Digital Printing on translucent white substrates.

[Vinyl Monkeys]

I am currently using 3M™ 40C-114R Clear with 8519 overlaminate for my translucent faces. I Have one sign that I know of with issues and it seems to be the side that gets the most sun. it causes pockets of bubbles. Does anyone have a better solution or what product works best for polycarbonate backlit faces? What does everyone else use? Using latex 335

 

[JBurton]

Big fan of arlon 4500G CLEAR (ya gotta make sure it's spec'd as such, they make a translucent clear as well) for anything without an exposed edge, as it tends to shrink, paired with arlon 3420 satin laminate. Only potential problem is that this product has no air egress, it will need to be laid well or laid wet...

 

[Vinyl Monkeys]

In the past I have printed on 3m 8519 with 8518 overlam. I just thought this would be a great way so it can be dry install. Only have noticed one sign with issue. Have replaced twice.

 

[Vinyl Monkeys]

Big fan of Arlon 4500G CLEAR (ya got to make sure it's spec'd as such, they make a translucent clear as well) for anything without an exposed edge, as it tends to shrink, paired with arlon 3420 satin laminate. Only potential problem is that this product has no air egress, it will need to be laid well or laid wet...

Do you think satin lam is better or go with gloss for better uv protection I meant to say I am using 8518lam. crazy how I have only had problem with one sign that I have done for this company. started to think it was something else. I told them to send me pictures of it when they take the face out.

 

[DChorbowski]

We have experienced similar with polycarbonate faces in the past. There was moisture trapped in the poly and when heated up caused the vinyl to bubble. We had a whole batch of this poly we had to "bake out" in the sun for a few days before vinyl could be applied.

 

[weyandsign]

You're supposed to peel the scratch guard off and leave it air out for at least a day.

 

[signheremd]

Polycarbonate needs to off gas for 24-48 hours before you apply vinyl. Both DChorbowski and weyandsign are right. There is another similar thread from last year with lots of information, just look up bubbling vinyl on translucent faces.

 

[Vinyl Monkeys]

We have experienced similar with polycarbonate faces in the past. There was moisture trapped in the poly and when heated up caused the vinyl to bubble. We had a whole batch of this poly we had to "bake out" in the sun for a few days before vinyl could be applied.

What brand of vinyl do you guys use for prints?

 

[Vinyl Monkeys]

You're supposed to peel the scratch guard off and leave it air out for at least a day.

I just provide the digital prints to company that builds signs but I will pass this along

 

[Signarama Jockey]

Polycarbonate needs to off gas for 24-48 hours before you apply vinyl. Both DChorbowski and weyandsign are right. There is another similar thread from last year with lots of information, just look up bubbling vinyl on translucent faces.

Wow, that's good info. I didn't know that. Just Polycarb?

 

[signheremd]

Wow, that's good info. I didn't know that. Just Polycarb?

We don't off gas Acrylic, unless it is rollstock. So Rollstock Acrylic and Polycarbonate

 

[Zendavor Signs]

Does that 3M vinyl have air release? We have found that you cannot use air release vinyl on polycarbonate for exterior signs. You will get numerous bubbles.

 

[JBurton]

Does that 3M vinyl have air release? We have found that you cannot use air release vinyl on polycarbonate for exterior signs. You will get numerous bubbles.

It does, and I suspected that to be part of the problem here.

Do you think satin lam is better or go with gloss for better uv protection I meant to say I am using 8518lam. crazy how I have only had problem with one sign that I have done for this company. started to think it was something else. I told them to send me pictures of it when they take the face out.

The satin is just what we stock, since it hides any issues with debris or silvering in the laminate, at least better than gloss will. They make it in a gloss and matte as well.
For anything with an exposed edge though, 6000rp and 3270 are their cast options.

 

[Vinyl Monkeys]

It does, and I suspected that to be part of the problem here.

The satin is just what we stock, since it hides any issues with debris or silvering in the laminate, at least better than gloss will. They make it in a gloss and matte as well.
For anything with an exposed edge though, 6000rp and 3270 are their cast options.

8500G Clear is not latex friendly unfortunately

 

[Vinyl Monkeys]

Does that 3M vinyl have air release? We have found that you cannot use air release vinyl on polycarbonate for exterior signs. You will get numerous bubbles.

3M™ 40C-114R Clear I have never had a problem with it but this one sign out of probably 20 so far. I am hoping this is just this sign but why? I just want something that works and will last up to 7yrs that doesn't cost a hearing lawsuit.

 

[JBurton]

8500G Clear is not latex friendly unfortunately

4500G Clear most definitely is...
Wild, not finding any info on latex in my quick search. Rest assured, I've printed something like 100 rolls of this stuff on my hp 560 and the old l25500.

 

[Vinyl Monkeys]

4500G Clear most definitely is...
Wild, not finding any info on latex in my quick search. Rest assured, I've printed something like 100 rolls of this stuff on my hp 560 and the old l25500.

i was looking at this morning and it said in Asterix. that it is not but now it just not show

 

[JBurton]

This does list it as latex compatible, just not hp latex certified. It's too big to upload, here's the link. https://www.arlon.com/assets/docs/Print_Media_Guide_-_April_2023.pdf

 

[Vinyl Monkeys]

says its not compatible in clear though but man! If you never have had problems.... What about 4600rp clear?

 

[Vinyl Monkeys]

says its not compatible in clear though but man! If you never have had problems.... What about 4600rp clear?

sorry 6000rp