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Merry Christmas, everyone. When applying 2 layers of vinyl to a vehicle, I always encounter a serious number of bubbles along the outline edge of the 2 layers. I work at getting them out, but they seem to get (look)worse the more I work on them. 1) Is there a way to reduce the opportunity for the bubbles to form? and 2) Is there an effective way of removing most of the bubbles? I use premium vinyl and dry application. Whenever I take on vehicle lettering, the time I spend trying to eliminate bubbles reduces my profit considerably.
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I apply with Rapid Tac or Rapid Tac 2 whenever applying layers. Really cuts down on bubblage. Love....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Dry application is the culprit, Jack. Don't do that!
Email Roger at roger@rapidtac.com . I'm sure he'll set you up with some small spray bottles of his application fluids to try out. He should rename the stuff "No More Bubbles".
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It sounds to me like you’re putting the two layers together before applying them to the vehicle…I think you’ll get bubbles that way wet or dry…95% of my ap’s are dry with very few bubble troubles.
The best way to do layers…apply them one at a time on the vehicle.
Jeff
-------------------- Jeff's Lettering Lisa,Luke,Dara, and Jeff Spradling 5742 Shattuck Rd. Belvidere, Il. 61008 815-544-0167
Surviving another day. Posts: 626 | From: Belvidere, IL USA | Registered: Jul 2000
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I'm with Jeff...Apply dry whenever possible and NEVER pre assemble 2 or more layers of vinyl. Apply each layer on the job individually. You bubble problem will dissappear.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
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I like to wrap a paper towel around the edge of my sgueegee then it can compress and expand to hit the lower layer of vinyl, forcing the bubbles out.
A felt squeegee for digital prints might work the same.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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Thanks, everyone. Yes, I did pre-assemble the graphics - something I won't do again! Once I got the vehicle outside, the problem did not look near as bad and my customer didn't complain about it; sometimes I think I try to be too perfect when working with vinyl. Thanks again, I appreciate all of your advice.
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