Cold Weather Glass Application Advice

[Sven]

I'm looking for some advice on applying lettering to glass in temperatures around 30-35 degrees. I haven't found Rapid Tac to be of much help. I've considered heating the glass with a blow dryer, but I can just imagine it shattering into a thousand pieces. Any help is appreciated..

 

[wes70]

dry install or rapid tac 2

 

[Gino]

I hate saying this, but if, you're not good doing it dry, try Rapid II will work. Let the application tape remain on until you can peel it without lifting anything. You might need to leave and come back the next day. If that's too inconvenient, as your customer just to gently remove the tape 24 hours later.

 

[Kottwitz-Graphics]

dry install or rapid tac 2

Dry install X100...

I learned the hard way a long time ago about Rapid Tac and glass. In fact, I won't even use Rapic Tac 2 on glass...It still makes it too easy to peel off when removing the application tape.

And to compound it applying in cold temps, it won't ever dry. If its a line of copy, tape it up, and cut it into more managable sections. If its a solid image, use the center hinge method, and get an extra pair of hands to hold.

 

[SlightlyChilled]

or hold off till monday it should be up in the 50's

 

[Sven]

Thanks. I haven't had any luck with Rapid Tac II, hot or cold.

or hold off till monday it should be up in the 50's

Weather channel says 38

 

[rjssigns]

We use either a flat radiant panel or quartz tube heater on the inside surface when applying to single pane. Last one we did like that it was 31F. We've done installs just below freezing using a torpedo heater on the outside of IG panels. Never get too close though. Just enough so we can feel our fingertips.LOL

 

[401Graphics]

i always install dry in the winter. I dont want to sit there and wait til it is ok to take the transfer tape off.

 

[Keith Jenicek]

Just did it dry on a window this past weekend. It was 35 degrees & everything turned out fine. My modified 10" Big Squeegee came in handy on the larger graphics.

I cleaned the glass with a razor to get off any paint. Any adhesive residue on the window was addressed with All-Off or Rapid Prep. Then cleaned the glass with 50/50, water/alcohol VERY thoughly using a lint free rag.

I only removed about 6" of backer liner at a time for the installation & everything went perfect.

No center hinges were used on installation, that is..all of the hinges were on the edges of the vinyl. Just top, bottom & diagonal.

 

[tattoo.dan]

Just did 5 windows this morning...22 degrees...dry is by far best way to go and should stick just like it was 80 degrees...

 

[signman0808]

Cold weather installs.....

All I've got to say, you guys need to move to a warmer climate!Installing outdoor vinyl in 22 degree weather!!!!, NOT this guy!


Hang in there guys!


RwJ

 

[DizzyMarkus]

lol 8 here today in upsate NY-- not for me today :0)

I use Rapid Tac II for Inter and Rapid for cast -- I only lightly spray the window when its cold, no saturating as you'll wait to the cows come home

Markus

 

[Berferful]

cold install

I had a similar question on the forum last week. We decided to dive in and just do it. It was around 28 degrees . We installed everything dry without a hitch.

 

[skyhigh]

All I've got to say, you guys need to move to a warmer climate!Installing outdoor vinyl in 22 degree weather!!!!, NOT this guy!


Hang in there guys!


RwJ

Wimp. :Big Laugh

Its 9:13 am, and currently 7*f out. Its warmed up considerably since I was out at 5:30.

I've lettered windows as low as 5*f. I used a hair dryer (afraid of the heat gun), to slowly warm the window. I figured I only had to get the area up to 40* for a good stick. I apply the graphics, then warm up before taking the transfer tape off, or directly to the print (and the inside of the glass too). No problems.

My experience was on doors only (40% coverage). Anything larger....don't know what I'd do. Wait for warmer weather, or use the torpedo heater like RJ mentioned.....and pray.

 

[skyhigh]

I had a similar question on the forum last week. We decided to dive in and just do it. It was around 28 degrees . We installed everything dry without a hitch.

Hey Steve....
Do you have the Y Graphic Standards publication, and the supplement for Signage? I can send those to you if you don't.

 

[Team Valhalla]

Are there vinyls that are better suited for application in the cold?

SP

 

[Gino]

Are there vinyls that are better suited for application in the cold?

SP

No.

I don't think there's a soul here using a vinyl which states it should be applied below 50º.

It's an actual fact that the adhesive [glue part] side of the vinyl which when very cold the molecules don't move very fast, which equates to a non-sticking kinda arrangement. On top of that, mountng to glass, which is even cold in the summertime, you're trying to stick a practically non-stickalbe surface onto something around 0º or less temperatures and unless the molecules are busier than H*ll they ain't gonna stick 100% for quite some time. That's why the need for heat. However, let's add the wetness factor which even makes for a less stickier surface now on both sides....... you've created a mess.

Unless you wanna chance replacing a pane of glass cause unless the glass is tempered pretty hard, you run a great risk of breaking the glass.... you might just wanna do it dry, take your chances without heat or wait for warmer weather.

 

[DizzyMarkus]

Berferful

Isn't the new YMCA logo blue and green. I just did some decals for our local and they had me use a blue/green Y -- said the orange was the older logo. Ut oh hehe

Thank you,
Markus

 

[skyhigh]

Berferful

Isn't the new YMCA logo blue and green. I just did some decals for our local and they had me use a blue/green Y -- said the orange was the older logo. Ut oh hehe

Thank you,
Markus

Then the director of your local chapter is a buffoon.

 

[skyhigh]

There are 5 color combinations. Share this with your director, and you will become his #1 go-to sign guy. There is a 62 page graphics standards publication, along with a supplement for signage.

ps. And don't put an outline around the logo.

 

[DizzyMarkus]

Thanks, and to think I only asked

I was serious tho. Is there a "latest" color combination or are they all used at any given time? Bafoon or not thats what they asked for -- I myself dont keep up with the most current YMCA colors hehe

If your honest then thank you greatly :0) -- sometimes it hard to tell on here lol


I appreciate it,
Markus

 

[OlsonSigns601]

On the same subject, I've got a 53" x 70" window perf to do on a front store window I've just put on hold for a warm day....

I've never installed something like that below freezing, anyone see a problem with that going on?