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  • White Residue

    Posted by fraser1203 on 4 November 2004 at 11:29

    Anybody got any ideas…..
    I’ve just finished a shop window for an ‘immobiliere’ (estate agent) and having gone back the next day I’ve noticed a white residue on the back of the vinyl. The job is two colour, yellow text with a burgundy solid panel behind. After several tests I decided to leave the burgundy panel solid behind the text (rather than cut it out and spread the yellow a little). The yellow text was put down dry, left to adhere then the burgundy strip was put down wet ( to allow for repositioning without lifting the yellow text). I removed as much water as possible, but next day the slight dark halo that had appeared had in fact turned white and is growing.
    I have already realised my first fatal error in cleaning the glass with standard glass cleaner. Since then I’ve went back to the workshop to test some more, using straight water to clean, and even Meths (alcohol). The best results so far are the straight water, but I had to dry the vinyl with a hair dryer to get as much water residue out from the glass side!!!

    I’ve got to go back tomorrow to replace the lot and it’s getting costly, so I’d like to get it right this time.

    Naivety is my middle name…..

    cheers

    Jill Marie Welsh replied 21 years ago 5 Members · 6 Replies
  • 6 Replies
  • Shane Drew

    Member
    4 November 2004 at 11:38

    What type of vinyl did you use? Sounds like the adhesive may have been water based? Usually this white milky look would disappear in a few days. happens some times with the cheaper Avery materials.

    Doing the window dry is the best option, or use a solvent adhesive material that will not be affected by water.

    got a picture of it you can post?

    cheers
    Shane

  • Carrie Brown

    Member
    4 November 2004 at 11:43

    We would probably agree with Shane, our first thought was that it could be the glue residue from the vinyl due to wet application??

    Carrie 😀

  • Mark Shipley

    Member
    4 November 2004 at 11:44

    Hi, it does sound like a water bloom within the adhesive, if possible, leave it a few days and it should clear up.

    When using a vinyl with a water based adhesive you must use the smallest amount of water possible to apply it – nothing more than a fine mist. Of course, fitting dry would be the best option – but I’m not starting a thread about that 😕

    Hope this is of help.

    Mark

  • fraser1203

    Member
    4 November 2004 at 12:11

    The vinyl was Ritrama, the yellow 3-5 year, the burgundy 7 year Pro, but thanks for all the help. I applied using a mist spray, but does anybody think the problem lies within the glass cleaner? If it was silicon based would this react with the adhesive and water. I’ve checked the spec for the vinyl and it quotes ‘permanent adhesive acrylate with perfect water resistance’…

    I think rather than replacing the job lot tomorrow I’ll offer to look at it at the start of next week. If it needs doing then it needs doing but if you reckon it may clear up in a couple of days I give it every opportunity.

    thanks 😮

  • Shane Drew

    Member
    4 November 2004 at 12:18

    not familiar with the brand here in oz,

    I’d steer clear of anything with silicon when it comes to vinyl tho.

    The others here would have a better idea of the glue I’d suggest. but I’d still suggest it is water bloom based on the fact that here in oz, most 3 year films are not solvent adhesive.

    Good idea to leave it a couple of days

    Cheers
    Shane

  • Jill Marie Welsh

    Member
    4 November 2004 at 13:53

    ….well hopefully it’s not Anthrax!
    On a serious note, it could be what you used for cleaning the window.
    I have invested in Rapid Tac products and REALLY love them.
    They have a great cleaner, Rapid Prep, and a formulation just for
    window use, Rapid Tac 2.
    I am a wet applicator except on VERY small text on glass.
    The nice thing about RT products is that they stand behind them,
    and will replace your materials if it is proved that RT has caused the failure.
    They have a websire, possibly
    http://www.rapidtac.com/
    But i can’t get it to work today.
    They do send free samples via the mail, but that’s not going to help you today!
    Love….Jill

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