Beginner questions. Help appreciated.

[Nigel Fraser]

Dont worry about the simple questions Steve, we all had to find out somewhere !
In answer to your questions –

1) Yes, the app tape generally gets more sticky as it gets older and this is made much worse if it is exposed to sunlight. You can end up with a horid sticky mess if its too old. Some makes/types are better than others, but generally it is best to avoid producing graphics that are going to have to sit unused for long periods.

2) The different types of vinyl is a more complicated question – Basically cast vinyl is more expensive, lasts longer (8-12yrs), does not shrink and can be conformed much easier. Calandered vinyl is available in various types but due to the way it is made (rolled out like dough through progressivly thinner rollers) it has a tendancy to want to return to its unrolled shape, and so it shrinks over time. Normal life spans of econ (2-3yr) and standard (5-7yr) are available. For more info you can read up here http://www.s-i-g-nweb.com/vinyl/cont/rightvinylb.htm (take out the dashes if using this link) or many other sites on the web if you keen 😉

And yes there is certainly a bit of difference between cast metal and vinyl manufacturing !!

Hope that helps you some,

Nigel

[Steve Smith]

Cheers Nigel, much appreciated.
I think the normal 2-3 year stuff will do for use on my bike. I’ll be lucky if any stays on for 2-3 hours when the 100mph shale and mud hits it! But at least I can now have new graphics for each race meeting.