Your Digital Graphics Should Pop, Not Peel
Nothing says “cheap” or “run-down” like a vinyl graphic with peeling edges, faded colors and air bubbles. Those who see your ad, label or brand will likely focus more on these aesthetic shortcomings than on the message itself – or worse, they’ll associate your name with a poorly conceived graphic application. Simply put, your graphic won’t work if it isn’t installed properly.
The problem is, the correct installation is not always easy – especially when relying on second-rate transfer tape or the wrong tack level for the job. What’s more, unprotected digital graphics can be easily damaged before they even reach their destination, particularly when they have to be rolled and shipped. Fortunately, by following best practices and leveraging the top premasks, organizations can get the message across without issue.
Find the appropriate premask
Because of the variety of technical factors in producing vinyl graphics, there are a variety of premask types for specific performance needs. Vinyl, overlaminate, ink type, printing process, and a variety of graphic finishing techniques need to be considered when selecting an optimum premask. For example, air-release liners help to eliminate the air bubbles that will give your final product an unprofessional vibe, but most premasks haven’t had the same success. Be sure to go with a premask product that adheres to air-release liners.
Apply vinyl graphics despite the weather
You can’t expect a vinyl graphic to perform optimally during the warm summer months – under those conditions, application can be tricky. For vehicle wraps, large outdoor signs or other applications involving warm climate, you’ll want to use a transfer tape proven to perform at a high level regardless of temperature. That means reliable adhesion and fast, clean, easy removal.
Prevent damage during installation
It would be a shame to put all this work into a beautiful graphic only to have it wrinkle or tear during installation. There are two things that can help you prevent that: Careful application and the best transfer tape. High-quality transfer tape will release cleanly after installation – without taking any of the graphic with it – as well as keep the graphic safe from wear and tear, especially during transport.
For digital applications, you need low- and medium-tack solutions that are gentle enough to protect the printed graphic but robust enough to withstand the rigors of installation. Ultimately, the goal is for the transfer tape to leave nothing behind and be capable of preserving the graphic prior to application. That’s why it’s important to choose your graphical tape wisely and consult with industry leaders before settling on any product you find. If you put the effort into graphic design, you should do the same for graphic application.
