whats the best way of applying vinyl dry?

[Mrliquid]

Hi Glenn

There are so many different ways to apply vinyl dry & successfully. The only vinyl I have ever applied wet over the years has been etch onto glass. I find for me the most important thing is to apply the correct amount of pressure on the squeegee.
Imagine you are caressing a beautiful…no we won’t go there. If you apply to much or too little pressure it can cause bubbles. Also keep an eye on the condition of your squeegee. Any nicks or bumps can cause bubbles and creases.

Cheers
Paul

[Stephen Ingham]

hiya glen, to be honest i am a recent convert to applying vinyl dry.

I used to always apply wet; allowing more manouverability. the down side to wet is then getting the application tape off and the vinyl styaing put.

i think one thing to consider when applying dry is don’t try to lay too much vinyl down at a time, thats mainly where the bubbles appear from.

best way is just have a go on small pieces and progress from there.

on monday i did a van applying dry which took me a fraction of the time it would have taken applying wet.

cheers
stephen

[Peter Normington]

Hi Glenn
we mostly apply dry as stephen says it’s quicker if your surface is nice and clean you shouldn’t have many problems even pressure in one direction
and the app tape comes of straight away and leaves graphics in place,
the only time we do wet is etched onto glass, it just takes practice you will soon be confident enough not even to think shall I do it wet 😀

Lynn (not Peter)

[akc signs]

i always try to apply dry, like its been said a couple of times just i do it wet when im applying etch to windows

[Jill Marie Welsh]

As a sign painter, I absolutely hate to apply vinyl, wet or dry.
By the time I’ve got it designed, cut, weeded and masked,
I could’ve just painted the damn thing for pennies on the dollar
and charged more.
That being said, I am gradually learning to apply dry.
I always do coro and banners dry.
Small text is best done dry.
So are window graphics.
I break out the Rapid Tac for layering, for anything I have to piss around with, and sometimes just because I like how it smells.
But I still hate applying vinyl!
Love….Jill

[Alison Falzon]

I first started to apply dry a couple of months ago. I done a transit van with a substantial amount of graphics. The van was immaculately clean, and I found it really easy – and so much quicker than applying wet.
I wouldn’t even consider applying smaller bits with water now, although I would probably still do it wet for large solid amounts – until I have more practice!

Everyone has their own technique of application, so you really just need to keep trying until you find the best way to suit you…

As many others will say, once you’ve mastered it you will not look back!