“Tack” is the level of stickiness when adhesive first comes in contact with a surface, and as pressure is applied or as time passes, the adhesive makes complete bond to the substrate and reaches “ultimate adhesion”. The difference between tack and ultimate adhesion can be significant, therefore understanding the bonding rate will make installation much easier. Bonding increase when surface contact increased through the flow of adhesive, at the time of installation is the initial tack, the bond may build to double after one day, and achieve ultimate adhesion in 7 days. If the film has to be stretched before...

Vehicle wrap is a great way to customize your car for self-expression or branding purpose, it offers endless possibilities from vibrant graphics to different color options, however, wrapping requires the right tools and techniques, as well as patience and attention to details to achieve the desired look, below is a step-by-step guide on the application and removal of car wrap:   Preparing your vehicle by first cleaning the surface with soap and water to remove dirt, grease and wax, and dry thoroughly with a clean and lint-free cloth to remove all moisture.  Then inspect the surface to ensure all scratches,...

Below guidelines offers information on the after-care and cleaning of vinyl, when printed graphics are protected by overlaminate:   Allowing the vinyl to bond to the substrate for 24~48 hours before cleaning or immersion in water. Cleaning the vinyl with a soft, non-abrasive cloth, preferably lint free. Using warm soapy solution, and rinse after. Using Isopropanol to remove stubborn marks, or adhesive. Do not use high pressure washers or steam cleaners Do not use abrasive cleaners, abrasive cleaning tools or caustic cleaners.

Understanding the differences between monomeric and polymeric is vital for selecting the right material, considering factors such as application, budget, life span, environmental conditions, and surface complexity.    Due to different plasticizer used, monomeric vinyl has small molecules that will result in more molecular migration therefore affecting the adhesives used, as well as more likely to shrink, while polymeric vinyl is using long-chain plasticizers with large molecules that bind well into the vinyl, and having less molecular migration means less effect on the adhesives used, longer outdoor durability, better dimensional stability (less shrinkage) and higher conformability & flexibility (less brittle) due...

The one major difference between inkjet printable vinyl and unprinted cut vinyl is that once the vinyl has been printed, it retained excess solvents from the ink, and will soften the vinyl as well as weaken the adhesive. That is why it is important to leave the print between 24 ~ 48 hours before laminating or cutting, even longer for heavier inked prints. This would allow the excess solvent to fully gas off to prevent edge curling when cutting flush into the print.Always allow a minimum of 24~48 hours (heavier prints will take longer) before cutting or laminating, and use...

Choosing the right type of vinyl is crucial for professionals in the signage and wide format printing industries whether you're an importer, distributor or a reseller. In this guide, we break down the key distinctions between these two vinyls and how they impact different applications. Understanding Permanent Vinyl Permanent vinyl is designed for long-term applications and features a strong adhesive that creates a durable bond with surfaces. It is ideal for projects requiring longevity and resilience. Characteristics Durability: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, capable of withstanding various weather conditions. Adhesive Strength: Features a robust adhesive that ensures longevity...

Laminating vinyl is a transparent film with an adhesive backed liner that is commonly used in digital printing, floor graphics, and window graphics to protect it from moisture, UV rays or other damages. The film can be made in various thicknesses and finishes. They are coated with pressure-sensitive laminate adhesives that can bond well with solvent printed graphics. Below are the benefits for using laminating film:  Laminating film is thicker than clear coatings and provides greater protection. It is highly compatible with many printing systems, screeners, and other systems. It provides a uniform finish with a consistent gloss. It can...

The shelf life of vinyl is influenced by below factors: 1)    The film formula, meaning the amount of plasticizer that gets transferred to the adhesive 2)    The sensitivity of the adhesive to plasticizer contamination. 3)    The storage conditions, overheated or wet condition will be problematic.   Graphictac recommends storage at temperature 25°C and 50% RH for one year shelf life, if not stored properly, the followings may occur: The liner may expand at the area of moisture contact, causing the film surface to be mottled. The silicone release coating on the liner will become inconsistent and cause difficult weeding. The...