help applying large vinyl logos dry?

[Robert Lambie]

is your problem in the finish mate?
by that i mean bubbles, wrinkles etc?

or is it in the alignment of the layers?

[David Hammond]

Wrinkles and bubbles Rob.

We cleaned the surfaces, text went down fine, it was the large logos on the side and rear that were the problem.

Plus we were using 551 instead of a cast film, and the panels on the master are a fair size. The customer was trying to saving a few quid.

I definitely think its my technique with a squeegee, as it didn’t matter if I tried wet or dry application.

I’m not happy at all with the job, but its done now. :s

Any news on when the trainings coming to Manchester rob?

[Robert Lambie]

without seeing you apply or the task in hand its hard to advise mate. my bet is its your squeegeeing technique… we have all been there, myself included.

the truck will be down your way very soon, should have been for next week, but still servicing Scotland at the mo…

i will be down there too over the time its there so hope to meet up with you when down mate.

[Denise Goodfellow]

Good Morning David.

I think everyone whos "self taught" will suffer from that you are experiencing at the moment at one time or another.

As my husband and I ( I sound like the queen LOL) started out in our garage we did too, He went on a wrapping course when they first started to appear, and he said it helped him alot with his technique.

So I`d get onto Rob about the course ( I have also inquired)

PS, I like to use the squeege which has a felt on 1 end.

[Andrew Blackett]

quote Denise Goodfellow:

He went on a wrapping course when they first started to appear, and he said it helped him alot with his technique.

So I`d get onto Rob about the course ( I have also inquired)

PS, I like to use the squeege which has a felt on 1 end.

I’ll second that!! I really struggled hand applying vinyl (am great with a laminator funnily enough!!) I did the wrap course at William Smith – whilst I realised that wrapping wouldnt be our companies bread and butter I came away with a better understanding of the different types of vinyl, there use and techniques of applying.

Mind it doesnt help when you watch someone like Andrew Gamble, they make these things look so easy and you just end up depressed when you fail miserably 2" down the job!

Incidentally can I use a felt squeegee to apply masked vinyl?? I can apply laminated vinyl with a felt squeegee without a bubble but give me a plastic one and its like being the naive 16 year old trainee again!!

Andy

[David Hammond]

Definitely need some form of training.

I’m planning on doing the advanced vinyl application course when the trucks down here.

I’m not planning on venturing into vehicle wrapping just yet, but will have the facilities in a week. 🙂

[Martin Pearson]

Like Robert says it’s something that is difficult to explain & far easier to demonstrate or watch and correct.
As for the type of vinyl you are probably more likely to get creases/wrinkles with a cast film than you are with 551. Did you apply the various layers on the van or did you lay it up on the bench & apply it all as one? I would always do it on the van as applying it all in one can cause problems with bubbles.
I always make sure I post heat each layer before applying the next one as well.

Robert who actually organises the training schedule for the wagon? Is it yourself or is it done by RHG on your behalf??

[Dianne Webster]

If you have just taken over a business, do you think the HEXIS vehicle wrapping course would be suitable. They do not do any other course other than this one and I can’t find any other courses for vehicle livery.

Thanks.

[Robert Lambie]

having read your other posts, i would say you do not want/need wrap training but general vinyl application. UKSG offers both, but your at the foot of the country and at present our truck is in Glasgow at Robert Horne.
It should have been heading your way soon but there has been a complete rescheduling of the tour, so cannot confirm any dates etc at this point. other than Glasgow, which your more than welcome.

http://www.uksignboards.com/viewtopic.php?t=54857

[Jill Marie Welsh]

quote :

Plus we were using 551 instead of a cast film, and the panels on the master are a fair size. The customer was trying to saving a few quid.

Do it right the first time (cast) then.
I’d rather do it once than have to re-do it.
Far more expensive that way.
Love….Jill

[David Hammond]

I’ve recently had a days training, and it appears that the main cause of my problems was the technique with the squeegee.