This is the first and only book dedicated to this popular and growing segment of the sign and vehicle graphics industries. Craig Campbell offers the benefits of his years of experience with vinyl products, ...
Usage tips and considerations
By Jim Hingst
A signmaker's life would be easier if one type of application paper served all purposes. At one time, only a few choices existed. Today, however, product offerings have mushroomed to accommodate various "special" applications. Because many signmakers aren't aware of these products offerings and how they differ, this month, I'll discuss application-tape basics and characteristics, and answer some FAQs.
What signmakers consider "application tape" or "application paper" is often referred to as "premask" or "prespacing tape" by screenprinters. Basically, it's the same product and performs the same functions -- it protects vinyl graphics in storage and handling, and aids in film installation.
"Transfer tape" is also frequently used interchangeably with "application tape." However, the two terms refer to different products -- transfer tape refers to a transfer adhesive, which is an adhesive coated onto a release liner.
Application tape offers more than paper and adhesive. To optimize better adhesive anchorage to the facestock, or improve unwind characteristics, various coatings can be applied to the paper, prior to adhesive coating. Adhesive additives are frequently used to promote adhesion to the release liner.
Application tape is available in a few paper-thickness grades and several adhesive-tack levels. Standard tapes, which measure 4 to 4.5 mils thick, weigh and cost less.
Most application-tape products sold within the sign industry comprise standard-weight paper, which features a medium- or high-tack adhesive. For most small sign projects, these do the trick. However, in the large-format, fleet-graphics market, heavyweight, premium-grade tapes, which measure 5 to 5.5 mils thick, are preferred.
Most manufacturers offer several adhesive-tack levels for each paper grade. The most popular tack levels and applications are listed in Table 1. For small, computer-cut lettering or general sign work, use high-tack tapes; for large- to medium-sized lettering and banner applications, use a medium-tack tape; finally, for large-format digital prints, use low tack tapes. Selecting the right tack requires testing. Your distributor or tape manufacturer can provide samples for your evaluation.
| Table 1: Tack Level and Applications | |
| Tack Level | Applications |
| Low and Ultra Low | >Digital prints, surface protection for plastic, glass and metal |
| Medium | Large- to medium-sized graphics |
| High | General sign work |
| Slightly Higher Tack | Difficult-to-transfer vinyl films |
| Ultra High | Thermal-die cuts |
For a more thorough tape evaluation, consider the following test, suggested by a tech service manager for a vinyl manufacturer: To test vinyl sheets, laminate various tapes. Then store the sheets for a month and try to apply the vinyl. You should be able to easily remove the application paper from the applied vinyl -- without tearing or leaving behind adhesive residue.
Avoid mishaps
Consider the following helpful tips when working with application tape:
* Whether you laminate application tape via hand or a laminator, avoid trapping air bubbles between the vinyl graphics and application tape. Bubbles and wrinkles in the application paper can reappear in the applied graphic. If you inspect a graphic's adhesive side -- after having removed the release liner -- you often can see wrinkles and bubbles forming.
* During the lamination process, avoid stretching the application tape -- stretched tape usually shrinks and causes the vinyl graphic to curl.
* If you can afford one, invest in a laminator. A properly set-up laminator can apply application tape to graphics with minimal wrinkles and bubbles. If you can't afford a laminator, consider purchasing an application-tape dispensing system.
The WEBERmade (Carlos, MN) dispensing system bolts onto your workbench with a couple of clamps. It also includes a clutch, which allows you to adjust the roll's unwind tension.
The Mask-Rite tape system comprises two rollers through which the application tape feeds. Simply roll the application tape over your graphics.
* Use a single tape sheet (rather than overlapping pieces) to cover the graphic. Otherwise, a fine line of tiny air bubbles will appear where the tape pieces overlap.
* For screenprinted and digitally printed decals, thoroughly "cure" inks and clearcoats before applying the tape. Solvents in uncured inks and coatings often cause the decal and tape to adhere to each other, which hinders tape removal once the graphic is applied. Plus, solvents can cause ink to delaminate from vinyl during tape removal.
For screenprinted or digitally printed graphics, curing the ink system is critical. The rule of thumb is to wait 24 hours -- allowing inks to thoroughly dry -- before clearcoating or overlaminating. Then wait 24 hours before applying the application tape and trimming the print.
* After a vinyl graphic has been "taped," it should be applied shortly thereafter. Prolonged storage can increase the bond between the tape and vinyl, making tape removal difficult following application. This condition worsens if the graphic is stored at elevated temperatures.
* Wet applications generally require more time for the vinyl's adhesive to bond to the substrate. Thus, you need to allow for more time before removing the tape. It's best to apply the graphic dry. However, if you must use application fluid, use the least amount possible.
* If an application-paper tape isn't releasing easily following an application, lightly spray the paper with application fluid, wait approximately 30 seconds and then remove it. The application fluid will penetrate the paper facestock and soften the tape's waterbased latex adhesive, causing it to release more easily from the graphic.
* When removing the application tape, carefully pull the tape 180
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