posted
I have a client that wants a bulk propane storage tank lettered with his company name. The tank is 65' long by 9' in diameter. It is painted, but the finish is a little rough. I wouldn't hesitate to put vinyl on the finish, were it in a different application. I am wondering if any of you have had experience putting vinyl on propane tanks and if there are any problems, if it is something to stay away from, or if there are any major do's and don'ts. We have a cold climate here in the winter, if that's a factor in the equation.
-------------------- Patrick Wedel North Country Signs Barron, Wisconsin Posts: 72 | From: Barron, WI | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Patrick, I've put vinyl on a large propane tank before, with a very similar surface. The paint on it was rough, kinda grainy. The letters were almost 4' tall.. (2 - 24" runs segmented) We used Rapid-Tac to clean the surface, then applied it dry. It was a fairly warm day, probably in the 80's, the way I remember. Had to be careful pulling the pre-mask off, it wanted to lift the vinyl occasionally, but it seemed to adher very well after it baked on in the sun. It's been about 6 years and it still looks fine on the tank.
I would recommend high-po vinyl fo sho.
(And in advance for all those who will reply: JUST PAINT IT. That job took me about a half of day to complete, including cutting the vinyl and everything. I made very good money on it, and today I PROMISE you, it looks better than paint would after 6 years..)
-------------------- Jon Jantz Snappysign.com jjantz21@gmail.com http://www.allcw.com Posts: 3395 | From: Atmore, AL | Registered: Nov 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Ditto to everything Jon just said. Painted the same tank several years ago and did this it this time with vinyl in a fraction of the time. More profit despite the higher material costs.
posted
Thanks. I did a larger propane tank a number of years ago, and didn't have a problem then. But, it seems like the customer is always concerned. "Will it work?" "The tank sweats." "We need to get it on while its good and hot." And a fella gets to wondering.........maybe it was just dumb luck the first time.
-------------------- Patrick Wedel North Country Signs Barron, Wisconsin Posts: 72 | From: Barron, WI | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Do NOT use any heat guns or torches to set the vinyl! (I have seen this done on transport trucks)
Mid afternoon on a hot sunny day will minimize the condensation. I like to use Lacquer thinner to soften the paint and help with adhesion.
Vinyl??? it is how the majority of all propane cylinders are labeled, trucks, and bulk tanks.
Posts: 724 | From: Florissant, CO | Registered: Dec 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
I have done over 20 propane tanks in the last 15 years with 5 foot high lettering and 25 feet long. I try to do it on a very warm day because the tank is always cold. Clean it well, apply the vinyl, and force the vinyl down into the craters. Haven't had a re-do yet
posted
And in advance for all those who will reply: JUST PAINT IT. That job took me about a half of day to complete, including cutting the vinyl and everything. I made very good money on it, and today I PROMISE you, it looks better than paint would after 6 years..) i coudla done it in the same time WITH PAINT....and dependin on where the sun hits it...6 years it would still be good....
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Yeah, like back in 1978. Nowadays, it'd take you longer to get the ladders out of the truck than it took me to apply the vinyl... hehehe.
my legs dont work as well....but my hand can still PAINT FASTER...THEN YOU CAN DO VINYL.... nice graphic......)))))))))))))))))))
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Same here Jamie... back in time i operated a small trim line and used to install for the t/l out of toronto.. a national propane co... wash and install.. reflective red... still there...
-------------------- Del Badry philmdesign Sylvan Lake, Alberta Posts: 636 | From: Sylvan Lake, Alberta | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
i can get all that needs done from noon to 5 pm.....))))))))))))))))
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
The real question is, will it withstand the below zero "sweating". Check the Canada posts.
Propane tanks do sweat in the winter when it drops below zero. I would try to concentrate the lettering on the upper half of the tank if possible. A good high performance installed before freezing should work. Be carefull & good luck.
-------------------- Michael R. Bendel Bendel Sign Co,. Inc. Sauk Rapids, MN Posts: 913 | From: Sauk Rapids, MN | Registered: Jul 2005
| IP: Logged |
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
(I have seen this done on transport trucks)
![[Rolling On The Floor]](graemlins/rolf.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic