Cut vinyl bonds to some substrates more firmly than others
You will achieve a firm bond easily on aluminium composites,
vinyl, acrylics (perspex is an acrylic), correx and sheet metal vehicle panels.
Glass and PVC foamboard can be difficult in cold weather. There are some very
cheap unbranded foam boards around that I won't use because of poor bonding.
Gloss painted timber surfaces are okay provided the timber is
smooth (don't even attempt to use shuttering ply), it is close grained (african
mahogany face exterior ply is usually good; fibrey surface ply is not) and the
painting is thorough ( bits in the paintwork become mountains when cut vinyl
goes over the top of it; a well primed surface is essential)
1. Clean the surface completely. Use meths or similar to pick up any grain of dust. Failure to do so will show as a lifted area around every particle on the finished sign.
2. Mark where you intend to place the vinyl. Removable tape (masking tape or insulation tape) is ideal. Two base line markers and the left side is enough.
If you are working on a light coloured board, pencil markings will
suffice.
3. Decide whether to wet or dry mount. The disadvantage of dry mounting is that you will not be able to squeeze out trapped air which will then show bubble (or blemish on glass) beneath the surface of the
vinyl. This has to be a consideration where letters or logos have a large unbroken surface area of vinyl and appearances matter.
4. Carefully remove the backing paper from the vinyl, making sure that you don’t leave any dots of ’i’s behind.
5. If wet mounting, smear the area to be covered with a clean damp cloth
ideally with a few drops of washing up liquid added (a jeyes kitchen cloth is ideal). Don’t soak it. A damp film is sufficient.
6. Without any delay, press the carrier film and vinyl firmly onto the surface with a plastic edge (a credit card,
a plastic beer mat or plastic windscreen scraper). Press from the centre outwards. A single firm stroke is far more effective than a continued rubbing.
7. Be patient and leave the carrier film on for a few minutes if dry mounting, or for
a few hours if wet mounting. Then gently peel away the carrier film.
8. If you have a mishap, shout. We can replace the damaged bit without you paying for the whole job again.
This information sheet has been produced for the benefit of sign
buyers, and our customers in particular. You are welcome to download it
for future reference. Any reproduction for trade use is unlawful, and if
apprehended will be dealt with accordingly.
