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Advice on Vinyl Adhesion for Outdoor Powder Coated Enclosures

M

Martinstani

New Member
While taking some winter-wonderland photos of our equipment, I noticed a few of our vinyl decals are starting to peel. Could you recommend a 3M vinyl product or adhesive system that will properly adhere to a textured, powder-coated outdoor enclosure? We’ve had issues with decals lifting even in normal weather, and the extreme cold is making it more noticeable.

For context, the decals were applied indoors in a warm setting, with alcohol prep. Any guidance or product suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much for your time and help!


vinyl peeling.jpg

vinyl peeling 2.jpg

vinyl peeling 3.jpg
 
M

Martinstani

New Member
Thank you! I got the same message from 3m. I will check with our decal supplier if this material they are using or can try switching too.

Message from 3m:

The only material within our graphics portfolio that has been tested and approved for powder coated surfaces is our IJ180mC-10LSE. Attached in the product bulletin outlines how LSE is specifically formulated for low surface energy substrates (including powder coated surfaces).

Ultimately any other graphic material applied to a powder coat is likely subject to failure as you have attached below.
 
J

jwlllpl

New Member
We have been using Briteline Hi Tack from Grimco successfully for several years. Our issues are opposite of yours - high humidity, high heat , lots of sun. It is formulated for for powder coating. Working great on equipment of all types we have tried.
 
Gino

Gino

Premium Subscriber
I imagine the black copy is plain colored vinyl, which seems to be holding up just fine. Therefore, I doubt it as user mishandling. Basically, any cast air egress vinyl should work with proper laminate. Was it cleaned properly and what temperature was it applied ??
 
M

Martinstani

New Member
Hi everyone,

The decals were applied indoors in a warm setting, using alcohol prep. Obviously, results can vary depending on how careful the installers are. That said, this isn’t a new issue — we’ve noticed peeling consistently, regardless of the weather.

Any suggestions for materials or adhesive systems that hold up better would be greatly appreciated!
 
I

ikarasu

Active Member
Martinstani said:
Thank you! I got the same message from 3m. I will check with our decal supplier if this material they are using or can try switching too.

Message from 3m:

The only material within our graphics portfolio that has been tested and approved for powder coated surfaces is our IJ180mC-10LSE. Attached in the product bulletin outlines how LSE is specifically formulated for low surface energy substrates (including powder coated surfaces).

Ultimately any other graphic material applied to a powder coat is likely subject to failure as you have attached below.
Click to expand...
We do a lot of powdered coated stuff. Regular vinyl doesn't stick to most powder coating.

There are 3 different types of powder coating - 2 of them aren't as bad, but the third most common way makes stuff not want to stick.... Including screen printing.


3m 180 lse is the way to go if you want 3m, but it's extremely expensive.... Especially for flat surfaces. Almost any high tac will work for powder coating, oracal makes 3105ght, which is a Callander, but a good one - and they also do a cast version. They are our gotos for decals like this
 
  • Agree
Reactions: 1 user
MikePro

MikePro

Active Member
low surface energy vinyl (high tack) is the way to go
try Arlon DPF8000 and thank me later.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: 1 user
mkoons11

mkoons11

New Member
Check out Drytac's "Polar Grip". High coat weight, dark grey, high-tack adhesive on a 5-year vinyl that can be applied to powder coated metal, hard-to-stick-to plastics, brick, cinder blocks, and concrete. Can be applied in temperatures down to -5°F (-20.5°C). 7-year construction with matching laminate. Drytac is located in Brampton, ON. Pricing is a LOT more reasonable than anything from 3M.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: 1 users
M

Martinstani

New Member
Message from 3M:
3690LF would also be suitable- however for a long-term application its expected performance life is less than that of 180LSE.

Ultimately the compatible laminates + time requirements for the application would lean towards 180LSE for a permanent/long term signage, but 3690LF can provide similar results if that is decided.
 
Elwood "Woody" Smith

Elwood "Woody" Smith

New Member
It doesn't need to be a 3m product. Just make sure you use a Highest Tack adhesive product + lam and that it is installed in the proper temp and way, and it will be fine. We usually use mactac and Arlon Highest Tack and never have had a problem.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: 1 user
M

Martinstani

New Member
Elwood Woody Smith said:
It doesn't need to be a 3m product. Just make sure you use a Highest Tack adhesive product + lam and that it is installed in the proper temp and way, and it will be fine. We usually use mactac and Arlon Highest Tack and never have had a problem.
Click to expand...
Would you have the product codes? Any help appreciated.
 
Kevin Niquette

Kevin Niquette

New Member
We’ve seen the same thing with powder coat, standard vinyl just won’t hang on long term. If you’re set on 3M, IJ180mC-10LSE is really the only option they’ll officially stand behind for powder-coated surfaces. It works, but it’s definitely expensive for flat panels.
In practice, we’ve had good luck with high-tack / LSE films from other brands too. Briteline Hi-Tack has held up well for us, and we’ve also used Arlon high-tack materials successfully. The common thread seems to be adhesive strength more than brand. Powder coat can vary a lot, so testing is still key, but once we switched to true high-tack films, the lifting issues mostly went away.

Hope that helps.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: 1 user
R

robertfhuerta

New Member
Kevin Niquette said:
We’ve seen the same thing with powder coat, standard vinyl just won’t hang on long term. If you’re set on 3M, IJ180mC-10LSE is really the only option they’ll officially stand behind for powder-coated surfaces. It works, but it’s definitely expensive for flat panels.
In practice, we’ve had good luck with high-tack / LSE films from other brands too. Briteline Hi-Tack has held up well for us, and we’ve also used Arlon high-tack materials successfully. The common thread seems to be adhesive strength more than brand. Powder coat can vary a lot, so testing is still key, but once we switched to true high-tack films, the lifting issues mostly went away.

Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
If you need Mac tac anti slip vinil for floor graphics I have approximate 60 rolls 54 x 100 ft ,13 mil ,self adhesive $49 a roll link to material https://www.graphiccommerce.com/product/mactac-streettrax/
 
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