Application Fluid Only?

[Mac34]

I've been a user of the good ole "hinge method" for I don't know how many years now? It has always worked for me, and therefore I never strayed away from it. Since I started using my Versacamm though, I noticed that in printing on 3651, and using 210 laminate, it is almost impossible for me to use the hinge method, and not get a bunch of bubbles in my finished product? With HP and Int., I rarely have an issue, but with the thickness of these printed graphics, I just seem to be running into problems? Today I made a set of printed magnets. I didn't run the magnet through the printer, but just printed on the vinyl, laminated, and then stuck the print on the magnet material. The first one I did dry, using the hinge method. No wrinkles, but way too many bubbles. The second one, I grabbed some application fluid and sprayed it on. Not one bubble, and I was kind of surprised as to how fast it dried. I don't think I'll start using application fluid on everything now, but it does seem like the way to go with certain digital graphics? Which was do you all find is best to apply thicker medias?

[GXSignCo]

I typically use a wet install with mags.

[iSign]

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I've mostly used straight water for application fluid. No soap, no nothing... it still does what all liquids do & inhibits the immediate grab of the adhesive to allow bubbles to squeegee out. I still use the hinge when I use fluid though. I see no reason to flota a graphic in so much fluid that you can slide it around. I'd rather just measure & figure out where it should go & hinge it there.

[Munch]

I dry laminate and mount in a single pass on the LAMINATOR. This is especially helpful when mounting the large (4'x8' and larger) printed graphics to coroplast, aluminum, and pvc substrates. Takes a bit of pratice, but after a few flubs the end result is smooth and bubble free.

On magnets, I too wet apply the laminated vinyl. Seems to work better for me.

[grafixhenk]

We also use the biq squeegee for all mounting now. Works like a dream, we have a 25 and a 50. No bubblies at all!

[javila]

Get a laminator. Yes you can get by without it, but if you have a printer, you'll absolutely loathe yourself for every day you went without a laminator.

[high impact]

It has taken some practice for my wife and I but we are using the BS more often for applying laminated 3651 with no mask and no bubbles.

[thewood]

If you have a laminator, use it to mount prints. It's almost too easy.

[Cy Fan]

A laminator, although probably the most expensive route to go, it is probably the best and easiest

[iSign]

I have a $5000 laminator which we use for lamination, but I use the BS for mounting prints. Mounting ten 2' x 6' prints today... not laminated OR taped, still goes down easy & correctly.

[Mac34]

I have a Quickmount III laminator that I use to laminate all of my prints. Are you saying to just apply the print normally, THEN run the whole magnet through the laminator to laminate? I'm kind of lost I guess? :)

[javila]

Laminate the print, them apply the laminated print with the laminator.

[kendallcole]

I wet apply almost everything with the "middle" hinge technique. Bubbles are rarly an issue. (althought completely soaking it can promote bubbles). Learning just the right amount is key for me. I use water with just a couple drops of soap in it. For prints I dont even use mask. Just water and a felt squeege.