i'm bidding a bunch of parking lot signs (30 of them). its all pretty straightforward - white reflective type on green reflective background. is there anything special i should know about the reflective vinyls before i bid the job? is it harder to work with, take longer to install, etc, etc, or should i just figure it as basic vinyl job (plus the additional cost of material)?
also, does it matter which brand i use? they all seem to conform to the same federal standards. i was going to use the Calon version because PSS stocks it, but i dont want to stick myself into a corner.
Posted by Warren Furuya (Member # 1382) on :
Hey, ScooterX!
Reflective vinyl is thick, so set your plotter to cut accordingly. (check your plotter specs) Also, when ready to apply, consider this. If you're confident, dry app. is faster. But you get one shot at positioning. If you try to lift up, you'll delaminate the reflective from the adhesive layer and leave a dark spot! Wet app. is slower, but easier for beginners.
Hey, are these all identical? If so, you might consider screenprinting, using transparent ink. Much less in material cost, if you've got the set-up for it.
Aloha, Warren F., dba Ad Signs
Posted by Robert Davis (Member # 1641) on :
We do alot of street signs. Try to buy the .080 with the green already on. This way all you have to do is the white. Add the price of a extra blade into the job, they dont last to long with this stuff.
Posted by Bill Preston (Member # 1314) on :
Hi, Scooter,
Watch the wet application bit------ some if not all the companies don't recommend it with reflective. Also, you will most likely have to change your plotter blade to one with a steeper angle than whatever you usually use. My Ioline calls for a 30 degree blade for the cast stuff, 45 for for calendered, and 60 for reflective, and heavier pressure. Good luck.
Posted by Howard Keiper (Member # 1250) on :
Scooter... For a parking lot you probably don't have to worry about fed or state standards...but you will want to use the industry standard "engineering" grade for max life, reflectivity and reasonable price. Graphtec recommends a heavy duty (CB-15U, 45 degree) blade. Expect to wear it out. hk
Posted by Bill Cosharek (Member # 1274) on :
Be extremely careful when weeding the white. That particular color seems to be more brittle than the rest & can easily tear into a letter where you didn't want it to.
Posted by Carl Wood (Member # 1223) on :
Only thing I might add is to slow your plotter down. . .I hate that stuff....it is a bee otch to weed as well...oh yea- - -don't try the wet application thing at all - - -U will waste mucho dollars in reflective real fast - - -Good Luck, Carl
Posted by roger bailey (Member # 556) on :
Hey Scooter, don't be afraid, we made Rapid Tac II so it will work with "even reflectives".
Want to try it, so you can show these old cats up? call 800-350-7751 for samples !!
Roger
Posted by Ian Wilson (Member # 177) on :
Scooter I do miles and miles of the rotten stuff as the others have said heavier pressure 60 degree blade do not prick bubbles or it will delaminate do not use class 1 reflective unless you have to and if you do and need coloured letters on a white background use the transparents over it that are available much easier on your machine and your nerves get it right first time no second chances rips real easy and rotten stuff to get off. My roland hates it and use slower cutter speed.
Posted by Mark Matyjakowski (Member # 294) on :
Another way would be to cover the panels with white reflective and reverse cut a transparent green vinyl.
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
Scooter, I cut it all the time for one of my biggest clients:
They don't recommend wet application but I do it all the time with absolutely no problems.
The stuff is a bit of a pain to weed.
It adheres tenaciously.
Posted by ScooterX (Member # 2023) on :
thanks guys! sounds like i should figure in the cost of a new blade and allow myself an extra 50% production time (since it will be lots of little letters).
i'll also do a sample of the transparent over reflective and see if they'll go for it.
