I have been using Rapid Prep for a cleaner and am having an issue. I have been using 409 Cleaner or Simple Green to clean the initial surface (get the dirt off first) then go over it with the Rapid Prep, buff it clean, ready to apply vinyl. So when I tape the letteing in place the tape won't stick! So buff somemore, still an invisible film on the surface and the tape won't stick! What do you use to clean the surface? I read on the board that alchol isn't the best either. So what should I use to get the film off? I have tried, alchol, wax and grease remover, simple green, 409, nothing seems to take it off. I buff and buff and buff then it will get some of it off. It is invisible you can't see it to get it off! Please any suggesitons with this will help me greatly.
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
what is it.........your cleaning and taping???
Posted by Curt Stenz (Member # 82) on :
If you are dealing with a surface that has silicone on it, you must constantly use clean rags. I use the cheapest paper towels I can find as these are usually just paper fibers. The expensive ones many times have additives to make them absorb or smell nice, etc.
If silicone is present, buffing the surface may actually make it worse by spreading it around.
Also you might try enamel reducer, but be careful and do a test spot.
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Rob, after cleaning with Rapid Prep, I recommend going back over it with Rapid Tac.
I could be wrong but it seems to me it was recommended to to neutralize Rapid Prep with Rapid Tac before installing any vinyl graphics.
Posted by Rob Lenz (Member # 2994) on :
Thanks Glen, that is what it says on the label. I wanted to avoid having to purchase more product. I thought that there would be another solution. I e-mail Rapid but they of course want to sell more products so they haven't responded.
Posted by Bill Reusch (Member # 8028) on :
Maybe its your tape.
Posted by Rob Lenz (Member # 2994) on :
Bill yes that is part of the problem. So I switch to 3 different kinds of tape and still have the same problem.
Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :
I've had a similar problem with tape on aluminum composite material.
You might want to contact Roger Bailey at the manufacturer.(Rapid Prep)
One of the problems, I believe, is that some of the new aluminum composites have a white coating that is called PVDF, some type of acrylic finish, that's very slick. And, a lady at my supplier told me these panels were originally designed for the building industry, and the coating was used, so that "nothing would stick to it."...like tree sap, bird poopie, etc.....
Historically, a lot of our materials (like MDO and these various sheet products) were intended for other industries, and wound up with ours......
[ February 11, 2016, 03:42 PM: Message edited by: Dale Feicke ]
Posted by Rodger MacMunn (Member # 4316) on :
What Glen Taylor said. Rapid Prep is good for lots of things, but it does need Rapid Tac to clean it off before sticking vinyl down. One thing it is really good for ......... if you're using Gorilla Glue & you get some on your hands , spray it with RapidPrep immediately & wipe it off. Your hands won't look like you've been husking walnuts..... It's also good for cleaning acrylic paints out of your brushes, & I drop my airbrush parts in it too, for cleaning.
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Rob, have you tried the green masking tape? The brand here is called "Frog Tape". It seems to be a little more aggressive.
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Don't be afraid to buy a little more product. I find Rapid Tac indispensable. It can't be beat for: Cold weather vinyl application Registering a second layer of vinyl Loosening transfer tape on delicate installs Neutralizing Rapid Remover Final cleanup before applying vinyl
Posted by Rob Lenz (Member # 2994) on :
Glen, No I haven't I will get some. I looked at it but it seemed like it was similar to 3M blue painters tape. Which I use to mount the laminate in the shop. I think it is a paper base so I didn't think it would be strong enough.
Dave, I will order it and give it a try, thanks.
Posted by Don Hulsey (Member # 128) on :
RapidTac will solve the problem. RapidPrep is a cleaner, and (not as strong as Remover} also weakens adhesive. You can rinse with water, but it takes several rinses, and dries a lot slower. RapidTac is designed to neutralize the Prep, and enhance adhesion.
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
I have to agree with everyone who advised following the "Rapid product" steps. They work, when used the way they recommend.
There are all kinds of products that might work for one purpose or the other, but Rapid products, when used together, in the right order, always seem to work the best for applying vinyl.
I don't know what the current price is for a gallon of Rapid Tac, but whatever it is...It's worth it!!!!
Don't cheap out on products that make the job easier and prevent future failures!!!
Posted by George Perkins (Member # 156) on :
I can add this, I don't do vinyl but have been using Rapid Prep as a wax and grease remover for about twenty years and have never had any problems. One place you can save a few bucks is to quit using the 409. Rapid Prep is a far superior cleaner.Unlike the petroleum based wax removers, it gets the dirt too. There are many times when Denise is cleaning something and 409, windex or any of the regular cleaners is struggling, she will get the Rapid Prep out of the ruck and bam, the stain or whatever is gone. I realize 409 is cheaper than Rapid Prep but it's a start.
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So buff somemore, still an invisible film on the surface and the tape won't stick! What do you use to clean the surface? I read on the board that alchol isn't the best either. So what should I use to get the film off? I have tried, alchol, wax and grease remover, simple green, 409, nothing seems to take it off. I buff and buff and buff then it will get some of it off. It is invisible you can't see it to get it off! Please any suggesitons with this will help me greatly.