Best transfer method for Frosted Crystal on glass

[paul luszcz]

We are applying a panel of Frosted Crystal vinyl on glass with a series of doctor's names knocked out.

We have done this many times but are struggling with this one for some reason.

The biggest problem we're having is removing the backing sheet (clear plastic liner) and getting everything to stick to the transfer tape. We've tried it be weeding the vinyl and cutting without weeding. We've been adjusting the cutting depth to make sure it removes from the backer and we've been burnishing the heck out it to get it to stick.

Is there a particular high tack transfer tape that someone has used successfully for this product?

Is there any other trick I should be aware of?

 

[bernie]

Transfer tape is interesting stuff. Works on one product but not necessarily on another.
Have you tried wiping down the vinyl prior to applying transfer tape?
I'd ask the place where you purchased the vinyl for their recommendations.

 

[Andriy]

Try to get the pressure to the point where weeding is JUST right, if it's too easy to weed then you could run into vinyl digging itself inside the backing causing those issues.

That's just my 2 cents on this, it could just be the application tape you're using is low-tack and this vinyl requires medium/high-tack tape.

 

[HIGHSPEEDGRAPHIX]

the liner sucks to peel, off...be very careful... I used Conform R hi-tack. That frosted crystal hates pre-mask...... If you cut too deep this also doesn't help.

For install, I use wet application method. I pre-mask only the knockout. scrap clean the window, soak the window, peel the film up against a surface like a wall or table soak the film. apply with a black blade window squeegee by "pressing out from the top down, center out....trim edges, and tape out edges with a Paper towel to get any of the last little bit of water.

 

[shoresigns]

If you're doing a lot of frosted film, one method to consider is weeding off the glass. No transfer tape required. We don't use that method here as our crappy plotter isn't consistent enough, but I've seen it done that way by large window film specialists.

 

[strypguy]

I do the weeding on glass on anything with a cut-out design etc. I use a little baby shampoo and water mix for a wet install. Works good for me. John

 

[T_K]

What size are the pieces inside the knockout? I know from my own experience that if the small pieces like the inside of an "e" are too small, they're nearly impossible to get to stick to app tape.

One trick you can use is go slow over the trouble areas and use a knife or weeding tool to push down the trouble pieces as they begin to release from the app tape. This sucks when you've got a ton of letters, but it works.

 

[bold_will_hold]

like others have stated if you are doing a wet install try weeding on glass once vinyl has dried for a bit. I would use high tack transfer paper weed prior to application, apply wet using water only a dab of soap if any. I always spray the application tape with same solution after vinyl is applied, spray the application tape thoroughly and wipe it in with your hand then remove tape. Helps to pull transfer tape straight down against itself keeping it close to the glass, as opposed to pulling the transfer tape off toward you like you would in dry application. Be very careful when apply wet to not get backer paper wet or it will not release properly.

 

[Chasez]

I would try wiping the frosted crystal with ISO %99 before cutting. We've had the same issue, seems like 3M has made the adhesive more aggressive or adjusted the non stick coating on the liner. We've used the 3M SCPS-55 high tack mask and with a lot of elbow grease you can get it off the liner.

Chaz

 

[paul luszcz]

Thanks for all the replies. We actually do most of things recommended.

We ordered a roll of SCPS-55 after spending a bunch of time on 3Ms website. It should be in today and we will try it tomorrow.

One new wrinkle is the alcohol prep. I'm not sure why this helps, but it's worth a try.

We have so far tailed four times and have enough Frosted Crystal to try four more times.

Wish us luck. I usually try to keep my material costs below 300% of my selling price.

 

[scott pagan]

the higher tack premask will help. another thing to try is just before application time, hand re-squeegee the backing paper side (face down) as you remove the backing liner from the premask. this is helpful if you have space to work with. you'll also have the squeegee in hand if you need to back up in case of smaller diecut items lifting with the liner. if the premask and etch vinyl are flat as the liner is removed there's less chance of lifting. i also try to always apply etch dry so application sets up and premask will remove without pulling back off any fine detail of the cut design. sometimes application liquids will leave residue or a "water stain" under the etch and you're left with a less desirable finished project.

good luck!

 

[TammieH]

Actually. High tack is recommended, we got a sample roll of super high tack made for Avery's Frosted Sparkle (have not used the super high tack yet)

We had the same problem a couple years ago, because we normally just cover windows with the stuff.