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Vinyl Bubbles
What am I doing wrong? When I put down vinyl on just about any surface, I clean the surface with alcohol then go over it with a static cloth for the dust, I squeegee it down good (I think) and still I get too many bubbles. I stick them with a pin and such, but I would like to eliminate the problem.
I’ve had the problem more than I would like with both wet and dry applications. I have a job coming up where I’m applying vinyl indoors on a painted wall, so I have to use a dry application, if anyone has any insight on getting the smoothest possible application on that surface, I’d be happy to receive your wisdom. Thanks. -
12 Replies
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Kimberley, I sometimes have this problem, especially when applying to fomex and di-bond, some one said it was to to with static ?? personally I think it is because I don’t apply enough pressure 🙄
Lynn
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You could try using (Oracle) "Rapid Air" or "easy apply" vinyl. These types of vinyls have an embossed glue surface with channels that allow the air to escape. I’ve never used it before but ordered some today to experiment with. Apparently it’s good for wrapping as long as you aren’t having to stretch the vinyl
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Without wanting to sound patronising it really is just a case of practice makes perfect.
Ive only been at it since April but last month was shown a different squeegie technique which I gave a go and as if by magic the bubbles seem to be banished.
I still get the odd one, but today I fitted a 4 meter reclaimed banner without a single issue, a job I would have dreaded a few month ago.
Try different hinging methods when fitting, that was what I was doing wrong. I now use a mixture of top, centre and side hinges where in the past I always used top hinges and this was causing me to hack at the vinyl rather than having a nice smooth motion.
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practice does make perfect, but you need to have the basics to start with.
lots off variables including the type of squeedgy you are using.
Felt is a good forgiver for some people and for general application,the angle you hold the squidge is also important, and having consistancy in the strokes you use,
Use a <45/45 angle to on the stroke and hold, if that make sensePeter
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quote Peter Normington:practice does make perfect, but you need to have the basics to start with.
lots off variables including the type of squeedgy you are using.
Felt is a good forgiver for some people and for general application,the angle you hold the squidge is also important, and having consistancy in the strokes you use,
Use a <45/45 angle to on the stroke and hold, if that make sensePeter
Have you tried teaching that to Lynn Peter 😕
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quote Phill:quote Peter Normington:practice does make perfect, but you need to have the basics to start with.
lots off variables including the type of squeedgy you are using.
Felt is a good forgiver for some people and for general application,the angle you hold the squidge is also important, and having consistancy in the strokes you use,
Use a <45/45 angle to on the stroke and hold, if that make sensePeter
Have you tried teaching that to Lynn Peter 😕
Lynn has always been aware that
consistency in stroke and angle, gets good results.Peter 😀
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quote Peter Normington:quote Phill:quote Peter Normington:practice does make perfect, but you need to have the basics to start with.lots off variables including the type of squeedgy you are using.
Felt is a good forgiver for some people and for general application,the angle you hold the squidge is also important, and having consistancy in the strokes you use,
Use a <45/45 angle to on the stroke and hold, if that make sensePeter
Have you tried teaching that to Lynn Peter 😕
Lynn has always been aware that
consistency in stroke and angle, gets good results.Peter 😀
:rofl:
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quote Paul Humble:Without wanting to sound patronising it really is just a case of practice makes perfect.Ive only been at it since April but last month was shown a different squeegie technique which I gave a go and as if by magic the bubbles seem to be banished.
This was the same for me, I used to get a few bubbles (especially when flood coating) until I went on a wrap course and got taught how to squeegee properly, since then I hardly ever get even 1 bubble and can now even flood coat panels using Oracle 751c which I gave up using because I couldn’t get on with it at all. I also do frosting dry and don’t get any bubbles, technique, technique, technique and practice does make perfect.
Cheers
Warren
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Thanks everybody – good points here, and of course I can always use more practice. I do paint more than vinyl, but I want to do it all well.
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I reduce my bubbles when i slow my squeegee down bit.
Before I would go fast, ‘before any could get in’
but I think now that air is more viscous than you think and you have to go with the flow a bit and not force.
(not that I’ve mastered it yet by any stretch)
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Only ever get bubble when I dont have a totally clean edge on my squeegee, either through laziness or forgetfulness lol.
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try using more pressure and a new squeegee, that works pretty well.
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