Wet Applacation For digital printed graphics

[VinylCraft]

Just brain storeming did a search and was wondering on peoples experience with wet applacation with digital printed/lam graphics. For instance the adhesive standing up and even doing wet with channeled air release ect. Don't have a project that needs it just pickin peeps brain.

thanks.

[cdiesel]

Why would you want to do a wet install with air egress? To help get the bubbles out?? I always try to talk people out of wet installs--once you learn how to apply vinyl, you don't need the crutch. A wet install with air egress would be a PITA cause you would never get the darn thing to dry.

[VinylCraft]

I'm not sure why maybe a easier way to position the graphic with out app tape. Just a thought remember i am just picking your brains thank you CD for your input.


Why would you want to do a wet install with air egress? To help get the bubbles out?? I always try to talk people out of wet installs--once you learn how to apply vinyl, you don't need the crutch. A wet install with air egress would be a PITA cause you would never get the darn thing to dry.

[cinemasign.grafix]

The adhesive has to be squeegee with firm pressure & heat set (sun , heat gun Etc.) for it to "Melt" together creating a uniform bond.

[Ken]

Haven't tried the air egress or EZ apply vinyls yet. I do use RapidTac a fair bit for larger printed panels..anything 2 feet or bigger. Also have not tried out my Big Squeegee yet either.
Ken

[kendallcole]

I do alot of wet app on prints. No tape with a felt sleeve. Although I do catch some heat around the forums sometimes when I say that. I guess some dont think it's "professional" to wet apply. But to each there own, try both ways, do what works best for you and your equipment/material.

[Techman]

wet has its place,, No need to feel unprofessional if any one needs to use a professional juice.

I just did a nic eprint and laid it with some juice.. works just fine..

[cinemasign.grafix]

There is no install police to come take you away. You can do anything you want. Sure you can wet install, but why use an air egress . If you want the maximum performance out of the material it's meant to be applied dry. Can you apply wet ? Sure , will it fail in the near future? Probably not. Will it preform equal to dry installation? Probably not - so says the manufacture

[Sign-Man Signs]

wet has its place,, No need to feel unprofessional if any one needs to use a professional juice.

I just did a nic eprint and laid it with some juice.. works just fine..

Like Tech said. No worries.

[Pat Whatley]

You CAN NOT apply digital graphics wet. The printing changes the molecular structure of the vinyl through heat and application of SOLVENTS. If you put them on wet they are destined to fail in a short time and you'll be on the hook for replacement, plus a major blow to your reputation which will probably cause you to go out of business meaning you won't be buying anybody a GI Joe with the Kung-Fu grip for Christmas.


Not that I really meant any of that, I just figured with everybody saying it was okay somebody had to interject some imaginary facts and knowlege.

[VinylCraft]

Thanks everyone who shared their 2 cents

[wsteely7]

I like it dry, but i have done wet too, they both heve their place

[iSign]

Thanks everyone who shared their 2 cents
...and their non-cents

[kendallcole]

I like it dry, but i have done wet too, they both heve their place

Thats what she said.



ZING!

[wsteely7]

Ha Ha Ha!
thats pretty funny

[Pro Image]

Thats what she said.



ZING!

If thats the case you need KY instead of RT....................hahahaha

[mediaman]

All manufacturers of air egress vinyl (Avery EZ RS, 3M Controltac, MacTac Bubble Free, Oracal Rapid Air) state that the warranty is void if applied wet. I have customers who applied EZ wet and on the first hot day the side of the van was one huge bubble caused by the trapped water vaporizing and releasing the vinyl. Most of the air egress vinyl can be repositioned for up to 36 hours until the adhesive smoothes out as it is removed from the liner that has the pattern. As mentioned, strong squeegee pressure can accelerate the smoothing of the adhesive. These materials are VERY forgiving, by design, and should NEVER require liquid. A heat gun is also strongly recommended by all manufacturers to releave stresses in the vinyl so it doesn't have as much of a "memory", which can cause the vinyl to try to return to the shape it was on the roll.

[cdiesel]

If I remember correctly, the only vinyls that are warrantied after a wet application are translucents. I don't have a clue how the mfg would ever tell if you used app fluid or not though.