signmike

Wet application- Greenstar vinyl?

Recommended Posts

I cut out a couple 3x2' and 2x2' decals for a customer. She's having trouble installing them (though I think she removed the entire backing before trying to install, TBH), and I'd like to recommend the wet application method (shower door install).

 

Would a couple drops of dish soap in a spray bottle with water suffice? spray heavily, move the decal to desired location, and squeegee all the fluid out before transfer tape removal?

 

Thanks

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Some people use dawn dish soap but I have never felt comfortable with that method. I use regular application fluid like Splash or Rapid Tac. GS does not have as much grip as the bigger name products either so I don't know how the results would turn out. 

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

She's installing to a glass shower door, so i'm not terribly concerned about the elements. I'm recutting the items for her free of charge, but given the photos she sent me, it looks entirely like she removed the full backing and tried to stick it on evenly. 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Shower doors can have a lot of crud on them.

Also they usually have a textured side to them.

 

Just throwing in a couple of possibility's.

  • Like 3

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

my favorite one was the guy that removed the application tape and tried to put it on the inside - then called complaining about problems installing it

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Shower doors can have a lot of crud on them.

Also they usually have a textured side to them.

 

Just throwing in a couple of possibility's.

 

I found a couple good youtube videos and sent them to her detailing proper install. They both recommend cleaning the surface well beforehand...so hopefully that helps her this time around.

 

my favorite one was the guy that removed the application tape and tried to put it on the inside - then called complaining about problems installing it

 

WOW! HAHAHA

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
my favorite one was the guy that removed the application tape and tried to put it on the inside - then called complaining about problems installing it

 

I had just the opposite the guy complained that the decals were not clear kind of opaque in color he was NOT happy at all with the quality. I told him he will need to remove the application tape. There were instructions in the package for installing the decal. "Oh I must have thrown those away could you email those to me?" two days latter he was VERY pleased with his decal.... idiot is what I would have loved to have called him.

  • Like 2

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I had just the opposite the guy complained that the decals were not clear kind of opaque in color he was NOT happy at all with the quality. I told him he will need to remove the application tape. There were instructions in the package for installing the decal. "Oh I must have thrown those away could you email those to me?" two days latter he was VERY pleased with his decal.... idiot is what I would have loved to have called him.

and just another reason not to use clear app tape besides the fact it won't stretch at all on curves

  • Like 2

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

A local restaurant has a small decal, maybe 2"x3", that is stuck to the glass door, but they left the paper application tape on the decal. I would tell them, but it gives me joy when I see it.

  • Like 2

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
though I think she removed the entire backing before trying to install, 

 

A Japanese Soke had a saying I liked, "Big trouble soon coming."  Mostly he was talking about a failed block or something.  

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

re reading this I hope the op isn't using clear tape and recommending wet application - 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm quickly losing my trust in clear tape from other jobs i've done. Transferrite clear medium tack is underwhelming.

I'm at the point where i'm just going to use high tack paper for everything....but what do you all usually use? medium tack paper? High tack? duct tape? gorilla glue+duct tape?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree with dakota 100%. Wet app and clear don't mix regardless of what some manufacturers claim. Due in large part to the fact that most wet apps you have to soak the app tape afterword to help get it off the vinyl without pulling it back up accidentally. 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

am I reading this right? not to use a clear tape for wet applications?

I did find out the hard way that a roll I ordered  I missed in the description not for wet applications. but I see some that says it can be used wet.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What about RTtape AT60?  says :

Works in Wet Applications

AT-60 and AT-75 will not delaminate and leave adhesive in your vinyl during wet apply!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
3 hours ago, cardudenc said:

What about RTtape AT60?  says :

Works in Wet Applications

AT-60 and AT-75 will not delaminate and leave adhesive in your vinyl during wet apply!

I tried it once with AT60. I didn't like it. Part of the process usually used when applying wet is after getting it on and letting it sit a little while to tack up then you can spray the back of the tape and it will loosen up and help it come off easier. This is pretty important because wet app typically has less of a grip at that point than a dry application and my experiment provide tough to get the AT60 back up off without pulling things loose. 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The roll I bought was Vinyl Ease V0800 . I sprayed the window I was applying the decal to lightly, I mean lightly. didn't matter . almost like the app tape melted to the vinyl. I cut another and applied dry. I have this mistake stuck to the shop fridge, vinyl, app tape just the way I pulled off the truck I was lettering so I never forget. lol

I kinda like the clear for somethings. Especially decals on display for sell.  was hoping to find some you guys had good luck with applying wet. Guess I will be ordering some paper tape Mon. is there a size you guys find you use the most? I heard the owner of a local shop here complaining to his employees about waste.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I keep all different sizes. 10" (my AT60) 12", 15", 24". It's a large investment if you try to buy them all at once. 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now