Views and opinions on Application tapes please?

[Pane Talev]

I use Metamark M2000 for the last 10 years.
I could use higher tack when applying frost vinyl, but got used to it by being more careful, so works for me.

[Richard Urquhart]

So how does it do when rolled up and will it adhere to the backing slightly to avoid the corners lifting etc ?

[Pane Talev]

Put it this way. I haven’t had issues that will make me to change. I always roll my graphics with application tape inside on the outside of the tube. When rolled and tapped on the outside you read Series 7 Metamark. Sending a lot of the cut vinyl via post. No complaints ever from customers installing themselves. Ask Metamark if they can send you a sample to try for yourself.
I think there are better tapes who stay much more flatter, but this tape is my balance. I like the fact that when applying tape on the cut vinyl and in case my first attempt doesn’t go smooth, I can lift tape carefully and re-apply. No chance to do this with some high tac tapes I’ve tried before. Will be nice to hear from other members, but this is what I use always.

[Richard Urquhart]

Thanks for the info Rich

[Robert Lambie]

A good few years ago i went through a period of trying and testing lots of backing tape options.
I forget all the names i tried but i did try lots. Without naming brands and so on I found that the ones that were better staying flat were either thick or paper like and tore very easy when removed. Some brands actually took twice the time to remove because of tearing into clean strips when large areas where removed.
Some brands where stringy when removed, shearing but staying connected by the adhesive skin, which would leave messy looking glue edges when tore, again poor products in my view.
Some brands wont lift small or intricate graphics… "i do not mean low tack versions". this is a nightmare and worse when doing things like glass etch work.
I could go on and on but i reverted to my original source which was high tack Oracal application tape/paper. This tape is pretty thin, has a sort of coating feeling to it, comes off in large areas and doesn’t tear easy. It also lifts the graphics without any problem.
I have never had any issues with posting graphics out but i wouldn’t say it was a stay flat paper. i dont mean it curls in any way, it doesn’t. i mean when its rolled up, does it adhere to the silicon paper liner well, ide say no, but then again i wouldn’t expect it too. i think this part is down to how it is prepped and how tight it is wound etc.
Another thing to watch for when buying alternatives is the amount of tape on the roll. I have always been under the impression tape is 100m logs, but when trying alternatives i found some 50m some 80m (or there about) rolls arriving. so be careful if doing a price comparison and make sure you ask the metres of tape per logo.
best of luck mate.

[Pane Talev]

This piece was rolled, taken to install, not used, rolled again and taken back to workshop. Corners in good shape.

[Richard Urquhart]

What tape was that ?

[Simon Worrall]

We use this method of storage and transport.
Works a treat with any app tape to prevent curling and crinkling.
Simon.

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[Pane Talev]

quote Richard Urquhart:

What tape was that ?

Metamark M2000
Roll looks like this before bubble wrap

[Robert Lambie]

Are you both rolling these inwards like the pictures show? It is better to roll with the tape on the outside.

[Simon Worrall]

Rob look again. Tape is on the outside.

[Kevin Busby]

Ive just changed to Metamark M2000 as well for exactly the same reason, the assured me it was worth the small increase in price from my previous and I certainly feel it was as I was having terrible problems when installing just getting the app paper to lift the letters from the backing but now this sticks much better.

Also roll with letting faced outside as a lot of work I send is small text and if I rolled inwards like the picture the text would lift.

Kev

[Pane Talev]

I’m rolling my vinyls all the times as on my picture shown.

I was rolling them the same way even when I was working for Simon. 😉

No problems or complains from clients at all since year 2000

[Simon Worrall]

Pane is right…that works.

[Richard Urquhart]

On another note I’ve always been told, cut vinyl graphics wrapped out, as in you can see them and digital print wrapped inwards ??

[Myles Brewer]

I think that 3M medium tack Conform changed a couple of years back. I’m nearly 100% certain that it used to stay flat & would not curl at the edges which was why I started using it on a regular basis even though the cost was slightly higher, but in the last year or two it doesn’t seem to stick as well to the silicone backing & will definitely curl more than it should in my opinion. I have to say I still use it & pay the small bit extra as I have become accustomed to using it & when I try others if it is out of stock I regret changing & can’t wait to get shot of the lesser option, although I would like to find one without edge curl as it obviously is achievable.

[David Hammond]

Got a roll of Metamarks tape delivered today, only 610 wide so not had chance to try it yet… it was this thread that prompted me to try it as I need some app tape.

I will report back when I’ve opened the box…

[Richard Urquhart]

Please David that would be great as I too need to place an order

[Gil Johnson]

Conform 4050RLA for pretty much everything, 4075RLA for smaller work or etch with design in.
Lies flat, does not go ‘stringy’ and does not tear easily.
Agree with Rob also, oracal tape is very good too.

Gil

[Stuart Taylor]

quote Richard Urquhart:

Hi all after many years and a few different app tapes we use conform 4075 but I have to say I’m not that happy, corners still rolling and makes it hard to store or send out, has anyone found an app tape that works well, stays flat and is OK being rolled up ? Thanks Rich

Hi Rich

Interesting that you’re having issues with RTape Conform as generally this product would normally adhere well to a silicon liner and layflat. Out of interest do you know how "fresh" the roll was ? How long had you had it in your factory ?

The reason I ask is application tape generally uses rubber based adhesive and this dries out quicker than an adhesive system used on vinyl. Normal max shelf life for an app tape is 12 months – generally for common products such as 4075RLA or 4050RLA we turn these within 30 to 45 days max so the adhesive is very fresh and gives maximum performance.

Check with your supplier to make sure you’re not getting out of date stock. Also suggest when you receive a fresh roll put a received date on the inside of your core if you don’t use the roll immediately.

Stuart

[James Boden]

I’d second (or third) the 4050RLA. Contacts well with the silicone and lays flat. Just about to roll and install a job today so will see how it fares.

[Richard Urquhart]

To be fair it’s only been the last few rolls that don’t seem as good as it was, so maybe I need to check thanks guys