whats the best way to apply layers?

[Jayne Marsh]

I would always build up the layers on the job. If you assemble it on the backing paper you will have problems with bubbles when you come to apply the whole thing. Also you could have a go at applying the layers wet. Put down your first layer dry, then spray the surface with something like rapidtac, also spray the adhesive side of your next layer and place it on the first layer. You will be able to slide it around a little or remove and reposition it so that it lines up perfectly. Squeegee as much fluid out as you can when you are happy with the positioning. Then spray the application tape with a little more rapidtac and leave for 2 or 3 minutes. The application tape will look semi see through and then you can easily pull it off the graphic. ( It would have to be paper application tape to work ) Then wipe the excess moisture off the graphic with a cloth and start with the next layer. You shouldnt have a problem with the layer just applied as long as you have squeegeed it well.

[John Childs]

What JEM said. Except we would use clear application tape so that we can see what we are doing.

[Jill Marie Welsh]

Listen to JEM.
She’s one smart cookie.
I only used clear app. tape once…wet…guess that’s a no-no.
Or maybe it was just my luck!
Love…..Jill

[Jayne Marsh]

Awwww thanks Jill you’re the only one who’s ever called me smart 😳

[Iain Gordon]

I layer up on the job and do it dry..

Instead of squares and circles for reg marks i use a series of 4mm dots around the layer. on a 60×60 i would use maybe 5 or 6 along each edge. Tape up the layers as normal. Lay down your first layer as normal. Next use a tailors punch (looks like a pair of pliers with a rotating wheel at the end) and punch out all the dots on the remaining layers. This gives you accurate registration marks all round your graphic. All you have to do is allign the holes to the dots on your base layer. When you are finished remove the dots from around the graphic.

The atatched file was done using this procedure.(the car)..It sounds long winded but after you’ve done a few it is a fairly simple idea

Hope this helps

Iain

---

Attachments:

[Mark S]

First Thanks for the Replies 😉

Ive used Paper and Clear App tape.
I know that allot of it is down to confidence and technique,
I’m just getting the hang of “Snatching” if its not gripped on too tight.
(Ive stopped closing my eyes and hoping for the best).

Paper App
I can’t see where I’m going 🙁
Buy the time i get close enough its almost stuck fast.
But this could be the reg points be too close to the work.
So moving them a little further away may help.

Clear App
Who invented Clear needs a medal.
Yep i can see where I’m going better.
But again the reg marks may be a little too close for comfort.

Wet or Dry
I try to stay away from Wet where possible following members advice?
Master Dry and you have won half the battle.
So i am confident with Dry.
I have done the job wet and dry.

Wet yep a few bubbles in there and i cant really move it, as vinyl loves to stick to vinyl lol..
It helped when i first attempted this logo being new and working out a “Best Method”.

Dry
Better Finish but less forgiving with any mistakes with lining it up.
Or making the circle overlap neat.

So I’m moving forward with Clear and Dry Application.
It is fiddly, and awkward. But sometimes things aren’t that easy.

Building on the job i guess will be allot more forgiving and allowance for lining up easier. I should in theory be able to “Snatch” it back easier if there is a problem.

I’m going to experiment a little more?
Clear App
Dry

But with a weeding boarder (square) around the job.
As this can be cut away from the Application Tape before fixing.
And if that don’t work I’m going out to buy a hole punch (fredthelad).
I seen your car one in a different thread(Spot the mistake).
Hats off to you for showing your mistake.
Easy to do lol…

Just Practice i guess and building on that confidence thing.
Not really any short cuts.
The tips and advice you have all posted will give me a few more
ways to try.

I was really curious if i was doing it really wrong.
But glad to read a little wrong lol…

Thanks for the detailed reply JEM

.

quote :

Put down your first layer dry, then spray the surface with something like rapidtac, also spray the adhesive side of your next layer and place it on the first layer. You will be able to slide it around a little or remove and reposition it so that it lines up perfectly.

“rapidtac”
I thought that, it would make it stick faster and not so forgiving?
I have been using a mist of water on the last layer down when
i tried it wet?

rapidtac ?
What’s that all about then?
Does it make things slide around, is it better than mist of water?

Any other tips please reply.

Thanks in advance mark.

[Jill Marie Welsh]

http://www.rapidtac.com/
Rapid Tac also sends out free samples of their products.
Love….Jill

[Paul Rollason]

Hi Mark

When using regitration marks, only cut away the backing under the registration marks themselves.

This way when you are lining up the marks, the graphic itself cannot stick to the substrate.

Once you are happy with the position you can hinge and apply

simple

paul r

[Jayne Marsh]

Rapidtac is used for cleaning the surface initially and for laying things down wet, it dries more rapidly than water (I think) and doesnt leave any greasy residue behind when it dries. If you apply wet you will make fewer mistakes as you can simply pick up the graphics again and reposition it before you squeegee it flat. If you squeegee well, you shouldnt get any bubbles. Also the bubbles will be liquid and not air and therefore easier to push out gently.

[Simon Clayton]

I make sure the design is within square or oblong, cut out the whole thing including backing, apply first part of vinyl design, leaving the application tape on, this then becomes the reference point to place the next vinyl, position the next square, masking tape in place(hinge method) flap back remove the application tape from the first vinyl and start again…hope that makes sense

Simon

[Paul Rollason]

Nice one Simon (-)

[Mark S]

Thanks for the advice.

I like the sound of Simon C Method.
I Never even thought of that.

Great advice coming from all of you.

I guess i will have to give them all a go.

Shadows

Any one got any advice on applying shadows to text?
On larger jobs than my little logo.

Ive been told that to lay each each shadow separate for each letter.
This way would prevent run off so to speak.

As up to now i haven’t had to do a shadow but its only a matter of time
before that job comes up.

Your tips and advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance Mark

[Simon Clayton]

That’s what i do Mark, lay down the text first, then each shadow..
But depends on the Shadow, you can lay the Shadow first and then each letter….

I make up the Shadow as follows, Copy Letter and move into postion to form drop Shadow, weld together, to create one big Shadow then apply the letters on top, that way when the vinyl shrinks you won’t have any gaps between the letter and Shadow or with ridges (which i hate)..

Simon

[Peter Normington]

I use simons method.
it works for me. I did A few pictures of it a while ago.
https://www.uksignboards.com/viewtopic.p … s&start=20
Peter

[Simon Clayton]

Missed that post Peter.. Good demol

Simon

[Mark S]

That’s Excellent that demo.

Happy to read the advice about shop windows and breaking glass too.

I have alot of practicing to do to get the hang of things,
and sure i will have more questions again.

Its just Newbie Nerves….

And wanting to make the mistakes in the work shop and not on site as
a sheet of vinyl is scrumpled up on the floor lol…

Thanks for all the advice its been a great help.

So which App tape would your recommend for layers?
Clear seems the obvious choice, but what TACK ?
I’m using Medium tack on clear.
Seems ok.

Does low tack have disadvantages to be aware of?

[Peter Normington]

my opinion is that clear app is fine for retail signs. IE stuff that is being applied by the end user.
It is usually more expensive than normal app tape, can be very static charged and jumps where you dont want it to.
Medium tac is fine for most things.
Peter

[Mark S]

Thanks for all your advice 🙂

I found that with clear its full of static.
And when rolling out its has to be smooth or it can create
pockets or air where you don’t want them.

I like the feel of the Paper.
But love the “See through” clear app tape for building confidence.

And a good point “Clear ” for retail. 🙂

Rob has just posted a great Video Demo working with layers Click Me