Scratching laminate

[klingsdesigns]

How do you guys avoid scratching the laminate when applying printed vinyl laminated to substrate. I typically use luster laminate so i dont notice it as much. Today I applied a 4x8 piece of oracal 3165 ra to polymetal it was laminated in gloss. I used a oshee squeegie, felt squeegie, and another type one. They all scratched. I didn't premask the material before applying. I have noticed this when i apply it to the vehicle too.

 

[JBusch260]

If you wave a heat gun over the surface (DON'T BURN IT!), most of the scratches should dissipate. We've had quite a bit of luck with our vehicles and other jobs that request a gloss laminate.

 

[laserman70]

If you wave a heat gun over the surface (DON'T BURN IT!), most of the scratches should dissipate. We've had quite a bit of luck with our vehicles and other jobs that request a gloss laminate.

+1

 

[QuickSilver2605]

I use a Geek Wraps soft edge squeegee and wet the top of the graphic with whatever application fluid I and using. They seem to glide a lot better and leave less marks when wet. Also, if you hit it with a little heat, that can take some of the haze out as well.

 

[QuickSilver2605]

Also, with 4x8 panels, I sometimes use my laminator to apply.

 

[Clear Choice Laminating]

You Can either use a laminator/mounting machine when applying to a substrate or you can buy a hard coat lam aka ant graffiti. The cheaper route would be to get a microfiber rag and rig it to your squeegee.

 

[klingsdesigns]

I tried heat and it doesn't seem to help. Do you have to heat it pretty good? I am afraid of burning. I don't like putting polymetal in my laminators because it has sharp edges.

 

[JBusch260]

Just wave it above it for a bit. Experiment with some extra pieces to dial it in. It doesn't have to be crazy hot, but you can see when they start to go away.

 

[klingsdesigns]

We tried to heat it up pretty good. Low setting on heat gun. Little bit went away but not a lot. I am assuming you wont be able to see it where it is getting mounted, but i was wondering for the future. Teflon tape on the squeegee think would work better?

 

[JBusch260]

Try dialing the heat up a bit more. It does take a lot to burn material, but when it does, it cooks quickly. Teflon tape could help. Always worth a try at least. Somebody had mentioned the Geek Wraps squeegees earlier. Those may be worth looking into as well. They are pretty pricey, but my Fellers rep said the chrome install guys prefer those because of how soft they are. If you can get a matching teflon to try out, that could save you in the long run.

 

[klingsdesigns]

Sounds good. I will give it some heat in a bit, i did some research and people said the lam 210 scratches easy. Also a few days in the sun is supposed to make them disappear. Thanks guys.

 

[SightLine]

Not what you are looking for using on calendared stuff but on cast we have really taken a liking to 3M 8548G (their newer Envision gloss laminate). Does not scratch up nearly as much and has the highest UV and acid dew resistance out there. They do not promote it as such but the 3M compatibility docs do show it as fully compatible with 180C as well as their 480 Envision vinyl.

 

[klingsdesigns]

When i do use 3m i will make sure i order that lam for the 180 cv3 on my next order.. thanks

 

[SightLine]

For what its worth we have already used about 20 rolls of it. Mostly on 180CV3 but we are also using it on reflective as well.

 

[MikePro]

had this happen frequently. chalked it up to dirt becoming embedded in the fibers of the felt squeegee, so I just give my oshee felt squeegee a quick spritz of soapy water before application and no more issues.
in the event that I do scratch, carwax polishes/buffs-out laminate scratches really well.

 

[klingsdesigns]

Alright.. So i think i noticed the scratches more since most of the print was black. I did go out and heat it up again.. WAY BETTER!!!! my problem is when my furnace is going my heat gun loses some amps so it must have not been getting hot enough. Glad they are putting more amps out there so i don't have problems with my ac this summer.

THANKS AGAIN !!!!

 

[JLD984]

I tried heat and it doesn't seem to help. Do you have to heat it pretty good? I am afraid of burning. I don't like putting polymetal in my laminators because it has sharp edges.

Make sure you apply the heat straight away.

 

[Split76]

how about transparent films like oracal 8300?.. after applying, it looks like crap with all those scratches. Is heatgun the solution? (sorry for borrowing this thread)

 

[x2chris7x]

We use oracal 210 also, and apply with oshee felt squeegee... We also get scratches, but we use a propane torch instead of a heat gun. After a couple passes with the torch the laminate glosses back over very nicely... We've been doing this for years. Got the idea from post heat vehicle wraps, and it works great.