Self-adhesive vinyl was a $3.16 billion market in 2020, and there are no signs of it slowing down. The annual growth rate is projected at over 4.5% between 2021 and 2028.
Vinyl and graphic designs look great on airplanes, cars, boats, and more! But when cold weather strikes, placing your handcrafted vinyl designs becomes virtually impossible.
Even when you get the vinyl to stick, chances are it won’t last long, and you will be left with more work, time, and money spent in the long term. Quick Stick Application Fluid eliminates your winter blues by helping your vinyl and graphics stick onto cold surfaces.
Are you still interested? We have put together a complete guide on adhesives and how our Quick Stick Application Fluid can benefit your creativity, so keep reading on!
What Are Adhesives?
There are a few ways to break up different types of adhesives: chemical composition and form. Some of the most common chemical compositions include:
- Epoxy
- Polyurethane
- Polyimide
Epoxy is one of the most popular types since it has a strong chemical bond and is temperature and solvent-resistant. Polyurethane-based components are also widely used as it uses polymer-based adhesive components.
It uses moisture to set the adhesion, making it a better option under certain conditions than epoxy. Polyimide contains solvents and works well under high temperatures.
Adhesive Forms
The physical form of your adhesives plays an essential role in adhesion tack levels in cold weather. The main types are:
- Paste
- Glue
- Liquid
- Film
- Pellets
While liquid and glue are common adhesives that work on smooth surfaces and pressure-sensitive materials, an adhesive form, like glue, works by first absorbing into the material. Typically, you spread a thin amount of the adhesive component onto the material to form a bond.
Once you apply another object or material onto the outer surface of the glue, it can harden and adhere the two pieces together. Adhesive materials on vinyl work a bit differently, and you know just how difficult it can be to keep up your work under cold weather.
How Does Vinyl Stick?
When you think of vinyl, you mainly picture cars, windows, or other pressure-sensitive materials. When it comes to creativity, vinyl stickers have endless options, but specific steps should be followed for your vinyl to last. Here are some general vinyl guidelines:
- Clean your surface
- Let it dry fully
- Scale design
- Use transfer tape
- Apply decal onto smooth surfaces
- Use pressure
- Peel off the transfer tape
Does that seem easy enough? What happens when the temperatures start dropping?
You may have experienced this first hand, but vinyl does not hold up well under changes in temperature. During cold-weathered months, it becomes more brittle and non-malleable. Not only does this create problems for wrapping vinyl around curved surfaces, but it also won’t stick as long.
In the winter, metal and glass are the two main problems areas for vinyl, arguably the two most important business pieces for your vinyl! Both surfaces maintain a colder temperature longer than other surfaces.
Rather than waiting until it warms up for you to start back up again, here are some helpful tips and tricks to keep your business or projects up and running smoothly.
Cold Weather Application
When you scour the internet, you may find plenty of DIY options for cold-weather vinyl applications. One suggestion is slowly heating the surface or material with a blow-drier. This may prove risky, especially with glass, and extensive care should be taken.
Climate-controlled facilities work best for warming up a vehicle. If you plan to place vinyl on a vehicle, bring the vehicle into a garage or building for at least two days. Additionally, make sure you clean off any snow and ice from the car and try washing it beforehand.
After placing a graphic or vinyl, you should continue storing the vehicle in a warm building for a few days.
Quick Stick Application Fluid
Unlike epoxy and other adhesions, graphics don’t need a solvent to activate them. It relies on pressure and application for durability and longevity.
Additionally, graphics are much more cost-effective and user-friendly than other adhesion forms. However, unlike other adhesive compounds, vinyl is a bit trickier when it comes to temperature ranges.
The ideal range for installing vinyl is between 70° F, and 80° F. Tack levels start dropping off when temperatures begin dipping below 50° F. Quick Stick Application Fluid works in temperatures as low as 15° F.
What are the benefits of Quick Stick Application fluid?
- Works on multiple surfaces (e.g., boats, vehicles, aircraft, acrylic)
- Improves tack levels
- Reposition vinyl
- Does not damage adhesive
- Eliminate air bubbles
One of the biggest downsides of applying vinyl is that you can’t readjust it. It takes a coordinated eye and a bit of luck to position it correctly. Application fluid gives the surface some lubrication, which allows you a brief time to reposition your vinyl where you want it.
Afterward, use a squeegee and eliminate any fluid from under the vinyl. This process also provides the pressure needed for vinyl to stick and eliminates air bubbles. Lastly, remove the application tape, and you are finished!
Keep Your Business Running
Wintertime doesn’t have to stop you from working on vinyl and graphics. Instead, choose our Quick Stick Application fluid for year-round use. It can make placing vinyl a piece of cake and helps you avoid nagging problems when you stick the vinyl on glass or acrylic.
Cold weather can take its toll on graphics, and you should always exercise caution like washing the surface beforehand, warming up the vehicle, and letting the vinyl set.
What are you waiting for?Check out our website and purchase your vinyl application fluid today!
Simple Solutions International offers a full selection of plotter blades and plotter pens as well as a variety of useful tools for use in plotting and sign making such as plotter adapters, masking film, spray mask, and other sign making tools and accessories.