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Van prep/cleaning before application.
Hi All,
I seem to get the impression most people on the boards give substrates a wipe over with meths before applying vinyl, however whilst I was doing so on a van the other day, a friend of mine who restores vehicles reckons that this would be bad for the paint work.
Just wondered what everyone’s method is from start to finish of preparing a van/substrate for vinyl application. Also, how do you get rid of those tiny little stubborn black marks (presumably fly poo)…. :lol1:
Thanks in advance.
Ali
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4 Replies
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We use Avery Surface Cleaner, we went on an Avery application training course for their 900 QM vinyls and this is what they use before doing vehicle wraps, gets rid of most marks and brings the van up squeaky clean. I buy it from Robert Horne Group or Spandex.
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Ideal way, wash with soap and water, then use a proprietory wax and polish remover, followed by panel wipe.
Meths should not harm paintwork, but isopropyl alcohol is probably better as it evaporates completely without residue. In practice unless doing large areas or wraps I ask the customer to wash the van before arriving, and use application fluid for a final clean (not to apply the vinyl though)
Glue and tar remover is also a good thing to keep in the workshop, along with some rubbing compound such as t cut for removing spots and bugs etc. . Most of this stuff can be bought cheaply from motor factors. Print one do the isopropyl at a reasonable rate if you dont use large quantities. Graphityp, cherwell, and other sign suppliers do various app fluids.Peter
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quote Alistair Richards:Hi All,I seem to get the impression most people on the boards give substrates a wipe over with meths before applying vinyl, however whilst I was doing so on a van the other day, a friend of mine who restores vehicles reckons that this would be bad for the paint work.
A light wipe won’t do any harm. Spraying it on & letting it drip isn’t a good idea though (purple staining!)
quote :Just wondered what everyone’s method is from start to finish of preparing a van/substrate for vinyl application.General signs (PVC/Alloy) lightly spray coating (soapy water) this stops the worst of the static cling. Spray with meths or water & wipe down surface. Ready to apply.
quote :Also, how do you get rid of those tiny little stubborn black marks (presumably fly poo)…. :lol1:Thanks in advance.
Ali
For the really bad ones (bug smears) a little T-cut, well actually a lot of T-cut, but not rubbed very hard. For the black lumps (these are usually tar) – a bit of white spirit takes on a cloth them straight off – as does WD40. Clean up/degrease with meths & soapy water.
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Don’t use meths on metalic paint in hot weather it will mark it.
Windolene or Mr muscle is great for general cleaning and won’t damage paint. We use glue and tar remover for grease etc and a general de-greaser for paint. Panel wipe is good and available from any motor factors
its what paint sprayers use. Only use meths as a final wipe over.
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