Do you ever feel it should be easier to use your application tape?

Experience has taught me that choosing the right product for the job is essential in achieving the best results - and application tape is no exception.


If you're having problems or difficulties when using your application tape there could be a number of reasons behind this and that is exactly what I'll be investigating in this bulletin...

 
 




Application tape should be stored on end, at room temperature. Maximum shelf life of application tapes is one year when stored properly.

Application tapes must have the correct adhesive strength to "tack" to lift the cut vinyl lettering from the liner backing, yet be able to remove easily from the vinyl lettering once it is transferred to the application surface.

A general guide for lettering

Generally speaking, high tack application tapes are required to lift smaller vinyl lettering from the liner backing. Larger vinyl lettering may need a medium tack application tape for easier removal after transfer.

A general guide per application type

Please see the table opposite for a guide based on type of application...

surface/ application type	suggested tack required
Banners (vinyl)	medium to high
Boat/ marine graphics	high
Glass	low to medium
Fleet, caravan & trailer graphics	low to medium/ high
Latex-painted walls	low
Display board	low
Vehicle graphics	medium to high

There are a number of things to consider using your application tape all of which are covered in the 'Using Application Tape to Transfer Graphics' leaflet opposite...

The following areas are explained in the leaflet:

- Preparing your surface

- Wet and dry application

- Over soaking

- Applying pressure
- Troubleshooting

Please note the above leaflet refers to R Tape application tapes, which have been tested to provide the corresponding information

If you are still experiencing problems but are certain you are using the correct product, there are a number of troubleshooting tips that you could try. These are all detailed in the Tips and Tricks leaflet (last two pages), but here are some of the most common problems:

Problem	Suggested solutions
Adhesiveresidue on vinyl when using  wet solution	Are you using too much solution? It is not necessary to wet both the  application surface and the adhesive side of the vinyl.  Wet only one of these surfaces with a fine mist - do not soak.
Vinyl will not stick to the application  surface	Try using more squeegee pressure.
	After positioning the vinyl, do not remove the application tape for at  least 10-15 minutes. The adhesive on pressure sensitive vinyl increases  its bond considerably after a short period of time.
	How cold is it? Pressure sensitive vinyl may resist sticking immediately to  very cold surfaces. Ideally, application environments and surfaces  should be at least 10°C.
Vinyl will not lift from liner backing	Try using more squeegee pressure to tape and graphic.
	Have you changed your vinyl brand, type or colour? Sometimes  even a simple change in the colour of the same brand of vinyl can change  application tape performance.
	Lift from the liner, rather than with the tape.  1. Flip the graphic over so the taped side is facing down  2. Starting at top corner, peel the liner backing at a 180° angle
	Was the graphic cut too deeply? This could fuse the edge of the vinyl into the liner backing. If so, try wetting the back of the liner with a fine mist of wet solution or damp sponge, then attempt removal.
Click here to see more troubleshooting ideas...