posted
Well, since it got down to +9 f this last week, I stated to get concerned withour auto graphics. Last year, we had a certain percentage of autos come back due to peeling. Many were windows that have their own set of concerns and are unpredictable but, I am wanting to know "your" procedure (if you live in a friggin freezing cold atmosphere like us in Calgary, Canada) for auto graphics. I tell the customer that we prefer to apply the graphics and leave the vehicle inside our bay overnight (or apply in the morning and pickup at end of day) for warming/setting up time (getting the vinyl used to its new substrate) before sending it out into +9 to -40f weather. Now, if we have a small auto graphic (2 doors or such)that will onyl take 15-30 minutes to apply, should we still tell the customer to leave it for the day? Just wondering if the vinyl will hold up if we send it out a hald hour later. I dread "educating" the customer that knows how long it will take to apply, that the cold temps will effect the finished product if we send it out too early.
Id there a proper set up time for applying in colder temps?
posted
I don't know if it's the 'textbook' way to do it, but on several occasions with small jobs, I've gone out with a heat gun and warmed up the doors or sides.....and then applied the lettering. Just do one side at a time. Put them on while they're still good and warm.
I'm not aware of any problems doing it like that.
I wouldn't do ANY lettering when it's 9 degrees, but in the 40's+ you should be OK.
-------------------- Dale Feicke Grafix 714 East St. Mendenhall, MS 39114
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Posts: 2963 | From: Mendenhall, MS | Registered: Apr 1999
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posted
Corey, Rapid Tac 2 is the answer to your problem. I'd suggest that you check out their instructional videos, particularly the one on cold weather application. They also happen to be a supporting merchant here, and their products do work, when used as directed. http://www.rapidtac.com/
-------------------- Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail: kjmlhenry@rogers.com
Why do I get all those on-line offers to sell me Viagara, when the only thing hardening is my arteries ? Posts: 2684 | From: London,Ontario, Canada | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted
And..... I would like to present to you.... an expert in the field of making vinyl stick..... a Letterhead merchant who's never afraid to speak his mind..... the ONNNE and ONNNLY.... MMMMMMISTER RRRROGER BAAAAILEY.....
<Go ahead, sir....>
-------------------- Jon Jantz Snappysign.com jjantz21@gmail.com http://www.allcw.com Posts: 3395 | From: Atmore, AL | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
I don't have an enclosed shop big enough to drive trucks into so I do all of my decaling outside. I just finished decaling 2 pick-up trucks outdoors with the temp at 7 degrees Celcius, about 40 degrees F, and based on a zero return rate after 10 years in the business I am confident that the vinyl will continue to adhere without complaint. I use only high performance cast vinyl. I ensure the surface is very, very clean using soap and water, then Rapid Prep (uh oh here's another plug for Roger!) and then Rapid Tack. I dry apply my vinyl so I don't use Rapid Tac II. If it is really cold, I will stand a propane heater next to the vehicle for a short while to take the chill off. I then apply the vinyl as usual - no magic potents or formulas. I tell my customer not to wash the vehicle for at least a week to ensure the adhesive has time to fully bond (vinyl adhesive takes a minimum 24 hours to bond in cold temps). This is probably not textbook either, but it works for me and, touch wood, no failures yet.
posted
Jack How long are you in business? I visited a shop in Penticton years ago on the main drag there... my Brother lived there for about 25 years.. Art was his name.. he passed away in Feb, here in St. John's.
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
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Jack How long are you in business? I visited a shop in Penticton years ago on the main drag there... my Brother lived there for about 25 years.. Art was his name.. he passed away in Feb, here in St. John's.
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
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posted
Thanks for the reponses. I was just wanting that "peace of mind". We use only Avery Premium in computer cut vinyl and Avery premium/ 3M Comply for prints. We clean the vehicle, rapid tac the vehicle and tell the customer to not wash it for 48 hours in colder temps. Have not used the Rapid Prep. Roger, can you set me up with a sample? Ah, doesn't look like he has seen this post yet. I will send him an e-mail. You still in Hawaii Roger?
posted
Here is how I do it! It works great!! Just don't stand directly in front of it very long, your back will catch on fire!!
-------------------- Tony Vickio The World Famous Vickio Signs 3364 Rt.329 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 t30v@vickiosigns.com 607-535-6241 http://www.vickiosigns.com Posts: 1063 | From: Watkins Glen, New York | Registered: Sep 2001
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posted
Yeah Corey, I'm with Dale, heat the section before AND after. Yes, even with small door decals I always tell the customer to leave it here if possible or put it in their own garage if they have one. We just cut a huge pile of air release cast vinyl decals for a company who wants to do their own installs. It's freezing cold here right now so I went as far as sticking a pen in the plotter and writing "warning - apply in heated space" tags on the transfer tape, cuz you never know. It's very important to keep things dry in good ol' Canada.
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