| The following few words of wisdom were culled from
various sources and are presented here as a brief guide to the applicability of cut vinyl
graphics to particular substrates. It is not an exhaustive list but hopefully covers the
most common and gives an insight into some of the problems associated with this process. |
| ABS |
Generally a good substrate
for self-adhesive films |
| Acrylic glass |
Application of most standard
adhesives causes no problems on these substrates - but certain types can suffer from
'outgassing', which causes bubbles beneath a self adhesive face film. Using the wet method
of application and avoiding high temperature exposure shortly after application will
reduce the risk of outgassing. |
| Concrete |
A permanent bond is not
possible with self-adhesives on concrete. |
| Glass fiber reinforced plastics (GRP) |
This material is based on
glass fiber webbing saturated with polyester resins to which a hardener is added so that,
after curing, it forms a rigid material that is often used in vehicle and boat building.
Generally, a good substrate for self-adhesives provided that any agents used to release
the plate from its mould are carefully removed. If the GRP contains a high level of
solvent (monostyrene) residue, it may cause bubbles in a face film. The use of
self-adhesive polyester films on GRP is not recommended, as they do not allow the escape
of solvent residues. |
| Leather |
Highly absorbent: adhesives
may be completely absorbed into the substrate; therefore not suitable |
| Nylon |
Often requires an aggressive
adhesive (see Polyethylene). |
| Paint |
The variety of paint systems
is almost limitless, so it is difficult to make general recommendations. However, most
professional paint systems used on vehicles provide an excellent substrate for the
application of self-adhesives - provided the basic rules are followed. - All paint systems
must be built up according to the manufacturers' instructions. If wrong components are
used, removal of self-adhesive decals after use may damage the paintwork. Paint must be
completely dry and cured before attempting a self adhesive application: paints that still
contain thinners can interact with the adhesive and the film and adversely affect their
performance. Paints which are 'touch dry' may still contain a high proportion of thinner:
as a general rule, follow these drying times: |
| Film
type |
Adhesive |
Recommended
drying at 20°C before application |
| Reflective |
Permanent |
5 days |
| Monomeric
plasticised |
Removable
Permanent |
21 days
10 days |
| Polymeric
plasticised |
Removable
Permanent |
10 days
3 days |
| Residue detergent, car wax
and polish must be completely removed before attempting a self adhesive application to
ensure good adhesion. Note: application to nitrocellulose paint will change removable
adhesives into permanent ! |
| PMMA |
Application of most standard
adhesives causes no problems on these substrates - but certain types can suffer from
'outgassing', which causes bubbles beneath a self adhesive face film. Using the wet method
of application, and avoiding high temperature exposure shortly after application will
reduce the risk of outgassing. |
| Polycarbonate |
This plastic substrate
contains a small percentage of water which can in certain circumstances evaporate - with
the result that any applied self adhesive decals may acquire bubbles in the face film.
Tests have shown that in applications using the wet method the occurrence of bubbles is
reduced. |
| Polyethylene |
Applications to
polyethylenes usually require special adhesives, which need to be applied at sufficiently
high temperatures to achieve a satisfactory bond, using the dry application method. |
| Polypropylene |
Applications to
polypropylenes usually require special adhesives, which need to be applied at sufficiently
high temperatures to achieve a satisfactory bond, using the dry application method. |
| Polystyrene |
Beware: it may change
adhesive properties significantly, and can generate shrinkage of a self adhesive face
film. Test prior to use. |
| Polyurethane |
Often requires an aggressive
adhesive (see Polyethylene). |
| Polyvinylchloride (PVC) |
Good adhesion with most
permanent adhesives can be achieved on rigid PVC, but it may contain components which can
make removable adhesives permanent - test a panel in advance to be certain! Soft PVCs such
as vehicle curtains and banners will require special adhesives; flexible substrates for
backlit signage always require high-quality polymerically-plasticised films, otherwise
decals will shrink or delaminate. Substrates used for banners can be acquired from many
sources and unless specifically recommended for use with vinyl films can cause
delamination and adhesive degradation. Always test before deployment. |
| Rubber |
Not suitable for
self-adhesives vinyl films: requires special glues. |
| Stainless steel |
An excellent substrate for
self-adhesive films - only requires standard cleaning procedures. |
| Wood |
Most woods that have been
painted with a good quality paint system are a good substrate for self adhesive
films. Unpainted or badly painted wood will give very low adhesion values or values
that reduce quickly following application. If in doubt, test the substrate first. |
