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Application Paper – How to make it perfect!
Hi Everyone,
Quick question, what’s the best way to apply application paper to cut out letter signage, so it’s neat, flat and smart looking?
The problem I have is we’re pitching for a job, and have to match the previous supplier exactly…. their samples look great, whatever paper and/or method they use means the paper sticks nicely, totally flat and neatly to both vinyl backing and the cut out letters.
I bought/was sold by our supplier a roll of Rtape 4075 RLA, and quite frankly I think it’s pretty rubbish. It sticks fine to the letters, so I get that it’s largely fit for purpose, but on the backing it’s got negligible stick, especially around the edges, meaning ours looks dog eared and tatty, which is putting our customer off, as they need to be stored for a long time (bulk order at once), in a fairly industrial setting, so he’s worried about the paper getting battered about etc.
My supplier has said (rightly or wrongly) that it’s supposed to be like that, I get that it could well be totally fit for purpose, but the perception from the customer is that it’s not as good (as it looks really 2nd rate) and CLEARLY there is a massive difference, so finding his lack of help frustrating.
We’re currently applying by hand, but looking at investing in a laminator/roller, but just wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts or product recommendations, as the stuff our competitor uses seems totally night and day to our own.
Many thanks in advance,
Matt
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8 Replies
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Hi Matt,
I wouldn’t have thought you would have any problem with Rtape 4075, that is a high or very high (I can’t remember) tack tape that we use every day and it sticks no problem at all.
It’s your working conditions possibly damp? Even slightly? We keep all out vinyls and tape in a minimum of 18’c but most likely just now hover around 20-21’c with the slightly warmer outside temp. We use our flat bed and by hand and have no problems. Also some times if your tape has been sitting id take the first n maybe second layer off before using.
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Been using Conform/Rtape 4075 for around 10 years – it’s one of the best out there.
No application tape is really meant to stick to the backing film – even slightly and that generally has more to do with the VINYL you are using rather than the tape as each has a slightly different liner composition & texture.
If presentation is key – have you considered using a clear tape (plastic)? Personally I despise them but they do have a good deal more rigidity.
Dave
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Hi Gents,
Thanks for the ideas and feedback, appreciated…. I’ll definitely try on some different vinyls and see if I can find a better result.
Might well look into plastic also, just really frustrating as they need to be stored for a month or so on site, and with our paper flapping about it looks crap!
Thanks again and let’s see what I can come up with!
Matt
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Hi Matt, when i do large batch orders i make a cardboard folder for them to be stored in by the customer. i put my details and the content details on the front and It keeps them flat and clean and the customer can store easily
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I leave the weed borders in place (the left and right ones, not upper and lower) and pull the app tape across them, keeps it all nice and flat no problem.
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I have tried so many application tapes, the ones listed too and hate them all. I think the one you might be after is the "stay flat" version but think thats by Rtape??
I use an oracal high tack application tape.
Most tapes tear very easily making removal slow. Some tear and are "adhesive stringy"… some don’t bond great to either liner or vinyl.It may well be down to your application method. Your competitor maybe using a flatbed applicator like a rolls roller or similar.
Cheap alternative if your not already using one, but have you tried an application tape dispenser?
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For large vinyls I use a laminator.
For small stuff I use an against the grain method. That is rather than apply the tape to the vinyl I unroll the tape down on the table (glue up) and apply the vinyl to the tape, just lay it flat all the way. Do not flip it at this point. Grab the squeegee and rub it from center to wards the ends all over. Now you can flip it to see how neat it is.
The only inconvenience is you can’t see what you’re doing but as soon as you believe in this method you realize you don’t actually need to see because it never goes wrong. It will be nice and flat.It also matter the way you roll your vinyls. Most people argue it MUST be rolled graphic out. I just roll them the way they feel smooth. Some are fine graphic out while others roll better graphic in. For longer vinyls I roll them on a cardboard core.
The application tape and the vinyl are directly important. I had some cut vinyl Avery 500 stored for over a month. When I tried to use it the transfer tape did not pick-up the vinyl at all. The vinyl seemed stuck like hell to the backing tape. Other vinyl was fine.
Also, if the vinyls you talk about are small sizes you may consider storing them flat rather than rolled.
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The method George explains here does work very well also.
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