posted
Maybe this is not the proper way to apply vinyl, but I tried using a J roller once and it worked pretty good, no bubbles and it went alot faster. Just wondering if I'm crazy (or wrong) for doing it this way.
Your Thoughts,
Tony B
-------------------- Tony Broussard Graphic Details Digital Media Loreauville, LA
If you're using a paint roller, you're probably not getting enough pressure to properly activate the vinyl adhesive, but something like a printer's brayer will work just fine. I especially like using a printer's roller on banners for a final "roll down" after the transfer tape is removed. No scratches.
-------------------- Jerry Mathel Retired Grants Pass, Oregon signs@grantspass.com
Posts: 916 | From: Grants Pass, OR USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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posted
I actually have a roller made for rolling vinyl. I ordered it from the back of one of my vinyl charts, probably the sparcal one.
I use it to burnish 4-6" reflective stripes applied to firetrucks with RapidTac. I don't premask them first. Absolutely no scratches on the vinyl surface and if you apply enough pressure, generally no trapped fluid either.
A place I use to work at many moons ago used the roller for applying transfer tape onto the decal itself, never squeegees.
posted
My vinyl roller is 3" wide, 1½ diameter, with 10-inch handle, made by Spartan Plastics of Holt MI. Usually works better than a squeegee for dry application. For wet, use a squeegee.
Bruce Williams Lexington KY
Posts: 945 | From: Lexington, KY, USA | Registered: Mar 1999
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posted
The rollers I have that I like the best are heavy duty and originally made for linoleum block printing. Good price too at the art store.
-------------------- Kent Smith Smith Sign Studio P.O.Box 2385, Estes Park, CO 80517-2385 kent@smithsignstudio.com Posts: 1025 | From: Estes Park, CO | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I used to use a J roller for sandblast resist until I bought a speed press for laying down masking vinyl on basketball courts. The roller they have in the kit is great. I'm sure you can buy it seperatly. Good sturdy ball bearings and a nice spot to bear down with 2 hands if you need to. My J roller is gathering dust since I got the Speed Press version.
Sound like it would work great on banners too. I'm going to try it on HP vinyl now.
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net
Posts: 5397 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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posted
I never thought of using a roller to apply vinyl...but I suppose you don't mean the kinda roller I use on windows so ya?
OK, Mike I got a speedball roller...or it a 'brayer'? Just how do you use it to apply? And is that just geting the vinyl smoothed out, do you then squeegee like normal after?
posted
A, yep I use it just for getting stuff smoothed out whether it's just the app tape over the vinyl when assembling the stuff or applying the vinyl to the surface.
I still use the squeegee afterwards because you need that sharp edge to break the adhesive capsules on the vinyl.
-------------------- "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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