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Dos & Don'ts Of Using Application Tapes

June 25 2010- Application tapes are being used by mankind day in and day out. In some or the other way, we use application tapes almost every day. Application tapes should be chosen carefully to ensure successful completion of the project at hand. Choosing the wrong adhesive application tape can sometimes lead to dangerous results. Important criteria to choose the right kind of application tapes should be laid out beforehand, and should be strictly adhered to. A variety of adhesive application tapes are being available in the market. After choosing the right one from the confusing varieties that are available it is important to use it properly to ensure that the desired results are delivered.

Using Application Tapes – Tips & Guide

Here are a few tips that might be useful tips & tricks for using different varieties of application tapes.

• Look for bubbles. While using the application tape, be it the by hand or using a laminator, look for any bubbles between the vinyl and the tape. Any bubbles between the two often result in wrinkles. Though they can be later removed using a pin, but that is a tedious and cumbersome task. A little cautious application can save a lot of such pain.
• Though the application tape needs to be laid out properly to avoid any kind of bubbles, care should be taken to avoid excessive stretching. The main problem with stretching the application tapes is that they shrink back to their original form and cause the final project to distort due to the shrinking of the tape after application.
• Check for application tape overlapping.
• There should a sufficient time for the bond to strengthen. Depending upon a number of factors like the adhesive design or the temperature, the bonding time may vary.
• Before applying the transfer tape on digital prints, cure inks and clear coats to avoid any sort of solvent caused problems to the graphic.
• CStorage time for the application tape is around a year. Store in a controlled environment that does not vary much in its temperature and humidity. Normal room temperature is suggested. Ideally the application environment should have a temperature of around 15 degree Celsius.
• Cold weather and wet applications require more bonding time. Do not take off the tape before the time required for a strong bonding, as it may result in a weak bond.
• Removing the application tape from the graphic is not an easy task. Use a spray fluids like the Vinyl Lube, that facilitate the tape removing process.
• To prevent the lifting of the edges and tearing of the vinyl, do not forget to re-squeegee.

Hope the above mentioned steps are helpful in delivering better results, with the application of application tapes.