Industrial Graphic Solutions Designed to Meet Your

Sophisticated Markings Needs.

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Getting the most out of your DECAL

Webinar Presentation

by Tobbias Day, Director of Quality Management

May 18, 2011

About us

• Industrial Graphic Solutions Provider• 40 years of service• Serving clients such as Caterpillar Inc., Blue Bird Bus Corporation, Flink, Qwest and Verizon• Family owned• One-stop shop• Process expertise• Accreditations (CAT cert)

About Us

AGENDA

Why is This Important

Terms and Definitions

Specifying Appropriate Materials Best Practices

Film Storage Best Practices

Surface Preparation Best Practices

Application Best Practices

Cleaning & Caring Best Practices

Review – Q&A

Introduction

Industrial Graphics Best Practices

• Specifying Requirements• Application• Maintenance 

Why is this important to you?

TERMS & DEFINITIONS

Terms & Definitions

Tools, Materials and Processes:

• Film (aka Decal, Label, Sticker) • adhesive-backed substrate (typically vinyl or

polycarbonate) with graphics printed on one side

• Premask • a thin adhesive-backed paper sheet applied to

the front surface of a film to protect it during shipping and application

• Release Liner • a slick paper sheet applied to the back side of

films to protect the adhesive until the film is applied 

Terms & Definitions

Liner

Adhesive

PVC

Ink

Adhesive

PET or PRE-MASK

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)1.0 mil clear overlaminating film forenhancement

PET or Pre-Mask Adhesive-Permanent pressure sensitive adhesive to bond PET to substrate.-Removable adhesive to secure Pre-Mask to substrate during application

Polyvinyl Chloride FilmVinyl film with ink receptive top coatingand excellent dimensional stability.

Film Adhesive1 mil thick acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive. High initial tackand superior bond to most metals and high surface energy plastics.

Release liner90 lb. stay flat liner for decal rigidity and easy removal.

InksOpaque inks in a varietyof standard or custom colors

or PRE-MASK

Terms & Definitions

Tools, Materials and Processes:

• Pre-masked, Pre-spaced Films • A film constructed of film, premask, and release

liner where specific areas of release liner are void of the vinyl graphic.

• Squeegee • a flexible flat plastic tool used to firmly press

films onto application surfaces• RapidTac

• an alcohol-based liquid used to aid in applying larger films on difficult surfaces

Pre-masked, Pre-spaced Films

Squeegees & RapidTac

SPECIFYING MATERIALSBEST PRACTICES

Specifying Appropriate Materials

Key Benefits:

• Costs down / Performance up

• Keeping Specifications up-to-date

• No sacrificing cost-savings for material brand recognition

Specifying Appropriate Materials

Tips & Techniques:

• Understand various substrates available

• Know the difference between brand names and product names

• Discuss quality and costs options with graphics supplier • Use the term “or equivalent”

FILM STORAGE BEST PRACTICES

Film Storage

Key Benefits:

• Prevent future quality issues• Limit loss of discarded decals• Meet and/or exceed lifespan of

decal per warranty

Film Storage

Tips & Techniques:

• Ensure films are:• Stored flat• Stored in plastic bags

• Do not store films in direct sunlight, moist or dirty conditions, or temperatures above 100°F (38°C).

• Inspect films prior to use

SURFACE PREPARATIONBEST PRACTICES

Surface Preparation

Key Benefits:

• Significant impact on the durability of your film

• Prevent bubbling (air pockets)of decal

• Prevent adhesion issues

Surface Preparation

Tips & Techniques:

• Surface Material Curing

• Painted surfaces must be fully cured prior to film installation.

• Outgassing can cause bubbles to form underneath a film. Remove the film and reapply another film.

Surface Preparation

Tips & Techniques:

• Surface Texture

• Visually inspect the surface to ensure it is:• Free of rust• No corrosion• No weld spatter, paint drips, or runs• Beware of severe orange peel

Surface Preparation

Tips & Techniques:

• Surface Temperature• Install at a surface temperature between 40°F (4°C)

and 90°F (32°C).

• A Heat gun can be used to heat a surface that is too cold.

• Higher temperatures can making the installation process more difficult by making it harder to reposition the film.

• The correct surface temperature should be maintained for at least an hour after film installation.

Surface Preparation

Tips & Techniques:

• Surface Cleanliness• Pressure wash surfaces caked in heavy dirt, dust or grime.

• Soap and water should NOT be sued as a cleaning agent

• Use Degreasing agent to remove heavy oils or greases.

• 50:50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water or Rapid Tac application fluid for all surfaces.

Surface Preparation

APPLICATION BEST PRACTICES

Application Techniques

Key Benefits:

Proper training of application techniques can:

• reduce scrap at the line

• Reduce issues reported from the field

Application Techniques

Some specifics:

• For large pre-masked , pre-spaced films:• Squeegee the liner backing with special attention to

the vinyl graphic areas. • Slowly remove liner at a 180 degree angle

• Spray decal application fluid on surface and decal’s adhesive side.

Application Techniques

Some specifics:

• For all films:• Even Pressure across the film for full contact

of the adhesive to the application surface

• Do not use your hands to apply this pressure to films

• Removed and repositioned if necessary

• Remove pre-mask at a 45 degree angle.

• Wipe the decal and surrounding area removing excess fluid and any streaks. - - 48 hours for full cure.

CLEANING AND AFTER CAREBEST PRACTICES

Cleaning and Aftercare

Key Benefits:

• Avoiding any lifting of the edges or other damage to the films that may occur during final cleaning of the equipment.

• Avoid damage to the finish of the films

• Enhance the brand perception

Cleaning and Aftercare

Common Equipment Cleaning techniques to consider:

• Hand Washing• Power Washing• Washing with a Brush

Cleaning and Aftercare

Some specifics:

• Hand Washing• Clean, lint-free cloth or shop towel and a wet solution with a

pH value between 3 and 11 which contains no abrasive material or solvents.

• RapidTac is an acceptable cleaning solution.• Do not use Windex or other ammonia-based cleaners.

• Power Washing• Continual spraying of water lessens the adhesion of the film

to the machine allowing the film to lift or curl. • Washing with a Brush

• Brushes can catch a loose edge of the film. • Brushes can damage the finish of the film.

Review

Best Practices

• Specifying Appropriate Materials• Film Storage• Surface Preparation• Application Techniques• Cleaning and Caring for Installed

Films

Contact Us

Muir Omni Graphics908 W. MainPeoria, IL 61606

My email: tobbias@muirgraphics.comp: (309) 673-7034 f: (309) 673-7035www.muirgraphics.com

Contact Us

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