3M VHB Failures?

[eahicks]

Anyone having issues with VHB not holding up? We have had an alarming amount of VHB failures recently....normally we can rely on it holding up a variety of things with no issues, but lately we have had issues. A sign in our lobby has fallen TWICE....a simple PVC sign. And we put up acrylic letters in an office and within 24 hours pieces had fallen. We use ample amounts of VHB on anything we put up. Wonder if they're having some manufacturing issues. Just weird that all these years never seeing problems, and then within the past few months it's gotten bad.

 

[Billct2]

Is it possible the wall paint is the problem? Lots of issues lately with vinyl sticking to the new paints that are scrubbable.
Did the tape come off the wall or the letters?

 

[Moze]

I don't think it's the tape - more than likely the install surface.

 

[eahicks]

Probably the wall...installer just went to check on this last job. All tape was still on the letters. No paint damage, so it appears this paint on the wall is hard to stick anything to. I've had issues sticking vinyl on some of these newer painted walls, didn't think it would happen with VHB. Thanks paint companies!

 

[Marlene]

Is it possible the wall paint is the problem? Lots of issues lately with vinyl sticking to the new paints that are scrubbable.
Did the tape come off the wall or the letters?

we have also had issues with the new paints that have additives as they are designed so nothing sticks to them including double back tape. we did an office with small engraved light weight signs with double faced tape and they came off the wall. ended up having to use small screws to hold them.

 

[Moze]

It happens with virtually anything adhesive. The zero- and low-voc paints composition makes it difficult for anything to adhere to it.

 

[SignManiac]

Probably the wall...installer just went to check on this last job. All tape was still on the letters. No paint damage, so it appears this paint on the wall is hard to stick anything to. I've had issues sticking vinyl on some of these newer painted walls, didn't think it would happen with VHB. Thanks paint companies!

I had the same thing happen recently. It's the paint for sure.

 

[eahicks]

We'll have to stud mount everything now. Yay!

 

[HulkSmash]

Low VOC Paint is going to do that to you.

 

[bigben]

So how could we test the wall/paint prior to install if the customer don't know what paint was used on his wall?

 

[HulkSmash]

So how could we test the wall/paint prior to install if the customer don't know what paint was used on his wall?

3M wall test kit. Then look up what's required for VHB.

 

[d fleming]

Same roll of tape working on other surfaces than the ones giving you trouble? If yes, then it isn't the tape.

 

[kgirl]

maybe add a little silicone in as well...

 

[fixtureman]

I had some vinyl wall paper that would not hold tape silicone or glue. had to use mechanical fasteners