what can i seal the edges of laminate with?

[Jill Marie Welsh]

If possible make a paint mask using Oramask.
Slap it on, spray with aerosol paint and remove promptly.
Love….Jill

[James Martin]

I saw a pen advertised that sealed round vynil but I cant remember where or even what its called if anyone else has heard of it.

[Martin Pearson]

Gary, I have tried edge sealing and although it does work a bit you can still get your finger nails under the edges so that may not work to well.
You could try using a reflective vinyl as they have a much more aggressive adhesive so would probably stay on much better. Any other option would involve more money I think, you could try reverse applying to something like 1mm clear acrylic or pollycarb and then VHB taping in place or even riveting if you can do that.

[Jill Marie Welsh]

I don’t think a Seal-It pen would do a bit of good.
Last summer I had to replace vinyl lettering on public pool signs that those brats had picked off THRU sprayed automotive clear-coat.
(they made it say "Pregnant – – men may not use waterslide")
With reflective, they could still pick off the first layer.
Just my 2¢
Love….Jill

[David Rogers]

You could always try ‘ultra destructable’ / security vinyl.

It’s easily cut & applies easily – but after a day it won’t peel off – just flake & chip. (Vinyl comes off in tiny bits) – deterrent by ‘boredom / pointlessness’ of trying to pick at it.

Dave

[Dave Bruce]

If you have an Edge printer you can get anti vandal vinyl, it is impossible to peel off in bigger bits then 1mm as it just breaks up, they would soon get fed up with that.

Dave

[Stephen Morriss]

Hexis do a printable ultra sticky white vinyl, you can only buy it by the roll though and it’s quite expensive.

Don’t know how it’ll stand upto a humid atmosphere though.

Steve

[Steve Underhill]

I was going to suggest Jills idea of paint mask too, best idea for unpickable lettering.
Its also the cheapest & leats labour intensive by a long way.

[David Rowland]

Used to stick panels onto hot coffee machines back along, really hot machines… used 3M adhesive layer, cant remember the name.

In your case i think u need to some kind of paint route or even an invisible marker which only shows up with UV if it is important info you need on the machine… the break up vinyl should suit

[Gary Birch]

Hi Guys
Thanks for all your ideas and tips. I had considered going down the paint mask route but as I haven`t done it before was a tad nervous of making a mess of it as it strikes me as the kid of thing you only get one chance with. Is there much that can go wrong, what kind of paint is best and where can I buy it?? or does it just mean a trip to Halfords??

I had considered the reflective route too but as I would be the one who had to remove all the bottom layer after the top layer had been picked off I didn`t consider it for long.

The security vinyl would be an option but wouldn`t that give me the same problems once it has been picked at and looks bad. ie I would have to remove the rest.??

Thanks again for your help.

Cheers

Gary

[Jill Marie Welsh]

Try Oracal’s masking, Oramask.
It works really well.
Just cut it on your plotter and reverse-weed.
Apply like vinyl and really squeegee down the edges.
Leave yourself a fairly wide border, about 3" around the whole lettering, so you are not painting onto the rest of the vending machine.
I think I would protect the machine even further by putting some masking tape or transfer tape around the mask area.
I think you could get by with just standard spray paint.
(lettering enamels take too long to dry)
Mist it with a few quick passes so it doesn’t run.
What you’ll have to do is make yourself a few test panels.
Usually you have to remove the mask immediately, and it’s a pain.
You need an X-Acto (scalpel?) knife to pick/peel off the mask.
Wearing rubber gloves to protect your fingers from paint only makes the mask more difficult to remove.
Everything gets sticky.
I remove paint on my hands using Rapid Remover by the folks who make Rapid Tac, it’s citrus-based.
If you leave the mask on too long the paint chips around the edges.
You’d pretty much have to make yourself up a special kit to take on site, with a squeegee, paper towels, knife, cleaning agents, spray paint, and a trash bag.
But it is completely do-able, with practice, and should solve your picking woes.
Love…..Jill

[Gary Birch]

Hi Jill
Thanks for going into so much detail. I will follow your instructions and like you have suggested I will have a few practice pieces.

Will let you know how I go.

Thanks again

Gary

[Nigel Marks]

Gary / Jill

Paint is an option but be aware that on very shiny, non keyed surfaces, such as Glass and Stainless Steel, it will be easier than vinyl to deface.

As for using it in hot / humid environments I don’t see any issues

Sadly I don’t have an answer to your problem, just more problems 🙄

[Jill Marie Welsh]

…just scuff the interior of the stencil with a Scotchbrite pad before applying the paint.
Love….Jill

[Gary Birch]

The surface is powder coated so will probably needed roughing up a tad. Will bear it in mind

Thanks

Gary