Top Ten Tips & Tricks

  1. Apply vinyl to clean, smooth, non-porous surfaces.

  2. Vinyl films should be at room temperature prior to printing

  3. To prevent edge curl, cut a π” border around eco-solvent or solvent inkjet printed images. Cutting into the printed graphic can cause edge curl as well. Heavy concentrations of ink, especially eco-solvent inks, can and will contribute to shrinking and curling of vinyls.

  4. Always test vinyl with your ink system for compatibility prior to production.

  5. Use lower heat settings to prevent tunneling and edge curling. The use of high temperatures during heating process to cure inks can cause films, and fabrics to expand and contract on release liners.

  6. Humidity and temperature control are critical!  Make sure the vinyl is at room temperature (70 f / 21c) prior to printing.

  7. Removal of any possible contaminates prior to printing is recommended.

  8. Edge seal exterior graphics to enhance outdoor durability. Apply a UV clear coat or UV overlaminating film will provide added protection.

  9. Printed graphics exposed to extreme outdoor conditions and heavy handling must be clear coated or overlaminated.

  10. Use lower heat settings to help prevent tunneling and edge curling.

Application Instructions for Floor Graphics

Recommended floor surfaces for applying Walk-On Graphics.

* Tile Floors
* Ceramic Tile
* Sealed Concrete
* Sealed Wood
* Waxed Vinyl

Floor surfaces must be clean, secure and in good condition.

Applying Floor Graphics
Remove the release liner from the back of the graphic and position it on the desired location of the floor. Lift one edge of the decal. Using a squeegee with overlapping strokes, apply pressure from the middle toward the edge of the decal.

If the decal is large, it is recommended to spray the floor with water mixed with a few drops of liquid soap and follow the above procedure. It is very important that all edges and corners are applied with firm pressure. When more than one panel is used, butt the edges together. Never overlap the decals.

After application is completed, do not polish decals or surrounding floor for 24 hours. If the edges lift at all from the floor, the decal must be removed immediately and replaced. This is to prevent any accident or tripping.

Maintenance
Walk-On Graphics should be maintained using normal floor maintenance procedures.

Removal
Remove the Walk-On Graphics decal by lifting one edge and pulling at a sharp angle using short sharp strokes until the decal is up. If the decal as applied to a waxed floor, it is recommended that the floor should be rewaxed.

Application Instructions for Self-Adhesive/Pressure Sensitive Products

The following is a general recommendation on steps that can be taken to apply Graphic Materials International self-adhesive products. Many of the points highlighted have proven to supply trouble free performance after the application in undertaken.

TEMPERATURE:
The application surface and surrounding atmosphere should be 50°F. or above for best results. If applications are to be made under 50°F., the application surface should be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol to insure good initial adhesion.

CLEANING:
In general, the first step in application is to remove any grease, wax, oily substance, oil and/or dirt before applying the film. Normal dirt may be removed with a standard commercial detergent solution or mild soap. Cleaners such as "409" or "Fantastik" can also be used. Oil, grease, or oil substances should be removed by a solvent wipe using toluol, lacquer thinner, zylol, mineral spirits, or cyclohexanone. After cleaning, the application surface should be then rinsed with clean, warm water and dried with a clean, lint-free soft cloth.

Experience has proven the pressure sensitive adhesives on Graphic Materials International films to be durable and lasting when applied to properly prepared surfaces. Excellent adhesion can be obtained on surfaces such as glass, hardboard, plywood, lacquer, painted enamel, steel, aluminum, and many kinds of plastics.

Some unpainted aluminum extrusions have a surface contamination which must be removed prior to application. Uncoated and unetched aluminum surfaces should be etched and degreased. For pre-etched, anodized surfaces, a solvent wipe is required. Unpainted aluminum vehicle bodies can either be steam-cleaned or detergent and water washed, followed by a water rinse. Either method requires a subsequent solvent wipe.

Unpainted chrome, stainless steel or chrome-plated should be solvent wiped. Painted enamel should be allowed to dry sufficiently. For most air drying paints, one week is acceptable. While all long oil alkyd enamels are slow to dry, baked enamels, on the other hand, can be used immediately after cooling. Special attention should be given to lacquer thinner, Naphtha and VMP and Xylol solvent wiping, as these solvents may dull some painted surfaces.

Lacquered surfaces may be cleaned with mineral spirits or heptane:

Surface preparation of high density plywood, for general use or sign grade only, should be as follows:

Clear, non-tinted glass should be solvent wiped. Due to temperature stress factors, it is recommended that markings be applied on the outside or not exceed 10% of the glass surface area on the inside applications.