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can i fit Etch Glass quickly when applying with water?
Hi All,
I remember a couple of years back, reading a post whereby Robert Lambie and an old forum member debated the pros and cons of fitting etched vinyl.
The basics of the debate, form the old member`s point of view, were that if the etch glass vinyl was applied wet, the best way to produce zero bubbles was to apply (wet), squeegee and leave overnight before removing the backing. This allows the vinyl to dry out etc. I must say this is a practice i have used with success.
Robert`s argument, and a very valid argument, was that how could you afford to return the next day to a job which, in essence, should have been finished the previous day. Obviously technique plays a huge part in this but i can`t remember if Robert applied dry, allowing him to complete the job in one visit or if he applied wet using some special formulated super solution that allowed the vinyl to stick and stay in place while the application paper is ripped off.
How do you guys go about this?. The reason i`m asking is that we have to cover windows at a newly built hotel in Fife and i`m loathed to eat into a second day`s work time simply to remove application tape. Especially as it`s an hours drive there and an hour back.
I`d like to be able to apply wet, squegee and remove all in one go but i have never been able to do this without distrubing the etch on the glass and making an arse of it.
Ladies and gentlemen, i need your advice.
Tia.
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9 Replies
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hi rod
i remember the debate well mate… 😉
his argument was he returned each day for up to 3 or 4 days 😕 😮 :lol1:my argument was…
How could a customer find this acceptable?
I applied completely dry, fitting and stripping immediately. the whole job in an hour or two with no come backs.at the end of the day, you have to do what you feel confident with. if that is wet then that’s completely fine too. But as you have mentioned, it does have its downsides.
when you get a minute give me a call rod, i have solution for you that will be posted on the boards very soon.
edit- just found the subject your referring too mate.
https://www.uksignboards.com/viewtopic.p … =mark+hill -
Rod, are you trying to get yourself banned from the forum? Suggesting that Robert may have applied something wet is the quickest way to do that !!!! :lol1:
There was a post just recently about applying etch and then weeding once the etch was applied, seemed to work well for a few people and if the graphics are not to complex this may be an option for you if you prefer to apply wet.
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my tips….
*If you apply wet, don’t use too much water. Or you are there for hours
*I mix a very very very weak mixture of meths and water….evaporates quicker 😛
*AS above, if your job involves intricate detail, leave weeding till after application, this aids application AND saves you losing letters or tearing them on ‘take off’ Plus if you have travelled miles to your job on a friday and realised NUMPTY YOUNG LAD BACK AT HOMEBASE HAS WEEDED OUT OR MISSED A FEW LETTERS OR NUMBERS (:)
…you save all the worry of explaining to the customer that you have to return 😀 🙄
*I find when finished, spray soak the application tape with water and then going away for 15mins and having a cuppa or chat up the customer helps
😀 😀
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Hi Robert,
Is that the Command form solution you are talking about or another one? I remember you thinking the Command form would be good for this type of thing?
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Hi Rod
I always apply etch wet. (Sorry Rob 😉 )I just find it is easier for me. After application, I usually wait about 5 mins and then remove app tape no problem. I have done a few windows this way and have no problems at all. I do believe that preparation is important however to help the adhesive bond to the glass. I use Avery cleaner and a razer blade and spray and scrape at least three times to remove all dirt, grease etc. Then another wash with Avery and wipe with a rag. The etch really seems to bond after this prep and the app tape almost falls off.
Hope this alternative opinion helps
Peter
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I have to agree with Peter, i always apply large pieces of etch wet and leave about 15 minutes, give the application tape a spray then peel off, no problems.
I apply all the small stuff dry. 😀Glen
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I am a wet person myself.
But being from Australia the drying isn’t much of an issue we are in the low to mid 30C most of the time. Frankly I have no idea how you people do this in your climate. We did a window last winter very cold day about 18C and the vinyl was noticeably different to work with. Concentrated so hard I walked of the end of my plank and landed with one foot in the water bucket and the other through the second bottom rung of a small ladder, I stumbled down the road me, bucket and ladder with the wife trying to stop me. Actually hit her in the hip with the ladder each time I swung my leg. she had more bruises than I did. Very Very embarrassing. *hair* :crazy: -
Thanks very much for the replies guys and particularly Robert who phoned me with some excellent suggestions.
Once again, thanks for taking the time to reply.
Regards
Rod
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Hexis have just started selling an etch vinyl in their ‘Hex-press’ range. It’s the same principle as EZ Apply, with channels in the backing paper so you can just push the air out…no need for wetness!! We’ve been quoted about 7 quid a metre for 1220 wide, so not too horrendous on price either 😀
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