Sticker Vinyl Application - what works well as an application fluid?
It's not t-shirt related, but..... When applying a large vinyl sticker with multiple colors, what works well as an application fluid? I know several companies sell "application fluid", but is it really necessary, or, does it make life that much easier?
In the past I've used soapy water, and on one occasion I used windex. Are these fluids just as good, or is there something really special about the mystery fluids these companies sell?
Re: Sticker Vinyl Application - what works well as an application fluid?
Not to show my ignorance of vinyl application, but walk me through an application with liquid. If I am hearing your right, you are applying the vinyl over a mist of (very mild) soapy water?
Doesn't this remove the ability for the vinyl to stick to the substrait? The larger tape I have been using has been a little to tacky for an easy pull off which makes me wonder if applying any soapy substance would be impossible.
Help me out here. I have been doing dry applications without any issues up to this point, but I am getting into some larger applications soon so want to learn more.
Re: Sticker Vinyl Application - what works well as an application fluid?
If at all possible apply it dry, app fluid of any sort is problematic if you don't get every bit of it out from under the vinyl, really there is no need for it, we have done very thing from car wraps to the smallest graphics on cars and never used app fluid.
I was shamed into learning the correct way to apply vinyl by an old sign guy who told me that if I had to use a crutch (application fluid) then I needed to find another source of income....he was right, I have a gallon of rapid tac I bought years ago and have never broken the seal on it.... every time I look at it his voice comes back to me and makes me smile.
Hope this helps.
__________________ Full service graphics design, digital vinyl, dtg, dyesub, embroidery www.iyfgraphics.com
Re: Sticker Vinyl Application - what works well as an application fluid?
Do not use dish detergent it has degreasers and can have sand and other contamanets in it that will give you problems. I have been in the vinyl business for over thirty years and have had to learn the hard way. Use johnson baby shampoo and water. If you are installing in a cold climate add a little rubbing alcohol this will speed the drying but if using a waterbase adhesive DO NOT use the alcohol at all. If using air regress vinyl ONLY install dry. Whenever possible use a dry install and NEVER use an application fliud on glass. Hope this helped
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Sticker Vinyl Application - what works well as an application fluid? 
