Customer Supplied Substrate Question (plastic)

[Jillbeans]

I have to apply translucent vinyl to two sheets of substrate a customer got at Laird Plastics.
I dunno what it is exactly. It's white plastic but whether it is polycarb, Lexan, acrylic or whatever is not obvious.
It's masked with a tan masking that reads TG MASKING by PLASTIKOTE.
My question is:
Does it have a "good" side or are both sides OK?
Also, do I let it outgas after unmasking?

Love....Jill

 

[Moze]

Tap on it with your finger. If it sounds "metallic", it's polycarbonate (Lexan). If it sounds "dull", it's acrylic.

Both sides are fine to use. It doesn't have to outgas.

 

[Jillbeans]

Hmmm. It sounds neither! Just glad that either side is OK to use. Thanks.
The masking is the same on both sides.
I loathe this type of sign.
Customer bought a used sign from CL and wanted me to strip the faces...I sent him to Laird Plastics.

 

[DSC]

Sounds like acrylic with the tan mask .. I would be safe and let it "outgas".. I personally have never had issues with applying right away, but might as well be safe.. Polycarb usually has a clear mask on it .. would come to you rolled up if the length is long enough .. both sides are ok if it is acrylic..

 

[Jillbeans]

Thanks again. I do remember the last time I got polycarb that it was rolled up.
And the acrylic I bought had a brown masking that was delightful to remove.
I'll unmask these today and cut the vinyl tomorrow.

 

[Jillbeans]

Luckily this seems pretty fresh.
I go from the "high" of just having a customer tickled pink to pick up a hand painted sign to now dealing with plastic fantastic.

 

[John in Cali]

Removing the brown mask is a joy, especially when it gets old.
I find a cardboard tube about the same width as the acrylic, peel up a few inches of mask from the edge of the plastic, wrap it around the tube, and roll the mask off in one piece.

 

[John in Cali]

jinx

 

[Jillbeans]

Thanks again fellas!

 

[Billct2]

If the paper mask does prove difficult a light soak with paint thinner will make it easy

 

[m giese]

Given the masking has TG on it, i am going to weigh in on PETG, which laird does carry. Have you considered calling laird and finding out what your customer purchased?

 

[Jillbeans]

I unmasked 'em. Easy as pie, masking was some weird tan plastic stuff.
Will cut-n-stick tomorrow.
I could call, but I have to go to my "real" job now.
Thanks again!