Applying, Clearcoating and Caring for Vinyl Graphics

Avery Dennison Graphics & Reflective Products Div.’s Dr. Kirit Naik, Alan Weinstein and Tim Doyle, and Butch Anton of Superfrog Signs & Graphics (Moorhead, MN) helped Jim prepare his two-part vinyl article. For long-term, or demanding, applications, it’s best to use cast films. For most shops, price often dictates the use of cast or calendered vinyl to decorate banners. Thus, for short-term banners, many professionals believe it’s unnecessary to use expensive cast film. All banner-material surfaces should be considered contaminated, and, therefore, require proper preparation. Although some industry professionals use a non-abrasive, soap-and-water combination, soap residue could potentially contaminate the surface and adversely affect adhesion. Because it safely removes plasticizer, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is generally preferred for cleaning banners prior to vinyl application. Don’t use any cleaner stronger than IPA, because such strong solvents as lacquer thinner and acetone can destroy the material. Solvents that can melt PVC and be absorbed into the banner material will eventually attack the vinyl’s adhesive. Furthermore, some solvents can draw out plasticizer from the banner and affect adhesion. Plasticizer makes PVC supple and soft. Plasticizer, however, tends to migrate. Banner-substrate manufacturers try to formulate the PVC so the plasticizer fuses into the material and doesn’t migrate to the surface. Awning materials are more heavily plasticized than PVC banner material. Plasticizer can soften an adhesive and cause a film to slip on a substrate’s surface. Thus, very tiny tunnels, called work tracks, can form in the vinyl. Before applying graphics, tape the banner securely to your work surface using quality, 2-in. masking tape. Keep the banner substrate tight during the vinyl application to prevent wrinkles in the applied graphic. Whenever possible, perform a dry application. To aid the application process, use a hinging technique, such as a side hinge. When creating a hinge, tape one side of the graphic to the banner or work surface. Then, reach under the graphic and remove enough release liner to expose a manageable amount of adhesive. If you must apply the vinyl wet, use a commercial-grade application fluid, such as ActionTac, Splash or RapidTac. Don’t use a homemade concoction. Use the least amount of fluid to accomplish the job. After removing the application tape, re-squeegee the entire graphic to prevent edge lifting. A minimum dyne level of 36 is desired. Banner material with a higher dyne level allows the adhesive on vinyl films and inks to more easily wet out the surface for good adhesion. Compared to other materials, PVC banner material’s advantage is a consistent dyne level. Hue. Whites can vary. Vinyl banner material comes in two different hues: bluish white and yellowish white. For outdoor advertising and digital applications, bluish-white material is generally preferred. On the other hand, screenprinters often select yellowish-white material, because it costs less. If you’re decorating the banner’s front and back, check the material’s whiteness on both sides, so the banner’s front looks the same as its back. Many signmakers are tempted to strip off graphics from old banners and recycle the material. However, if you value your time, which is probably worth more than $50/hour, this doesn’t make any sense. The cost of banner material is lower than your labor cost to clean an old banner. Ask the right questions When you initially review a project with a customer, ask the right questions. This way, you can determine which material weight and type to use. Here are some questions to consider: * What’s the banner’s intended purpose? * Where will the banner be used? * Will the banner be mounted flat against a building, or mounted between two poles? * What city ordinances apply to banners? * How long does the customer want the banner to last? * What’s the customer’s budget? "Most customers who walk into my shop don’t have a clue about what type of banner they want," said Butch Anton of Superfrog Signs & Graphics (Moorhead, MN). He continued, "As a sign professional, it’s my job to steer them in the right direction — advising them about size, color and content — so I can best satisfy their business needs." Anton primarily produces stock-size banners. He keeps nearly six of each popular size, such as 3 x 6, 3 x 8, 3 x 10, 4 x 8 and 4 x 10 ft., in inventory at all times. He only inventories white banners, because he can easily paint them to change the background color. Before using a banner substrate, store your raw materials as you would other signage materials: out of direct sunlight and in a temperature- and humidity-controlled area. Keep banner designs simple Good banner designs are simple — don’t use eight words, when four will do. Don’t use an overly ornate typeface, when a simple one is more legible. Furthermore, limit your number of elements, and emphasize a primary message, such as a store special. Also, allow enough white space, or open area, to create an uncluttered look and improve readability. Bigger banners are better. Sell your customer on the idea that bigger banners are more noticeable, more readable and generate more store traffic. Bigger banners also mean higher revenues for your shop. When you see an attractive banner design, photograph it for future reference when designing your own banners. A portfolio can also be a useful selling tool. It doesn’t have to be white Generally, brighter colors attract attention. Instead of black block letters on a white background, try something different. Vinyl banners are available in various colors. Signmakers, like Anton, often paint the background color. "Instead of selling a plain-white banner," Anton explained, "we add value to the signage by adding color. By doing so, we can charge an additional $30 for the banner." To paint the backgrounds, Anton uses Ronan Aquacote waterbased paints, which he applies using a foam roller. He further explained, "We roll a thin coat of paint onto the vinyl banner. The paint quality is so good, it covers completely in one coat. Typically, we can paint a }4 x 8-ft. banner in 10 minutes." By directing high-volume fans onto the painted material, the banners are dry to the touch in approximately 30 minutes and ready for vinyl applications. After two hours, the paint is bulletproof — it’s so hard you won’t pull any paint when you reposition vinyl or remove application tape. However, if you tear off a little paint, you can easily touch up your work. Ideally, you should wait a day before rolling vinyl banners. The waiting time is certainly much less if you use solvent-based paints or lettering enamels. According to Anton, "With waterbased paints, I can paint the banner, dry it, decorate it with vinyl, and ship it within a day. This is important when dealing with customers who need their banners right away. Plus, if you can provide more than your competitors, you can charge more for your services." Before you apply graphics, various paints can decorate vinyl banners. Although sign enamels can be used, many signmakers prefer waterbased paints, because they dry faster. Avery Dennison’s Alan Weinstein noted, "Not all paints are compatible with all vinyl banner materials. When you mix numerous raw materials together, some complex chemistry takes place. The banner substrate, paint, vinyl and clearcoat, or laminate, must all be compatible. If they’re not, problems can occur."