Consumers report noticing out-of-home advertising, like vehicle graphics and storefront windows, 45% more than they were a year ago. With companies looking for every possible advantage, it is no surprise that your sign making business is seeing continued demand.
With the weather cooling down, applying vinyl graphics can be challenging, if not impossible. How will you keep giving your customers quality results on time through the winter?
A cold weather application fluid could be just what you need. Find out the benefits of using a cold-weather application fluid and which product will give you the best value.
Working with Pressure Sensitive Materials
Graphics for vehicles, storefronts, or other applications typically rely on pressure-sensitive materials, like vinyl. Pressure-sensitive materials bond to the surface you are applying them to when you apply pressure. The adhesive does not need solvent, water, or heat to activate it.
Pressure-sensitive materials are cost-effective and easy to use. These features have driven the global market to reach $9.5 billion in 2020.
Materials, like vinyl, are easy to use, but the temperature when you apply the graphics matters. Most vinyl manufacturers recommend temperatures between 50º and 90º F for application, with 70º to 80º F as an ideal range. Check the manufacturer’s technical data sheet to verify the best application temperature range for the product you are using.
When the temperature is too low, the film is more rigid, and the adhesive loses tack. The film will not conform to a curved or textured surface. The adhesive will form a bond more slowly. It may stick at first but then fail to make a strong enough bond to become permanent. You may experience adhesive failure.
Applying Vinyl Graphics in Cold Weather
Your business does not stop when the temperature drops below 50º F. However, keeping your production going through the winter requires some extra precautions.
For fleet applications, you should try to wash the vehicles the day before applying the graphics. Park the vehicles indoors overnight, so they warm up somewhat.
If these steps are not possible, remove any snow or ice from the equipment and bring them indoors. Open the vehicle’s doors to let the cold air out. Using portable heaters can raise the temperature enough to apply your graphics successfully.
The adhesive for pressure-sensitive materials often takes a few days to fully bond to a surface, especially colder temperatures. Try to keep the newly decorated vehicle or sign indoors for a few days to let the adhesive thoroughly wet out.
In addition, remember that if you store vinyl in a warehouse or garage, you’ll need to let it warm up before you apply it. The minimum temperature range applies to the vinyl itself and the substrate where you will be applying it.
Benefits of a Cold Weather Application Fluid
To give your business an edge when working in cooler temperatures, use a cold-weather application fluid. Quick Stick Application Fluid helps with the adhesion of pressure-sensitive materials to smooth surfaces. It improves adhesion tack levels in temperatures as low as 15º F.
Quick Stick Application Fluid will aid with adhesion to surfaces, like boats, aircraft, vehicles, glass, and acrylic. It is especially useful for applications that you have to perform outdoors.
You can keep your jobs on schedule without the worry of delays or adhesive failure.
Other Advantages of Quick Stick Application Fluid
Using Quick Stick Application Fluid gives you many advantages. In addition to its lower temperature range, you gain other positive features from a wet application process.
Ability to Reposition Vinyl
In a dry application for vinyl, you remove the release liner and then position the vinyl on the substrate. You have to place the vinyl very precisely. You cannot adjust the positioning once the adhesive touches the dry application surface.
Application fluid provides temporary lubrication so you can move the vinyl into the proper position on the substrate. After you remove the release liner, you spray a fine mist on the application surface. Misting the substrate is usually enough. You will need to spray the adhesive side of the graphics. Then you place the vinyl basically where you want and move it into the precise location.
Force any remaining fluid out from under the vinyl with a squeegee. Start in the center and move outward. Be sure to use enough pressure to make the adhesive bond with the substrate. Finally, remove the application tape. You can soak up the extra fluid with some paper towels.
Does Not Damage Most Vinyl or Adhesive
Unlike older application fluids, newer formulations will not damage most vinyl or adhesive.
The only types of vinyl that are not compatible with application fluid are reflective or metalized films. You should also avoid wet application with clear transfer tape. Finally, use caution if you have a high tack vinyl with an acrylic adhesive. You will need to wait longer before you can safely remove the tape without pulling the vinyl off with it.
Superior Results on Glass
Wet application is best for surfaces like glass, plexiglass, and acrylic. You avoid problems, like static or air bubbles.
Application Tips When Using Quick Stick Application Fluid
For the best results, when using Quick Stick Application Fluid, use only a small amount. Using too much liquid or leaving it on the surface too long can slow down adhesion and cause problems with the application tape.
In addition, be sure to squeegee out the extra liquid as quickly and thoroughly as possible. The tape can de-laminate if it sits in too much liquid.
Wet application with acrylic adhesive makes the adhesive take longer to bond with the substrate. Be sure to wait at least 30 minutes for the vinyl to set before you remove the tape. Solvent adhesives wet out more quickly, but they will still need a little more time than usual.
Choosing the Right Cold Weather Application Fluid
When you are ready to give your business a competitive edge with cold-weather application fluid, you will see several products on the market. We think you will find that Quick Stick Application Fluid from Simple Solutions International gives you the best value.
With Quick Stick Application Fluid, you get quality results at a fraction of the price. You can order quantities ranging in size from a 4 oz. bottle to a 55-gallon drum. We stand behind our products with over 40 years of experience supplying the sign-making industry.
Check out our Quick Stick Application Fluid as well as our other sign-making supplies. Let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to working with you!
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.