Cold Weather Installation

Mar 12,2018 / By Arlon Graphics LLC / No Comment

Why does cold weather make cast vinyl difficult to install?

The winter months and colder temperatures create a multitude of problems for vinyl installers. Therefore it is important that we explain some of the physical characteristics of both the film and the substrate that are affected by these colder temperatures.

So what are the most common obstacles encountered during a cold weather installation?

The vinyl can feel “stiff”’ and lose its ability to be easily conformed around curves and into recesses
The adhesive can lose a great deal of its tack and won’t bond securely to the substrate’s surface.
The ultimate bond level of the adhesive can take longer to be achieved.
Condensation can form between the vinyl and the substrate, further impairing the bond level of the adhesive.

How can we overcome the effects of cold temperatures?

This is the eternal question that faces all manufacturers of vinyl films. The simple answer is to increase the ambient temperature of the installation environment, substrate, and vinyl. Only then will the film perform as we expect it to. So how is this achieved in cold weather installation?

A successful cold weather installation is more than achievable by following a few simple tips. This fleet vehicle is wrapped in DPF 6100XLP. (Wrapped by Elite Wraps UK)

The Installation Environment

The recommended ambient temperature of the installation area is between 59F – 95F (15C – 36C). Temperatures below this cause the film to become ‘stiff’ or ‘brittle’. Colder temperatures cause the plasticizers in the film to lose their elasticity. It is crucial that the temperature of the environment rises to the recommended levels. The vinyl will then regain its flexible characteristics. These temperature parameters also apply to the substrate. This may mean receiving the vehicle earlier. This will allow the surface temperature to assimilate with the environment. This will help prevent condensation, which will impair the adhesive bond. Placing IR or gas heaters around the vehicle can raise the ambient temperature of the installation area.

Warming the Substrate

Increasing the substrate temperature will also improve the bond between vinyl and surface. When the adhesive is cold, it remains hard and loses an amount of its initial tack. Then, the whetting out process is unable to occur. “Whetting out” refers to the effect of squeegee pressure and temperature, relative to the adhesive. Pressure softens the adhesive allowing it to flow and starts the process of bonding to a high level, and cold temperatures have a huge effect on this process. The low temperatures prevent the adhesive from activating effectively. Adding more squeegee pressure can also improve the adhesive bond during colder weather.

Vinyl and Adhesive

Increasing the temperature of the substrate, environment, and vinyl lessens the time the film needs to firmly adhere to the vehicle. There is no shortcut to this process. By increasing the temperature as explained above, the vinyl will be soft enough to manipulate around curves and recesses. The adhesive will be able to ‘wet out’ effectively. Post heating the entire vehicle will undoubtedly add time to the installation. But it will also ensure that the vinyl is adhering correctly.

Have you tried cold weather installation?

You have the power to conquer any installation, especially when you have control over your installation environment. What is your experience with cold weather installation? Tell us about your cold weather installation challenges in the comments!

Events

A Roadshow Done Right

Jun 30,2017 / By Arlon Graphics LLC / No Comment

One country, four cities, and over 200 attendees in total. Arlon’s Latin America sales and technical experts hit the road this Spring to co-host an Arlon Training Roadshow with Tubelite De Mexico. Each events objective was to showcase the latest from Arlon’s product portfolio and to offer hands-on training. These roadshows were the talk of the town! Unveiling Arlon’s new game-changing cast wrap product, SLX™ Cast Wrap with FLITE Technology™, was definitely the highlight. Each attendee experienced the benefits of SLX Cast Wrap; seeing how this product could help in reducing labor time with one installer and having superior repositionability.

Manufacturing

The Differences Between Monomeric and Polymeric Calendered Film

Jun 1,2017 / By Chuck Bules - Lean Manager / No Comment

Are you unsure of what type of calendered film to use for different types of projects? Have you ever asked yourself, “which film should I use, monomeric or polymeric?”

If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, keep reading. By the end of this article you will have a clear understanding of calendered film. Additionally, you will also know when to use each type.

The Calendering Process

We make calendered films through a “melt” process. First, we melt PVC (Poly-Vinyl-Chloride) resin, plasticizer and colorant together. As they cool, we roll the molten PVC through calendering rollers. This creates the final width, thickness, and surface finish of the film. Finally, we wind up the calendered film for further processing.

Digital Printing

The Importance of Printer Maintenance

Oct 13,2016 / By Chi Chan - Technical Service Engineer / 3 Comments

All machines should receive proper care and maintenance to prevent issues or mechanical failures. Similar practices apply to large format printers to ensure the longevity of the machine. Regular printer maintenance can also increase productivity and allow for consistent, high-quality prints.
Printer maintenance is very important!

Digital Printing

Installing Exterior Wall Graphics

Aug 16,2016 / By Louie Calma - Technical Specialist - Automotive / No Comment

Things To Consider

Printed graphics on walls are a great way to transform a plain blockade to an exciting, money-making and eye-catching display. Additionally, installing exterior wall graphics are still the best way to express creativity and generate another means of promotion.

Compared to interior walls, exterior walls present more challenges when it comes to the product selection and application techniques. For example, exterior walls can be made out of concrete, bricks or cinder blocks with finishes ranging from smooth to extremely textured. With this in mind, take note if the surface is primed, painted, sealed or has no coating at all.

Relatively smooth exterior walls can share the same installation procedure as interior walls, but what about textured walls? We’ll explore how to apply printed graphics on exterior cinder block walls.

Digital Printing

5 Key Factors When Selecting a Banner Substrate

Apr 8,2016 / By Stephanie Kline - Product Manager, Banner / 1 Comment

5 Key Factors When Selecting Banner Substrate

Banner is considered the bread and butter of a sign shop. There is a wide selection of banner in the market that can make your choice overwhelming depending on what the job requires. Let’s take a look at five key factors of banner substrate that should be considered and what types of questions you should ask yourself when making a decision about which banner substrate to select.

Digital Printing

Removing Adhesive Build-Up From Your Printer – Arlon DPF 8000

Mar 18,2016 / By Arlon Graphics LLC / No Comment

For additional inquiries, please contact Arlon Technical Services at 1-877-275-6698.

Digital Printing

Proper Ways to Store Your Vinyl

Aug 25,2015 / By Chuck Bules - Lean Manager / 3 Comments

When it comes to storing vinyl there are a few things to keep in mind that will prove to be the difference between being able to use that roll of film you have been saving for a job “just this size” or throwing it away in frustration.

Digital Printing

Choosing the Right Overlaminate – Made Easy!

Jul 30,2015 / By Arlon Graphics LLC / No Comment

Have you ever wondered how to choose the right overlaminate for your large-scale graphic application? Did you know that the right overlaminate will increase the life of your graphics as much as 50%? Overlaminates are just as important as the vinyl choice itself.

How to Choose an Overlaminate

Here is a brief explanation of the considerations that need to be made when choosing which overlaminate you are going to purchase.

Digital Printing

The Importance of Overlaminates

Jul 8,2015 / By Chad Russell - Director of Sales / 4 Comments

In the world of digital graphics, emphasis is often placed on selecting the correct media for each application type. Picking the right media can be crucial to meeting your customers’ expectations. Choosing to add an overlaminate is just as important. There are a number of reasons why using an overlaminate film is beneficial to a pressure-sensitive printed vinyl graphic.

The Importance of an Overlaminate

Why does cold weather make cast vinyl difficult to install?

How can we overcome the effects of cold temperatures?

The Installation Environment

Warming the Substrate

Vinyl and Adhesive

Have you tried cold weather installation?

Share This:

Share This:

The Calendering Process

Share This:

Share This:

Things To Consider

Share This:

Share This:

Share This:

Share This:

How to Choose an Overlaminate

Share This:

Share This: