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Looking for a decent chrome vinyl that doesn’t ripple
Had some chrome vinyl about 8 years ago which was a pleasure to use. No rippling whatsoever. There was no markings on the back so not a clue what make it was. Since then I have occasionally had a request for chrome but every time I try a different manufacture I loose a large percentage due to rippling of the vinyl. Have had samples from various suppliers and all the ones I have tried have the same problem.
Has anyone found a mirror chrome vinyl that is less prone to the annoying rippling effect? -
4 Replies
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Rippling can be many things with this type of film as it’s not actually a vinyl, but polyester film.
the rippling / tunneling you mention can be many things but i find it more if…The media has been wound too tight.
The media has been rolled up by hand rather than on a card core.
Happens more on Roll ends. last couple of metres on a core.
It has been sitting on the shelf way too long by its shelf life. In your workshop or before you have purchased, or both, then it is used.because its a cheap foil type film it tends to hold its rolled shape, so when you roll it out flat on the release liner it quickly starts to try form its shape again lifting itself away from the backing paper creating the ripples / tunnels.
If not cutting large amounts you can lift it and squeegee back down pretty easily but its a pain in the backside and not something ide do over any real length.
Same type thing can happen with reflective films due to being much thicker.
Buy from a reputable source as they don’t tend to have it on the shelf just as long as the smaller suppliers, and tend to have better brands in stock also. alternatively, you could buy some chrome cast films, much more expensive but do the job properly if working on signs and vehicles.
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The best option would be a PVC not a polyester but a really good PVC chrome
If you need help on locating ask Robert and he will let you know where as I don’t believe I can pass on codes etc
Bobby
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Even when the roll hasn’t been rolled up too tight and all seems OK when I unroll it by hand, I have had the problem of the foil rippling and coming away from the backing as it travels through the rollers of my Summa D60/U. Not so bad if I set the rollers about 50 mm from the edges but then I have to cut the design lengthways along the middle and end up with around 150 mm of waste each side.
Have got some of what I think is PVC chrome, which is a chrome surface on white PVC, It is much thicker than the foil chrome so does not meet the customer’s needs. Chrome cast vinyl is too expensive for the decorative product he is selling.
Thanks for the advice. Will have to keep looking. Just wish I knew the name of the chrome vinyl I had years ago.
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Aslan do a very thin chrome…
it could be that you are after. It still has same type characteristics though.Yes it does not need to be wound tight, thats just an instance when it can happen. simply sitting on the core for a long time creates issues when rolled out flat.
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