Vinyl Decal Question - what type of application tape to use?
I'm hoping someone can help me out here. Scott (Thrillustrations) has been trying to help me and has helped quite a bit to be honest. I think I'm just confusing the poor guy with my questions.
I've finally been able to try making a vinyl decal with my cutter. (Scott sent me some App tape to work with so I could try it out)
ANYWAY, the issue I'm having is after weeding the decal and applying the application tape. The application tape won't hold to the decal backing at all. It's lifting off after application and pulling the decal up with it.
This is fine for immediately using the decal, as I'm peeling for transfer anyways. But I want to be able to pre-make some decals for use later, with the application tape already applied and ready to go.
Is there something I'm overlooking here? I know it's not supposed to stick fast to the backing material, but all the decals I have ever purchased in the past had the app tape applied and it held to the backing until I purposefully peeled it off to apply the decal with.
Thanks in advance, I'm hoping this question makes sense. UGH.
there are differant tapes.. some are tackier than others.. without knowing what tape you used its hard to say.. But your best bet for stickers that are gonna sit a while before applying is to use a high tack tape.. I know if you look at the ones that suppiers carry some are better at not curling up than others..
I use clear transfter tape for any transfers im not going to apply right away..
Thanks Susan. that may be part of the issue. The main part, I'm sure, is that I'm extremely green to all this vinyl stuff.
The tape Scott sent me works great, but I have no idea what brand/tack/whatever it is.
Maybe I'm expecting a result that isn't achievable with my decal. It's a 9x9" decal overall, but I would say that 85% of it is weeded out, leaving very little vinyl on the original backing to start with. Could it be that I have too much backing showing through to achieve the result I'm looking for?
I have this same issue sometimes. If it isn't the tape, make sure your cutter isn't cutting to deep and remember to "scratch" the tape with a squgee to get it to stick to the vinyl.
Quote:
Originally Posted by billm75
Thanks Susan. that may be part of the issue. The main part, I'm sure, is that I'm extremely green to all this vinyl stuff.
The tape Scott sent me works great, but I have no idea what brand/tack/whatever it is.
Maybe I'm expecting a result that isn't achievable with my decal. It's a 9x9" decal overall, but I would say that 85% of it is weeded out, leaving very little vinyl on the original backing to start with. Could it be that I have too much backing showing through to achieve the result I'm looking for?
If you plan on storing them for some time after weeding, wait to apply the transfer tape if you can. If you need to apply the tape right away, you can oversize the transfer tape and fold it over so it sticks to the back of the carrier paper. Then all that has to be done is to cut closer to the design to remove the portion taped to the backside of the carrier paper before appication of the decal.
It's much better for "ready to apply" graphics than the paper stuff, and if it touches itself, it won't adhere or ruin the tape.
It's a thicker, more plastic-y tape, and it's clear, which gives your RTA decals a pro finish. There are other more economical apptapes around too. Check with your supplier and ask for their recommendation on tape for ready-to-apply graphics / handout stickers.
__________________ "I am keeping my small press for pressing the dollar bills that I will make from my large press!" -Lou
I agree, We use AT-60 (R-Tape) also & it had worked very well for us.
I too was wondering what you would do for selling these kinds of stickers. The paper tape doesn't look professional at all. I havent tried the clear yet.
I have this same issue sometimes. If it isn't the tape, make sure your cutter isn't cutting to deep and remember to "scratch" the tape with a squgee to get it to stick to the vinyl.
Scratch the tape? I don't know if I understand that or not, would you mind elaborating a bit?
To everyone else: Thanks for the help! I'm glad to know it's not just a "me" issue with the tape.
well, 'scratch' might not be the term i'd use but....squeegee the tape down well - and i agree that a high-tack tape would be better for this type of use! i like to use the clear for decals being delivered to the customer as well. if i'm applying, the paper tape is just fine
well, 'scratch' might not be the term i'd use but....squeegee the tape down well - and i agree that a high-tack tape would be better for this type of use! i like to use the clear for decals being delivered to the customer as well. if i'm applying, the paper tape is just fine
I agree. When I just do something for fun for a friend, or I am applying it... the paper tape is perfect...
So, the clear tape has a stronger tack than the paper? Every sticker/decal I've ever bought was given to me with paper tape on it.
BUT...if that's the consensus, when I get ready to order some, that's what I'll get. Scott/Thrillustrations was generously kind enough to send me a partial roll of the paper tape to let me get a feel for this stuff. And it works just fine for applying, I thought maybe I was doing something wrong in trying to get it stuck to the vinyl decal material backing.
Thanks David. Most of my stuff will be applied shortly after weeding it. I just want the option of pre-making some for point of sale when the occasion presents itself.
So, the clear tape has a stronger tack than the paper?
No, not necessarily.
The clear tape is more likely to lay flat on your graphic without curling up around the edges.
Keep in mind that it's not water soluable, so it's no good for very large graphics, or anything intended to be applied wet.
Any hair, fuzz, dirt, ash, or other foreign substance you might not have noticed laying on the liner of your graphic will show up brilliantly with the clear tape on it, so beware of that too
Another reason I prefer the clear tape is because if the adhesive on the tape comes in contact with itself, it doesn't do any damage - just peels right back apart.
Yet another reason, it can be reused. If I have several small graphics to apply, I'll just tape one with clear, and re-use the clear piece to pick up the next graphic, stick it on, pick one up, stick it on.
__________________ "I am keeping my small press for pressing the dollar bills that I will make from my large press!" -Lou
This is a discussion about Vinyl Decal Question - what type of application tape to use? that was posted in the Vinyl Signs and Decals section of the forums.
Vinyl Decal Question - what type of application tape to use? 
"I am keeping my small press for pressing the dollar bills that I will make from my large press!" -Lou
