Maybe this is not the proper way to apply vinyl, but I tried using a J roller once and it worked pretty good, no bubbles and it went alot faster. Just wondering if I'm crazy (or wrong) for doing it this way.
Your Thoughts,
Tony B
Posted by jmathel (Member # 526) on :
Hi Tony,
If you're using a paint roller, you're probably not getting enough pressure to properly activate the vinyl adhesive, but something like a printer's brayer will work just fine. I especially like using a printer's roller on banners for a final "roll down" after the transfer tape is removed. No scratches.
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Hey Tony B....
I have used a J roller for putting down sandblast mask but I never thought about using it for vinyl.
I am going to have to try that. It sounds interesting. Thanks for the idea!
Have a great one!
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
my ol'buddy Wayde had a 18 inch soft urethane roller that he made, and would "steam roller" the vinyl! Never had any bubbles!
Posted by AdrienneMorgan (Member # 1046) on :
Unless your using the ... Boone's Power Roller 3000 (patent pending)
Get's the work done in half the time!
A
[ September 30, 2001: Message edited by: AdrienneMorgan ]
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
Adrienne...where is the OSHA mandated safety harness? Posted by AdrienneMorgan (Member # 1046) on :
I consulted with the manufacturer on this Si..he says it's in the works....
He's taking orders though if anyone's interested....
Email Michael Boone
hehe
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
I actually have a roller made for rolling vinyl. I ordered it from the back of one of my vinyl charts, probably the sparcal one.
I use it to burnish 4-6" reflective stripes applied to firetrucks with RapidTac. I don't premask them first. Absolutely no scratches on the vinyl surface and if you apply enough pressure, generally no trapped fluid either.
A place I use to work at many moons ago used the roller for applying transfer tape onto the decal itself, never squeegees.
Posted by Bruce Williams (Member # 691) on :
My vinyl roller is 3" wide, 1½ diameter, with 10-inch handle, made by Spartan Plastics of Holt MI. Usually works better than a squeegee for dry application. For wet, use a squeegee.
Bruce Williams Lexington KY
Posted by Tony B (Member # 935) on :
I have the 3" one and apply it dry. Works for me, I use it for applying transfer tape as well.
Tony B
Posted by Kent Smith (Member # 251) on :
The rollers I have that I like the best are heavy duty and originally made for linoleum block printing. Good price too at the art store.
Posted by Kevin Smith (Member # 1667) on :
GDAY The only thing for applying reflective material
Kevin Smith Signs Mudgee NSW Australia
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
Have been using the SpeedBall rollers for over 20 years to apply vinyl work, Large or Small.
Solid block decals applied first with it to insure no trapped bubbles under it and a quick once over with the Sqeegee to set the adhevises.
Worked on 4x8' panels and larger. Great tool to us when doing setting up mulity layer work before going to the job sight to apply as a single piece.
Always dry application but some enjoy using wet to achieve the same effect.
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
I used to use a J roller for sandblast resist until I bought a speed press for laying down masking vinyl on basketball courts. The roller they have in the kit is great. I'm sure you can buy it seperatly. Good sturdy ball bearings and a nice spot to bear down with 2 hands if you need to. My J roller is gathering dust since I got the Speed Press version.
Sound like it would work great on banners too. I'm going to try it on HP vinyl now.
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
I picked up a 6" roller from Dick Blick about a year ago. I think it's a SpeedBall roller, not sure but it works pretty well.
Posted by AdrienneMorgan (Member # 1046) on :
I never thought of using a roller to apply vinyl...but I suppose you don't mean the kinda roller I use on windows so ya?
OK, Mike I got a speedball roller...or it a 'brayer'? Just how do you use it to apply? And is that just geting the vinyl smoothed out, do you then squeegee like normal after?
Let's see a step by step here!
A
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
A, yep I use it just for getting stuff smoothed out whether it's just the app tape over the vinyl when assembling the stuff or applying the vinyl to the surface.
I still use the squeegee afterwards because you need that sharp edge to break the adhesive capsules on the vinyl.
