jenni 0 Posted September 9, 2008 I tried both wet and dry applications today and the wet app was much easier and seemed fast. What are the reasons to do a dry application? Advantages? Thanks so much... What is your preference and why? It will be interesting to see what the masses prefer... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BannerJohn 1,324 Posted September 9, 2008 always wet on smooth or glossy surfaces, dry usually on rough. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spacegraphics 0 Posted September 9, 2008 I have never done the wet application. I need to investigate and give it a try... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cg_media 0 Posted September 9, 2008 i agree with bannerjohn, but also, ide say dry also on glass. its always a pain pulling your mask off if you wet apped it on glass. you end up having to wait for it to dry before you can pull the mask. chris Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Knobhill 0 Posted September 9, 2008 Always dry on a single or base layer. Only use wet if alignment can't be achieved by normal means. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Graphic Systems 1 Posted September 9, 2008 I use dry apps when images are under 5' x 6' and wet apps on images over 5' x 6'. When I perform multi layer installs I always apply dry due to the fact I use 1 piece of app tape through the entire install. If you use wet for multi overlays then you will have 1. wet backing 2. dry time between lays and 3. you will have to use extra app tape when you should only use 1 sheet for the entire project. You should use dry apps on most of your projects for the simple reason it saves time and you will have some substrate you cannot get wet. Noobs use wet apps so they do not have air pockets which will form from applieing the image to fast or wrong pressure. Learn to use the dry app and only use the wet app when you really have to: " Vehicle Wraps " and apps that need shrunk. (Just a thought for ya) Boe Xpress Signs & Graphics Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jenni 0 Posted September 9, 2008 Wonderful info. So much to learn. You guys need to break me in slowly-I am getting overwhelmed! lol-I appreciate the info! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SynFX 1 Posted September 9, 2008 haha!! Don't you worry.. for you I would say start with wet application.. smaller/thin graphics are less pron to having bubbles in them so you do not need them as it is MUCH easier to move the bubbles out from under the vinyl when applying it, however, larger graphics or lettering wider than 8" in my opinion MIGHT need some liquid applied to help in the process if you are unsure.. when it comes down to it.. just use your best judgment on the matter and DONT OVERTHINK on it or you will just get frustrated and lose interest. While you are new, if they job is not too big bring an extra in case you mess up.. ALSO, practice on your own stuff, its free, plus you can be OK with bubbles and turns out to be a wonderful learning experience!!! WELCOME TO THE FORUM! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spacegraphics 0 Posted September 11, 2008 I have a job for vehicle magnets. They want to reverse out the letters so the majority of the magnet is pink with white letters. Can you wet apply to the magnets? I don't want to get bubbles in the pink... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BannerJohn 1,324 Posted September 11, 2008 I always do wet on magnets.It works great. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spacegraphics 0 Posted September 11, 2008 Alright, dumb question. What do i wet it down with? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SynFX 1 Posted September 11, 2008 using a 1 gallon milk jug.. fill it with water to the top of the handle.. add a teaspoon of dish soap.. add 16oz of isopropyl alcohol ( i prefer wintergreen ) and you have your mixture to use! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spacegraphics 0 Posted September 11, 2008 Sweet. Thanks! Next hurdle, I am doing 2 color. How long does it take to dry between each color? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SynFX 1 Posted September 12, 2008 Dry time varies.. try just a corner to test it.. really depends on the surface and if it 'gives'. Hard surfaces generally do not require much dry time as you would be bonding it to a firm surface that will not shift or change shape when pulling the app tape off.. use your best judgment when testing it.. also use a FINE MIST.. do not over do it! that is when you have problems and end up with bubbles even with the water. LESS IS MORE Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dragonfyre1976 0 Posted September 14, 2008 What about doing a solid piece on a window say...48" x 68" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SynFX 1 Posted September 14, 2008 I would say a good minimum would be at least 1 - 3 minutes.. glossy surfaces like banners may need to dry 2 or so minutes longer.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ShowMeVinyls 0 Posted September 14, 2008 Am I the only one that every time i see this thread title I think "woo hoo" for an instant? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jenni 0 Posted September 14, 2008 Thanks! After I wrote it i was wondering....oh well...I do prefer it wet Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spacegraphics 0 Posted September 15, 2008 Thanks for all your help with this. I cut them out today, but did not mount them on the magnets yet...a few other issues. i will post in correct forum, though. So much to learn! sf Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dragonfyre1976 0 Posted September 17, 2008 and I thought I was the only one... Am I the only one that every time i see this thread title I think "woo hoo" for an instant? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites