First time translucent install...

[Stacey K]

Hi All -- tomorrow I have my first install for translucent vinyl. It's a simple design with just black translucent vinyl size of 18" x 44". I'm expecting a temperature of 55 degrees...it states a minimum temp of 47 degrees. Is there anything I should be aware of or do differently than I would normally do on say a vehicle? I'm expecting this to be a quick and easy job...am I right? Advice welcome, thanks in advance!

 

[Texas_Signmaker]

Trans can rip easier when removing the transfer tape if your using it... Not sure how it works on a vehicle...that would be a first for me.

 

[Jburns]

Create some small test decals - apply to the surface wet and dry and see which goes on and looks better

 

[Stacey K]

Trans can rip easier when removing the transfer tape if your using it... Not sure how it works on a vehicle...that would be a first for me.

LOL! I didn't word that very well ha ha -- OK, that's great advice, I'll be sure to be careful, thank you!!!

 

[Kottwitz-Graphics]

I assume your installing on a sign face (polycarb or acrylic)...

If so, lots of soapy water... lots... it can't be too wet. use a pump up sprayer and soak it down...

 

[Stacey K]

I assume your installing on a sign face (polycarb or acrylic)...

If so, lots of soapy water... lots... it can't be too wet. use a pump up sprayer and soak it down...

Yes, correct...OK, thank you!!!

 

[Kottwitz-Graphics]

Yes, correct...OK, thank you!!!

And it would be easier to lay the faces down flat, place the graphics on the face, application taped side down, and peel the backing off, spray the adhesive with lots of soapy water, lift the side and spray underneath, flip, and place them. squeegee from the center out, respray, and squeegee again. get the application tape just drentched... give 15 or 20 minutes, then remove the application tape at 180 degrees, back on itself, and go slow...

pop and drain any water bubbles left, and then install.

 

[Gino]

If this 18" x 44" is a reverse then I'd float it on, which is wetting the face and the adhesive side of the vinyl with a liquid of your choice and just making sure you squeegee the living daylights outta it to remove all the water from behind. Otherwise, the water will eventually evaporate and turn into air gaps and not look very nice. If it is just die-cut translucent letters, do it dry. Might as well learn to do it right sometime.

 

[Texas_Signmaker]

I didn't know you had to wet translucent vinyl before applying? I've been doing them all dry

 

[petepaz]

something that size shouldn't be too bad but if it's on the cold side of the thermometer be gentle the colder the easier the rip. i have done installs as low as 30 degrees (not recommended but it can be done). i also do mostly dry installs myself but which ever way you are comfortable and works for you is the way to go

 

[Gino]

You don't have to, it's just easier if you have large solid areas. For copy, we don't use it.

 

[unclebun]

I didn't know you had to wet translucent vinyl before applying? I've been doing them all dry

So do we--especially if it's cold out when you do it.
The only time we've used wet application for translucent was when we did some double layer prints before we figured out how to maintain registration dry.

 

[Stacey K]

It went good, thanks all! Client's "logo" was basically just copy. I wet applied one side and squeeged the heck out of it but realized I really didn't need to wet apply so I dry applied the second side. Was in and out pretty quickly. I can see how the vinyl could tear pretty easily so I was very careful. She gave me a 5 star FB review for great service and posted a pic so I guess she liked it!

 

[Texas_Signmaker]

It went good, thanks all! Client's "logo" was basically just copy. I wet applied one side and squeeged the heck out of it but realized I really didn't need to wet apply so I dry applied the second side. Was in and out pretty quickly. I can see how the vinyl could tear pretty easily so I was very careful. She gave me a 5 star FB review for great service and posted a pic so I guess she liked it!

Good to hear. If you're on Google get them to review you there...you'll get a bigger bang for your buck. Business owners are searching Google not Facebook from what I can tell.

 

[SignaSigns]

We only use water in the peak of summertime or when we have to slide the graphics in to place. It's pretty cold most and wet most of the year in Scotland though, I'd do 2 small tests first.