How to Apply Vinyl Films, Graphics, and Decals With Wet Application

5 Minute Read
Posted by Nekoosa on 6/11/20 9:57 AM
RTape

Using an application fluid can aid in the application of vinyl films that have an aggressive adhesive system. The application fluid helps float the graphic onto the resulting surface to prevent the vinyl from sticking before you want it to.

While this method is not recommended for all applications, such as when applying air-egress vinyls, reflective or metalized films on unpainted metals, or fleet graphics over rivets, application to an acrylic sign face is one exception to the rule. In fact, it has been said to never apply vinyl to an acrylic sign face dry. Here, an application fluid is required because the vinyl's adhesive wants to grab onto the plastic surface.


The Right Way to do a Wet Application – Step-by-Step

  1. Clean the acrylic sign face by wiping it with a rag saturated with a solvent of Isopropyl alcohol mixed with water.
  2. Dry the acrylic sign face with a lint-free paper towel before the solvent dries.
  3. Remove the graphic from the release liner by turning the graphic upside down and peeling the liner from the back of the graphic, rather than trying to pick the graphic up off of the liner. If it is difficult to separate the graphic from the release liner, rub the back of the liner against a sharp edge of your workbench to help break the bond between graphic and liner.
  4. Lightly mist the acrylic sign face with application fluid. Use the least amount of fluid to accomplish the application process. Spraying the adhesive side of the graphics with application fluid is unnecessary, unless applying large panels. Spraying cut vinyl letters with fluid can also cause the lettering to loosen up on the application tape or cause the lettering to fall off.
  5. Place the graphic on the acrylic sign face.
  6. Start in the center of the graphic and squeegee outward to force out the fluid from underneath the graphics. Remember, you're applying a pressure-sensitive film. It's called "pressure-sensitive" for a reason, so apply some pressure.
  7. In removing the application tape, peel the tape 180º against itself. After removing the application tape, mop up the residue with a paper towel. If the application tape releases with difficulty from the graphics, lightly spray the top of the paper tape with fluid, allowing about 30 seconds for it to soak in.
  8. After removing the application tape, re-squeegee the entire graphic with a squeegee covered with a low-friction sleeve. Using a low-friction sleeve protects bare vinyl from scratches caused by a hard squeegee. This step is essential in preventing edge lifting.
  9. Complete the job by post-heating the entire graphic with an electric heat gun. Post-heating ensures good adhesion and will cause surfaces scratches on the vinyl to disappear.

Hi-Stat wet application

Removing Milky Residue From Applied Vinyl

When performing wet applications, some application tape adhesive systems can leave a milky residue on the surface of the applied graphics. To prevent this, choose a high-quality application tape like RTape. If you do wind up with milky residue, you can clean off this residue from the vinyl film with something like Rapidtac’s RapidPrep cleaner.

SignAd wet application

When NOT to use Application Fluid:

While there are some exceptions to this rule, here are some instances when the rule should never be broken:

  • Never wet apply fleet graphics over rivets. Application fluid collects underneath rivet heads, creating a residue that later seeps out and causes vinyl to tent and eventually crack. Fluid under trailer-panel seams can also cause edge lifting.
  • Never wet apply reflective or metalized films onto unpainted metal. Application fluid acts as an electrolyte or conductor between the metallization layer of the film and the metal substrate. Electrical particles (ions) flow from the metalized layer to the substrate. During an electrical reaction, one becomes the donor metal, while the other becomes the acceptor metal. As the aluminum in the metallization layer of film loses ions, it corrodes and blackens.
  • Never perform a wet application when using an air-egress vinyl. These repositionable vinyl films have micro tunnels embossed in their adhesives. These tunnels will trap application fluid that will most likely result in adhesion failure. Air-egress vinyl films are easy to reposition. There is no reason to use an application fluid when installing these films.

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