posted
hey guys i have a question (newbie related).
I did my first storefront and although everything turned out fine, i figured there MUST be a better (more efficient) way to do things.. I did some lettering that was 44" wide and 54" long just on some glass. The pre-mask we are using is the "R-Tape" (the clear stuff) and for one we hate using that tape due to the application tape rippling and bubbling in any sort of heat (any recommendations on application tape that doesn't do this?).
Well anyways, for applying the lettering we just used the hinge technique on top to get everything straight and used plain water with no soap to spray down the window and transfer to apply it. Well, it ended up taking 30 minutes before we could start very carefully removing the transfer. The adhesive on the clear R-Tape likes to "booger" up and get all nasty. Is this common with all transfers? Anyway, what would you guys recommend for applying something like this? Just a simple 1 color lettering on a huge window (really simple).. I just thought i'd check with everyone here and see what i could do to make things easier.
posted
The only time I use clear premask is when I wish to overlay colors without registration marks. Other than that, it collects dust. I don't care for it myself. I find the adhesive way too aggressive for my liking. I'd suggest just use regular paper type premask.
I don't recommend applying wet graphics to glass, but I know there are those that do it successfully. Water doesn't allow for quick adhesion. You need something with abit of alchohol in the mix to encourage quick setting. Rapid Tack II comes to mind. (there ya go Roger!)
Another tip for applying to glass; carry one roll of low tack premask. It removes much easier than medium tack and chances are will be more successful in leaving your graphics ON your substrate as opposed to pulling them back off again.
Trial and error are the best lessons and we all go through it. Best of luck on your next application!
posted
The biggest problem that ocurs on "glass applications" is contamination !!
Even if the glass was not contaminated when the job begins, most folks clean it with things that contaminate it.
ONLY use "cheap paper towells" if you use the "lint free static free" or the "super absorbant" type, these have CHEMICALS added(just what you need to contaminate the glass).
Don't use paint solvents to clean with(petrolium contamination)
Don't use "window cleaners" (amonia or silicone ) contamination.
Use something that was designed (not only to float and posistion vinyl) but to CLEAN THE SURFACE before application.
Nuf said.
Roger(tired after striping and applying large vinyl to 65 foot catamaran)
------------------ Roger Bailey Rapid Tac Incorporated Waikoloa, Hawaii
posted
Roger probably has his information correct about the chemicals on glass, but I have never had any problems cleaning the glass with a foaming type windex spray. ( the prof. stuff ).
Then I would apply dry, I absolutely despise a wet application on glass. BUT If I do, I use rapid tac II. It dries much faster on glass than Rapid Tac 1.
Also I don't use the clear tape for anything other than sign gold.
If it HAS to be wet that I use transfer-rite, it doesn't " booger " nearly as much.
And last but not least, fill in your signature line John, we like to know who we are talking to and where you are from.
Good Luck
------------------ Bob Rochon Creative Signworks Millbury, MA bob@creativesignworks.com
"Some people's kids"
[This message has been edited by Bob Rochon (edited June 04, 2001).]
Posts: 5149 | From: Millbury, Mass. U.S. | Registered: Nov 1998
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