be used to apply window graphics when using material such as Arlon’s Ever Etched Cal/Cast.

Choosing the Right Application Tape

When choosing the right application tape, these are the questions you need to ask:

Is it for pre-masking or pre-spacing?

The premask for UV-inks may be different from other ink types, as well as premasks for liquid laminated graphics vs. film overlaminates. The amount and type of liner exposed will also affect what kind of pre-spacing tape to use. For release liners with air egress, make sure to choose a tape designed to adhere to them. Etched glass films or any graphic with a textured finish require special app tapes. 

How will the graphics be stored and transported? 

Almost all tapes are okay to be stored for a  short period or transporting graphics stacked and flat. However, some graphic providers produce a large batch of graphics and will sit on the shelf for months. Make sure to choose an application tape that will not permanently bond to the graphic over time. Avoid storing the graphics in high heat or prolonged sunlight. For graphics that must be rolled for transport, choose a tape that will adhere well to exposed liners. Always roll the graphics with the masked side out and at least 6 inches in diameter.

Is the release liner easy or hard to remove?

If the graphics have a tight liner release, you may need to use a high tack tape to peel it off the liner. If the graphic is not releasing from the liner, flipping the graphic liner side up and peeling off the liner works most of the time. Always test the cut force before running a cut job and only use enough force for the film to weed well but not cut into the release liner. 

Is the application surface low surface energy or textured?

Ultimately, the graphic needs to adhere to the application surface more than the tape adhering to the graphic. So, if you use a high tack app tape, in the case with low surface energy substrates, you might peel off the graphic with the app tape. You can wait and let the adhesive build or assist the adhesion with little heat. One pro tip for paper app tapes is to spray water on its face and let it soak to 20-30 seconds to weaken the tape’s adhesive. For textured substrates, you might be better off with a low or medium tack tape because the graphic’s adhesive will not have enough surface contact to establish excellent adhesion.

Applying App Tape

Application tape is typically applied by hand. However, for large panels, we recommend using a roll-to-roll laminator or lamination table such as the Rollsroller3 or CWT4. When using these tables, make sure that the app tape is applied without tension, so the graphic remains flat and does not peel off the edges.

While It might be tempting to only have a single application tape for all your projects, it’s essential to make sure you’re choosing the right application tape for a successful install.  Make sure to consider the tape’s capability in storage, handling, and final application, not just if it will stick on your graphic. Want to learn more vinyl basics? Check out our Basic Guide to Registering Vinyl Graphics

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Wall Applications

Basic Guide to Registering Vinyl Graphics

Apr 3,2020 / By / No Comment

Registering vinyl graphics can make applying multiple panels across a large graphic laborious. The good news is, we’re here to make your life easier! Today, we’re covering the fundamentals for registering vinyl graphics from creating the perfect registration mark to removing the liner. Here is it, our Basic Guide to Registering Vinyl Graphics.

Key Terms

We have outlined key terms that you will need to know to better understand how to register vinyl graphics.

  • Bleed – excess print that is trimmed away when the film is cut to final size.
  • Substrate Size – the size of the area to be applied on a substrate.
  • Skew – the wall or substrate, is level, square, etc.
  • Overlap – the amount of film that covers the next panel.
  • Registration Point – Easily identifiable, unique shape/line along the edge of a print in the overlap.
  • Key Panel – starting panel, usually determined by key graphic element or edge of the panel.
  • Tack Point – tape or exposed adhesive that will hold the panel to the wall or substrate during registration.

Registering Vinyl Graphics 101

Registering vinyl graphics, when used in wide format printing means, to adjust to secure exact correspondence. Printed graphics are designed to fit a specific substrate, but large graphics will have multiple printed panels requiring you to register/align your graphic to a substrate before installation.  But, why is registering appropriately critical to a successful installation? If not appropriately navigated, registering panels will take longer, then applying the panel or require removal and reinstallation. Knowing how to register your graphic properly will lower application time and increase quality and efficiency.

How to Register Vinyl Graphics

Step One – Layout and lineup your graphic by each panel on a clean table or flat surface, or two panels at a time, space allowing.

Step Two – Identify three registration points on each overlapping edge of the panels, a high, middle, and a low on the panel and fit them together.

Step Three – Use tape or a Stabilo pencil to make marks near the registration point. Tape works best and can be cut with a squeegee to release and maintain marks. The tape now becomes your general registration point.

Step Four – Using a liner knife, make a single cut in the liner 3″ – 5″ (7 cm – 13 cm) below your high registration point. This should be done prior to mounting to the substrate.

Step Five – Using tape or exposed adhesive, fit your key panel to the wall or substrate right above or below your registration marks. If you use the area of the registration marks, you run the risk of removing the mark or distorting the film with the registration mark on it.

Step Six – Once the panel is fitted with no tension, release any lower tack points of the panel and pull the liner from the liner slit just under the first registration or tack point. Pull the liner tight against itself with even tension.

Step Seven – Once you have exposed 8″ – 10″ (20 cm – 25 cm) of adhesive while pulling the liner, begin application at the point of the liner slit. Work down the panel and then remove the liner and apply the upper 15-20% of the panel.

Step Eight – Remove the visible registration marks and repeat the process for each remaining panel.

As you can see, the proper registration of vinyl graphics can save you time, frustration, and increase your productivity.

Are you installing wall graphics? Before you take the above steps on vinyl graphic registration, make sure you watch our video on how to test your wall for media compatibility.

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Digital Printing Wall Applications

7 Easy Tips & Tricks for Weeding Small Letters & Decals

May 31,2019 / By / No Comment
7 Tips and Tricks - Weeding Letters and Decals

Do you know the hardest part of making small decals and letters? Weeding!

If you are not familiar with weeding, it is removing all excess material from any decal or graphics that are cut-to-shape. Weeding small letters and decals can be a difficult task, but learning how to weed small letters and decals is crucial knowledge to have in the sign industry.

Here’s a rundown of our best tips whether you’re looking to take a design to the next level or need a refresher on weeding small letter and decals follow these tips and tricks below.

1. You need the proper tools, having the right tools will make your weeding a breeze. Our technical experts agreed that the YelloHook from YelloTools is the perfect addition to any tool kit.

Man weeding letters

2. Choose the correct vinyl with a tight liner release. A firm liner release ensures that small decals stay down during weeding, and allows you to weed with greater confidence and speed. Arlon recommends all of our cut graphics, and for print, we recommend DPF 6000RP White.

3. Check on your machine; confirm that your blade is in pristine condition. Using a dull blade will lead to poorly cut decals and make the weeding process very difficult.

4. Before starting your job, perform a depth cut test. Running a cut test ensures that the vinyl cuts thoroughly and that the decal is not attached to the excess material.

Pressing a button on a weeding machine

5. Weed directly after cutting, waiting too long to weed after cutting will allow the adhesive to flow back, causing the design to lift with the excess vinyl.

6. Try your best to keep your fonts simple; try using Sans Serif fonts. The sharper the edges on a font, the longer your weeding process will be.

Hands weeding a white vinyl

7. All of these tips are important to the weeding process, but it all comes back to one thing, patience. Take your time when weeding small decals and letters, essential but straightforward, weeding is a time-consuming task that is done best when you’re taking your time.

What are your favorite tips and tricks for weeding small letters? Let us know in the comments below.

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Wall Applications

Pre-Installation Steps for Wall Vinyl Applications

Jan 12,2019 / By / 2 Comments

With ease of application and the ability to turn a plain wall into a memorable display, digital printable vinyl has become the new decorating trend for interior and exterior walls. Wall installation may seem straight forward, but wall graphics come with a unique set of challenges. Take the below pre-installation steps into account to help ensure your next wall installation is a success.

Surface Preparation

Before using a vinyl to wall compatibility test it’s important to guarantee that the surface is free of loose dirt and particles; brush off all spider webs, remove aggregate or dirt from the grout lines and wall with a broom. For interior walls, clean off all the loose dirt with a wet low-lint towel and use Isopropyl alcohol to wipe the wall down. Taking this step will make for a clean slate to conduct a compatibility test.

Pre-installation tip: Brush off all spider webs, remove aggregate or dirt from the grout lines and wall with a broom.

The Importance of a Wall/Paint Compatibility Test

There isn’t a one size fits all for wall vinyl. With hundreds of different surfaces, it’s important to conduct a site survey before deciding if the wall can be wrapped and what vinyl you need to use.

After determining that the integrity of the wall is solid, the next step is to identify the type of paint on the wall. Details to consider for this step are: Is the paint on the wall compatible with the vinyl that will be applied? How long has the paint been on the wall? How many layers of paint are there? During the application, will the vinyl peel off any paint if repositioning is needed? These are all important points to consider since most of the low or zero VOC paints or all-in-one paint and are no longer compatible with most PSA films due to the additives that are added in the paint formulation.

After the wall compatibility test you'll be ready to install.

Out Gassing the Printed Film Prior to Lamination

If the film is printed with solvent or eco-solvent based inks, allow the film to outgas for 24 hours prior to lamination and installation. Trapped solvent in the film will make the vinyl film soft making it more difficult to install. Trapped solvent will also impact the adhesive bond strength to the wall.

Using the Right Tools

For installing wall wraps we recommended using a heat gun, extension cords, cutting blades, RollePros, and an IR thermometer.

Pre-installation tip: We recommended using a heat gun, extension cords, cutting blades, RollePros, and an IR thermometer

No matter what the deadline is for a project, don’t rush; take all the pre-installation steps to ensure your next wall installation will be a success.

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