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have multiple bubbles in oracal vinyl problem why is this?
Hi all.
Been using Oracal 551 & 751C since JAC went t*ts up at VL, & I must confess to being a bit disappointed with it & would like to know if anyone else is having similar problems.
I am finding it, especially the 551, too sticky. I know this sounds weird, but it’s almost a hindrance rather than a benefit. i.e. if a letter goes down before you want it to, then you have a minimal chance of pulling it back off before it’s there for good. With JAC, Mactac, etc, this was/is never a problem. Weeding is also made trickier because of this.
I’m also finding it difficult to apply without getting bubbles in it. I always take pride in myself at being able to apply dry with no bubbles, again Jac etc, never had a problem, even on hot days. 2 vans this week, separate jobs & colour, one done outside, one in, both using a mix of Oracal & JAC, the Oracal had bubbles in it, the JAC was as smooth as glass. This was especially the case when I used the 751C. Bubbles, bubbles, everywhere! Also, I found the 751C a bit of a pig to weed due to it ripping because it’s so thin.
What I really want to know, is – is this normal? Do I have to ‘learn’ the new material (though I have found this with other materials, it’s never taken long) & change my otherwise faultless technique?
All comments very much appreciated!
Cheers guys,
Gwaredd.
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11 Replies
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i use oracal 651 and find it good when its cool.
when its warm its a nightmare .
as for bubbles they are there sometimes and sometimes not.
the sun tends to clear them after a few days anyhow.but i find it best to use cool not warm.
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I dont have any problems with 751c, it is like you say though, very sticky, and once it touches, its stuck to a blanket. once its down you will not get a second go. I use felt and 3m gold squeegies, but felts must be new with good square edges,
Peter
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You do have to be really careful laying it down but I don’t have much problem with it just make sure the squeegee has no marks in and use firm pressure.
I find the 751c easier to weed than the Mactac 9800, only just but it is and yes it does tear easily if you catch a corner. -
Hi there,
Cant make any comment about the bubbles (Teaching Gran to suck eggs and all that )other than not something that has ever been mentioned before …. stickiness yes although not lately … Oracal now put a primer on the reverse of the film to promote a better adhesion to the film , this then reduces the perceived initial tack of the vinyl and allows it to be a bit more forgiving ….. one of Oracals casting lines was down for a week lately and stocks got a bit low , could be some material made prior to the improvements that hasn’t turned. Comments such as "Chalk and Cheese" have been used by a couple of big users to compliment the improvements, much easier to weed as well.
All the best
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I’ve never used the 751C only Oracal 651. I did have an issue with bubbles which were rather frustrating. To my surprise however within 2 weeks of application all the bubbles went away. I’m told this is due to the extreme breatability of the vinyl. I know its not exactly what you were looking for but I hope it helps.
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Bubbles when applying or after its been applied ?
If the panels are GRP or fairly recently painted the surface may still be outgasing particularly if its a dark colour and a hot day , because the cast vinyl is thin the gases pass through the surface and they will disappear , if that’s whats causing them.
Cheers
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The bubbles were there after we had applied the vinyl to the vehicle.
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Sounds like the outgasing situation , if there are disappearing then that’s fine.
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Hi all.
Thanks for the replies. As mentioned in my 1st post, using JAC alongside the Oracal, there is a massive difference. The JAC goes on like glass, whereas there are random bubbles in the Oracal. OK, easily popped, but frustrating nonetheless.
I’ve also noticed that the backing paper seems to be a lot thinner, so it’s more crucial that the cutting depth is spot on to avoid cutting through & getting the dreaded tear. Again, the JAC seemed to be more forgiving.
Interesting comment about the new improved release liner. TBH, I’ve not had the greatest start with Europoint. Twice I’ve asked for black 551 & been told they had none, & when it finally came, it was blue & in 3 part rolls instead of 1 no. 50m roll. Quickly resolved, but this never happened once in over 5 years with VL. Then, about a month after my prices were approved, they went up with no warning. 😥
I know about the supply issues with the 551, but it’s still not acceptable IMO. I should have been told that it was in short supply when I set up my account, as I said I would be using 551 expressly. That said, I found the 751C no easier to use 😕
I’ve only heard good things about the 651, but I only ‘sell’ quality 5-7 year vinyl, so I’m loathed to go down that route.
So, I’m in a bit of a pickle. I’m not happy with the Oracal, I find Mactac too brittle, Intercoat too weak & mottley. Ideally, I’d like to go back to Avery 700 series, as it’s the same as the JAC, but so far the prices coming back to me are stupid.
Maybe a free roll of Oracal with this new super fancy release liner will restore my faith in the otherwise excellent product? <hint hint> 😉
Cheers,
Gwaredd.
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Who have you been speaking to at Europoint ? I will ask the relevant BM to contact you.
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Hi Cammy.
The sales guy was Ramesh from the London office, but I can’t recall the girls name who I normally speak to.
Cheers,
Gwaredd.
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