Alternative to Masking Tape, advice please?

[David Rogers]

Cut strips of vinyl from your scraps or try application tape.
However, it’s normally moisture that prevents it sticking or a coating of something horrible like windowlene recently applied.
Just the condensation forming by having your hand on or near the glass can cause that.

We fitted a 2200x1850mm window today full coverage with lettering cut out (2 parts) and had condensation top and bottom of the glass. I always chill down both sides by opening the doors and wiping over with IPA to displace any moisture.

[George Neagu]

quote Gary Barker:

Hey all is there an alternative to using masking take, I’ve done some etch window graphics today, and because of the glass is cold the masking tape won’t stick to the glass.

Thanks Gary

😆 😆 😆
I remember very well my similar moment when a whole thing fell off the glass because the masking tape failed.
Ever since, I only use sellotape tape on glass. Winter and summer.

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[Warren Beard]

Gecko pads from signgeer.

$this->BBvideo_pass(‘$8’, ‘$4’, ‘$7’)

[Danny Miller]

Second the gecko pads

$this->BBvideo_pass(‘$8’, ‘$4’, ‘$7’)

[Stuart Miller]

good old duct tape

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[Peter Johnson]

Had the same issue with a shop I did last week. I’ve never seen those gecko patches before. They look really useful. So I did a quick search on t’interweb and also found these;

Am just about to have a search in the UK and will definitely be ordering some if I can get them

$this->BBvideo_pass(‘$8’, ‘$4’, ‘$7’)

[Robert Lambie]

I think the duck tape is maybe a good way of combating the cold moist window, low adhesion problem. though would still need a dry wipe down right before applying.

I think the Gecko Pads is also a pretty good idea too.

To be honest though, for me, if masking tape is not adhering to the glass, then ANY adhesion you will get from the vinyl itself is going to be very low. So i would simply lift the entire panel or line of text off the carrying paper, eye into place with the marks applied to the glass and apply! even if not sitting 100% and you need another go, simply snap it back up and it will come off the glass anyway.

If a window is so cold and condensated that things are not sticking too it at all. then you must abort the job and return another time. Coldness repels adhesion by default. even if you get the application tape off the letters, it will take some time to get any sort of real bond. could be weeks if not longer in winter. Next problem is along comes the girl in the shop to wipe down the windows and starts catching the corner of letters and pulls them off. whose fault then? Reality is, "ours/yours".

[Stephen Morriss]

I take a fan heater to window jobs, set the heater so the air flows across the window and leave it going while you get everything else sorted and it makes a huge difference.
Obviously no good for a huge window but most of my jobs involve small shops so it’s ideal.

Going to look into them Gecko patches though.

Steve

[Gary Barker]

Thanks all for your input, I used duct tape, in the end, all worked out fine.

Gary

[Myles Brewer]

I’m attempting a home made version of the gecko pads, you can buy the sticky pads various places I.e. Amazon, really cheap. Then just glue on a patch of 1mm steel or self adhesive ferrous sheet & bingo. Will update if successful when I get them made.

[Mark Newman]

Just bought the gecko pads, really poorly made. I paid £26 for the one with 4 on thinking it separated into four smaller ones… no. It’s just some mild steel glued quite badly to a static cling sheet.
Very expensive for what it is! Mine are going back

[Robert Lambie]

Would be good to see a picture uo close of them mark?

I thought they were a pretty good idea if working alone on a big section of vinyl. But the more I think about it. I wouldn’t want to wrap a car using a large sheet of vinyl on my own. Place the pads before I start, then hold the large sheet of vinyl over the car. Next try and land the magnets right on the small pads blind. Bit like a wrappers version of battle ships! [emoji1]

[Chris Windebank]

Hi Myles, what on earth is that material called on Amazon?

[Myles Brewer]

quote Chris Windebank:

Hi Myles, what on earth is that material called on Amazon?

Hi chris, I actually ordered mine elsewhere but if you search for reusable adhesive gel pads you’ll find them all over the place. They are the same pads you get to hold your mobile phone on car dash etc. That’s what made me think about it. When I saw the gecko video, I thought, I’ve seen that sort of thing before!! :bigsmile:
All you need to do then is add either a square of thin steel (probably painted with hamerite or something to stop it rusting) or self adhesive ferrous sheet. Hopefully mine will arrive in next day or two & I’ll post up results as soon as I get chance. :thumbsup:

[Chris Windebank]

or attached direct to a steel metre ruler

thanks for that

[Myles Brewer]

quote Chris Windebank:

or attached direct to a steel metre ruler

thanks for that

Lol, even simpler! I always tend to over think things!! [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES] ruler would be handy too for lining up. I’m actually wondering if the sticky pads may even be enough on their own to hold the vinyl in place. They usually have a pretty good tack to them.

[Warren Beard]

My guys use gecko pads and love them, mainly of windows or plastic bumpers etc. The 4 pad gecko pad is for corners etc so it can bend. Ours are lasting and quality seem good, think they are that yellow tools brand from the states.