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Like most shops today, I hate to go to the paint bucket for that customer that wants an orange background on a small sign. So most of the time I will go to the vinyl rack pull off the orange and cover the little (maybe 18"x24" pvc or alum) panel with vinyl then apply the lettering. I have a terrible time getting a 24" wide piece of vinyl down without bubbles!!! I have tryed the wet application method. I have tryed the "dry" with a good squeegy and with my fingers. I have cleaned the panel over and over again. I have better luck using no transfer tape, but that is tricky! Help........ Is there an easier way? Or should I not use vinyl and do something just as quick?
-------------------- Jim Watkins Classic Signs Kellyville, Ok Posts: 29 | From: Kellyville, Ok. USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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yeah, cut the vinyl 1" larger all the way around. Don't try to match it edge for edge. Then, apply some of Rogers world renowned RapidTac and apply without application tape and squeegee down good. Allow to dry in the sun for a few hours to allow the vinyl to shrink. Any bubbles will eventually disappear. THEN cut off the excess vinyl.
-------------------- John Smith Kings Bay Signs (Retired) Kissimmee, Florida Posts: 817 | From: Central Florida - The Sunshine State | Registered: Jan 2000
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I always use RapidTac and flip the slightly oversized vinyl over(no transfer tape), peel off the backing paper, spray w/RT, set the substrate on the vinyl, then flip over and squeege from the center out. I've done it this way for magnetics, aluminum, pvc, etc. If you are getting bubbles while doing a wet application, you may not be applying enough pressure to get the fluid out.
[ May 15, 2002, 08:51 PM: Message edited by: Robert Thomas ]
-------------------- Rob Thomas 3410 Ketcham Ct Beautiful Springs FL 34134 Posts: 965 | From: Bonita Springs, Florida USA | Registered: Feb 2000
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Thanks John, but if you have to wait 3 hours, and still have bubbles ?? Have you been drinkin my samples before reading instructions?? He he he he
Really, you should not need to wait more then a couple minutes for vinyl to bond, and WITHOUT bubbles at all!! Can anyone else bring in a testimonial here to help me sound truthfull?? like "can I get a witness?"
Roger
-------------------- Roger Bailey Rapid Tac Incorporated 186 Combs Dr. Merlin Oregon 97532 Posts: 3020 | From: Merlin Oregon | Registered: Dec 1998
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simple answer: use more RapidTac. i had some bubbles when applying big sheets of vinyl and then i learned to get the substrate WET with the spray and wet the sticky side of the vinyl, too. if no fluid comes out the sides as you squeegee down, then you aren't using enough. the extra dime you spend on the fluid is a lot cheaper than re-doing the panel.
-------------------- :: Scooter Marriner :: :: Coyote Signs :: :: Oakland, CA :: :: still a beginner :: :: Posts: 1356 | From: Oakland (and San Francisco) | Registered: Mar 2001
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Scooter gets an "A", see, thats why we say flood the surfase !!
Its not just because we want you to waist the fluid so you have to buy more ! If you spray it sparingly it will not get "EVERYWHERE" wet, that means the areas that stay dry will trap air and become a pocket (or bubble) under the vinyl.
Get it wet guys !!
Roger
-------------------- Roger Bailey Rapid Tac Incorporated 186 Combs Dr. Merlin Oregon 97532 Posts: 3020 | From: Merlin Oregon | Registered: Dec 1998
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Another trick, if you used transfer tape on the vinyl (sometimes I do to give it more "body", makes it easier to handle sometimes) after you peel it up you might have bubbles where the vinyl lifted in spots.. Spray more rapid tac over the vinyl and use the squeegee to work the bubbles out. When the squeegee can glide over the vinyl, it seems to work better at gettin the air out plus it doesnt rip up the vinyl.
But like Scooter and Roger said, get it wet.. real wet.. spray both the substrate and the adhesive side of 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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Used rapid tac and had a bubble...found out it was that darn 4oz. bottle.
-------------------- Mario G. Lafreniere (Fergie) J&N Signs Winter did show up! Posts: 1257 | From: Chapleau, Ontario | Registered: Jun 1999
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Find a window tinting supplier or a shop in your area that does window tinting. Aquire some of their squeege material. It looks like a knife blade on one side. Its medium hard yellow rubber. Cut your vinyl slightly larger than the sub straight. Lay it over the substraight as it will be when finished and tap down one end. "NO transfer tap. Now fold the vinyl back onto the table and peal the backing about half way off and lay on the Rapid Tac or what ever you use...get it real wet...now peal the rest of the backing paper off as you lay the vinyl back onto the wet surface. Now wet the top of the vinyl which acts a a lubricant for the squeege. Start in the middle and force the fluid out to the sides. You can apply some pretty heavy preasure and not scratch the vinyl...just keep it wet. I learned this from a tinter and have never had and problems since. I've layed down some 48" vinly on a 4 x 8 with no problems and no bubbles! Robin
-------------------- Robin Sharrard Sharrard Graphics & Sign Fallon, Nevada rds@phonewave.net "Proud $$$ Supporter" Posts: 282 | From: Fallon, Nevda, USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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