Discuss the various aspects of heat pressed vinyl transfers. Popular and new types of vinyl media, suppliers, vinyl cutters /plotters, press times, quality, how to instructions and more can be found in this heat press sub forum.
Up until yesterday I had always used hi-tac paper transfer tape, but I'm working on a direct mail marketing campaign which will have samples included. I figured for this purpose the clear tape would make a more professional impression, so after some research, I picked up a roll of AT-60.
I applied it like I normally had with the paper tape and on a test, it seemed the vinyl stuck to the tape ok.
Now after sitting overnight, it seems the vinyl has either released from the tape or while I was working the decals over with the squeegee the vinyl released from the backing and has now re-adhered because when I try to pull them apart, about 1/2 of the vinyl is not staying stuck to the transfer tape.
I can press on the parts that are not sticking and they will 're-stick' and I can pull them apart, but I can't expect the recipient to go through this process. Part of my sales pitch is that they are ready to apply - just peel and stick, which is the way decals should be anyway.
I used Avery A4 which has a pretty high gloss on it, so maybe that's what's causing this, but I don't have a problem with the paper tape.
I spent the last two days working on this project and I have about 200 pieces sitting here that are basically useless unless someone knows a way to fix this problem. Heat maybe? I dunno, but I have to know that when these things arrive at their destination after spending 3-5 days in the mail they will be usable.
Thanks in advance and sorry for the tone of the post, but I'm really frustrated.
I have seen this happen when the cutter is cutting just a little too deep in to the backing. Might try lowering your downforce pressure just a little, so it hardly scores the backing, instead of cutting in to it a little.
I have seen this happen when the cutter is cutting just a little too deep in to the backing. Might try lowering your downforce pressure just a little, so it hardly scores the backing, instead of cutting in to it a little.
Thanks for the response, Ken. After looking over the decals again, I don't think this is the cause.
I took a squeegee to the decals again and then compared the 'before and after' and it looks like the the decals are releasing from the transfer tape. On the decals that I just squeegeed, it's solid black where the vinyl is. On the ones that sat overnight there is a 'space' (I don't want to say air because it's not a bubble) between the vinyl and tape.
In either case, changing the cutting depth won't help with the 200 I've already cut and taped. I need a solution for these.
The only other thing I can think of is maybe some dust on the vinyl? Not sure. AT-60 is a high tack clear app. tape, and with gloss A4, it should not have a problem sticking. With a matte finish, you might run into this, such as with Oracal 631, but seldom with gloss.
Oracal has actually just come out with their own app. tape to address issues with matte finish vinyl and other brands of app tape, such as R-Tape.
Yea, I am at a loss.....could just be the old vinyl, or some old AT-60. I was not sure if you were cutting sheets, or off a roll, and if it was from the roll, I doubt it would be dust as well.
A black material should show through enough for a professional sample to use your paper tape with, somtime's people don't know to pull it off after applying it (when its clear tape).
I ran some Orcal 651 and the transfer tape seemed to hold ok and the vinyl released from the backing ok.
I put the Oracal on the Avery backing and the Avery on the Oracal backing to see if maybe there's a problem with the backing. The backing was scored on the Avery, so you might be right, Ken, although it's not any deeper than I've had it in the past. It's just strange that I never had this kind of a problem with the paper tape.
I'll let my test sit a few hours and see what happens.
Ok, so if this turns out to work, does anyone know if I can buy the backing material without vinyl on it? I'd hate to waste 3000 sq/in of vinyl just to use the backing.
I completely know exactly what you are talking about. When I do vinyl stickers say for a car window and I've applied the clear tape over the top, if there is any variation in temperature or humidity whatsoever I get that separation too.
I have gotten the clear tape from Meyers Plastics and also from H&H Sign supply (the best place for quality and price, BTW. It has happened with several rolls and different brands. I think it is the atmosphere. We started using corrugated sign material and sandwiching the stickers in between to keep them tight and flat. It helps a lot doing this.
I always stress to the buyer about temperatures. I like to work with the typical mask on a roll type tape but the clear definitely creates a more professional appearance (just my opinion.)
Also, tons of ppl don't peel the clear overlay off. I can't tell you how many ppl have called and said their sticker looked bad and when we looked at it to make it right, they hadn't pulled off the overlay. I love it and they feel stupid. Also, bec it looked so bad with it on, they think it looks amazing when you do pull it off and show them. It's all in the mindset.
Well, it looks like I'm just going to include some instructions with the advertisement that tells them to go over it with a credit card before separation and then again when it's on the car and also tell them to remove the transfer tape when it's installed.
It's not exactly the first impression I wanted to make, but I'm only sending out 200 as a trial. I can fine-tune my campaign based on the response I get from the trial.
Problem with clear transfer tape... 
