Looking for clear application tape

[Paul Rollason]

Hi there

I have used clear app tape from http://www.grafityp.co.uk in the past but I have gone back to using normal paper as I find it more versitile.

It’s difficult to tear for a start so you need a third hand for scissors.
It generates a lot of static so things jump up and stick to it when you don’t want them to.

Things don’t stick to well to the top surface of it so the hinge method can be amusing.

It does have it’s uses, although a haven’t found one for the stuff i’ve got left over for a few months.

See if you can get Grafityp to send some samples for you to play with and see what you think

Oh and don’t use it in your heatpress (it seemed such a good idea at the time)

Paul R(Mackerelbus Design)

[Paul Goodwin]

I use one from Europoint, same points as Paul R but i havn’t got a heat press to use mine in 🙂

but i do find it very good for lining up reg marks ect.

[Dave Bruce]

I’m looking for some ‘clear’ app tape too, but a particular one. I use to use some clear tape that was very thick and static, so only used it when absolutely necessary. I have now seen some much thinner but not quite clear, more opaque, which I would like to try, trouble is I have no name or marks to go on.

So if anyone uses this type of ‘clear’ tape let me know where to get it from please.

Cheers

Dave
(sorry for highjacking the thread Signco)

[Adrian Hewson]

No problem Dave at least you didnt charge me.

Sounds like I dont want to use clear aptape an just stick with my transtec 100 (but my fitting guys want to see what they are lining up before they take the app tape off)

Regard sAdrian

[Ian Hatfield]

Hexis have a range of clear and clear embossed tapes. I have used them and they work well for some applications.

[signdevil]

Clear application ?? I ordered a 1220 log and a 610 roll of application “PAPER” yesterday from Paper Co (Europoint). Today they delivered clear app film and not the paper I requested. That I suppose is the answer to this thread.

Well done (not) once again Paper Co 👿 👿

[Henry Barker]

I guess I go against the grain here….but for years I have been using clear application tape never use paper, 99% of the time apply dry, have tried most, I use 2 main types one comes from Spandex here is very similar to R Tape’s AT 60 which we also use, wouldn’t change to paper if you paid me too.

saves me loads of time on multi-layered vinyl….never use a hinge method like you see people doing on demos with paper tape…but that’s just me and the way I do it. 🙂

[Robert Lambie]

henry, i think if you prefer it and works for you, then thats the one, regardless to what others may think.

i on the other hand perfer the paper tapes
i think the clear is excellant for alighning multi layer jobs, but i am a big one for ripping the tape at points of application and i find it impossible unless i get the knife out. i also found the clear curls were its not sticking to the vinyl, do you find that henry? just asking incase its only the brand i used. 🙄

also. like you ill take a huge graphic and apply without app tape/hinge method. its much faster.. but do use it if working outdoors incase it folds back on itself in the wind.

[Henry Barker]

The only negative thing I have against the clear is that in cold or extreme temps like in a hot car it can go wavy on the top of the vinyl, is that what you mean by curling, thats a drag and something to think about if a customer is going to have it on the shelf awhile…I don’t have many customers like that.

Like you say rob, its what you get used too…I think if I went to a shop with paper tape now I’d look like I started yesterday and not 12 years ago! 🙂

There are big differences in clear tapes though just as there are amongst paper. Mactac do quite a nice clear too.

[Robert Lambie]

i cant remember if it was hot or very cold now henry.. just remember its sort of dogearing back between gaps in words. i know this happens if we leave flaps at each end (not trimmed up) but this was in the middle of words etc.

i guess it must be also good for applying outside in bad weather. if it gets a little wet etc it will not effect it i wouldnt think?
long lengths of text i gues are less likely to snap if applying dry and continualy snapping t back up..

on the other hand, if applying wet onto glass, ide imagine it giving bother when removing the tape. way back when i used to apply wet, i would spray a mist of water onto the app tape as it broke its grip down and removes easier.

[John Singh]

Use clear tape in a few instances where I need to clearly underneath

Generally on small work and where I forgotten to use registration marks

If using paper application and the vinyl is white it can be difficult to see where the letters are if you are not using the hinge method.

TIP:
Lay your work down flat and with a ball point run the pen around the letter (obviously with the application on top)
There is enough ridge on the vinyl to be able to do this. It is not necessary to go around the whole of the letter. Perhaps just the base of each letter for lining up purposes.

John

[Rodney Gold]

We also exclusively use clear tapes (which are reusable) , I get mine locally and its printed with a grid which is a beaut for aligning etc. No static or wrinkles etc. I find a little problem with paper tapes in that over time they go sort of hard or make it real difficult to apply. Often we supply decals with an application tape as stock items for customers who can keep them for up to a year and they complain about the papers and love the grid on the clear cos it makes it very easy for them to apply.
Regarding clear , one of the first jobs we did was gold lettering on the outside of a window , applied wet with soapy water , with a plastic clear app tape in winter —–ARRRGHHH….. It took 2 weeks before we could remove the app tape without removing the lettering.