SAV Installation Tips to Save You Time and Stress

This guide offers an overview and some tips to help you when installing self-adhesive vinyl graphics.

Hot weather

Heat causes the face film to become more viscous and tacky, softening the face film.

If possible, avoid application in direct sunlight and excessive heat as the adhesive tends to grab at the substrate on impact.

Cold weather

Cold causes the face film to become harder and brittle, it also impedes adhesion and makes the adhesive less viscous, therefore in these conditions, extra care should be taken when handling the product.

Ensure that the minimum application temperature recommendation for the specific vinyl is observed. In general, the minimum temperature for permanent adhesives is approximately 10oC.

In cold weather it is advised to use a new blade when cutting, as a worn blade may skid over the film surface. If installing in cold conditions, issues may occur when weeding as the film may be brittle due to the cold.

Surface preparation

All substrates must be cleaned and free from grease, dirt and foreign matter. We recommend the use of a proprietary degreaser such as Viponds Prep Vinyl for the cleaning of substrates prior to application. Correct cleaning and application will significantly improve the performance of the self-adhesive vinyl.

Washing - after Installation

After application of signage to a vehicle, the vehicle should not be washed for several days, this will ensure maximum adhesion is achieved. Pressure washers can damage vinyl lettering if too powerful or directed at the lettering and should be used with caution on applied signage.

Print testing

The majority of our digital media range can be screen-printed and many can be digitally printed. If printing, it is the responsibility of the purchaser to test for ink compatibility to ensure the end result.

Out-gassing before Laminating

Solvent inks work by using solvents to penetrate the print media and carry the resins below the surface where they can hide from the sun. Once they carry the resins into the media, the solvents evaporate with the colour remaining embedded in the material. This evaporation process is called out-gassing.

In the instance of digital images out-gassing generally takes about 24 hours to complete. If a solvent or eco solvent print is laminated before this out-gassing process is done, some of those solvents will be trapped beneath the overlaminate film and may react chemically with the film’s adhesive. The more quickly the print is laminated, the more solvents get trapped, giving poor results.

Outgassing isn’t necessary with thermal resin, aqueous or latex inks.

Out-gassing of newly painted surfaces

Out-gassing can occur when self-adhesive films are applied to newly painted surfaces. This can cause bubbling under the film and eventually the failure of the adhesive. Our experience suggests that a minimum of 72 hours drying time should be allowed before the application of self-adhesive films.

Reflective films are particularly prone to out-gassing issues, so extended out-gassing time is recommended.

Plasticiser migration

Some flexible PVC substrates and films contain plasticisers in varying amounts. Heavily plasticised films tend to ‘leach out’ plasticisers during their lifetime.

When a self-adhesive film is applied to one of these substrates, the plasticisers in the substrate will tend to migrate out of the substrate and start to breakdown the adhesive.

Through time, this can lead to adhesion problems, cracking of the self-adhesive graphics, and staining of the substrate.

Some of our products, such as Supatac UltraTac Xtreem High Tack Vinyl (STUX) and the Supatac STD8000 HiTac Gloss Vinyl have a plasticiser resistant adhesive which can help overcome some of these problems.

Adhesive milking

Some water or aqueous based adhesives will turn white or “milky” when they come in contact with water and can look unsightly when applied to glass. The milking will disappear after several hours, occasionally longer, depending on the film being used and atmospheric conditions. The use of Viponds Prep Lube will often reduce or eliminate this milking effect.

Window graphics

Cracking of glass, although rare, can occur if large expanses of dark material are applied to window panes. The reason for this is that the glass absorbs energy from the sun and where there are large areas of opaque or dark colours there is a higher absorption level. This can cause the glass to ‘dilate’ and crack.

Factors which contribute to increase the possibility of glass failure are: south facing exposure, excessively large and opaque areas of the glass, spring and autumn months, extreme temperatures between night and day and dilation differences between the covered and exposed glass.

The darker and more opaque the vinyl used, the greater the risk of cracking. If using opaque black or other dark shades, it's generally recommended to avoid applying large areas to the window area. Consideration of these factors in the planning stage can assist to minimise the risk of cracking occurring.

If you need some advice with an unexpected outcome or would like to discuss how to get the best possible results with a particular media, give us a call on 1800 555 060 - We’re here to help.

Source: https://www.cphgroup.com.au/blog/23-digital-media/68-sav1