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Just got an e-mail from a previous customer asking if I could add registration numbers and a name to his inflatable Zodiac dingy. I have done literally hundreds of sailboats but have never been asked to work on one of these inflatables.
Does anyone have any comments or experiences regarding applying vinyl to one of these things?
I WOULD be using 2 mil cast, and of course would be cleaning it properly.
I am concerned about how the actual sufrace will accept vinyl and whether inflating/deflating will affect durability.
Thanks in advance.
------------------ Dave Grundy AKA "applicator" on mIRC "stickin' sticky stuff to valuable vessels and vehicles!" in Granton, Ontario, Canada 1-519-225-2634 dave.grundy@quadro.net www.quadro.net/~shirley
You are correct that inflating and deflating, and the resulting expansion and contraction of the material would cause problems with vinyl. You would be better off using a paint mask and vinyl silk screen ink, assuming the boat is vinyl. If it is Hypalon, like is used on Zodiacs, you would want to use a rubberized ink like is used on football jerseys.
------------------ Jerry Mathel Jerry Mathel Signs Grants Pass, Oregon signs@grantspass.com
Posts: 916 | From: Grants Pass, OR USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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Dave, I've been using Gerber instachange to cut masks for a local marina this year. They have been painting the numbers with vinyl spray paint for repainting vinyl auto tops. So far, 3 months now, everything has been fine. I wouldn't trust anything with adhesive to stay on these because of the plasticer migration.
------------------ Bill Modzel Mod-Zel screen Printing Traverse city, MI modz@traverse.com
Posts: 1357 | From: Traverse City, MI | Registered: Nov 1998
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I lettered my brother's Zodiac at least 4 years ago and it's weathered the Maine weather and waves fine since then. We just made sure the surface was very clean and applied the HP vinyl as normal. He never actually deflates it though, so I can't speak to that issue.
------------------ Alan Dearborn Dearborn Graphics Rye, NH USA alan@dearborngraphics.com
I think Dave is just trying to find a way to get to Mexico cheaper next January!!!!!
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Seriously, I have never tried anything on one of these vessals, but I agree on the folding/inflating/deflating. I think it may work loose, but hey, I've been wrong before and will agian!!!
------------------ Troy Haas "Metal_Leg" on mIRC
SAM Signs "At old Hose House No. 8" 931 W. Columbia street Evansville,Indiana 47710 812-437-5367 Home of the: "Brush Fire at the Hose House" Letterhead Meet April 27-29th,2001
"Chaos, panic, disorder - my work here is done."
Posts: 1100 | From: Evansville,Indiana, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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If the Zodiac is anything like my mother's AIRE Inflatable Kayak, it has an internal bladder that gets inflated and the exterior surface of the boat doesnt actually expand or contract at all.
The AIRE IK has a very smooth and glossy surface so vinyl sticks exrtemely well..
the only problem is my mother is a whitewater freak so the decals dont hold up so well when dragged over rocks in the wild Colorado River. =)
------------------ Mike Pipes Digital Illusion Custom Graphics Lake Havasu City, AZ http://www.stickerpimp.com
Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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We have done one Zodiac that is never deflated. The premium vinyl has held up for over two years so far. The client says the lettering still looks good.
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