Installation Bubbles

[daenterpri]

I've watched a bunch of YouTube videos, tried both the horizontal and vertical hinge methods, and I still get bubbles with dry installs. What am I doing wrong? Are bubbles just normal to a degree?

 

[john1]

another factor is use a fresh squeegee. If the squeegee has chips in it or is rough it will cause bubbles.

Also, if you can get the vinyl with air egress channels to prevent bubbles as well.

 

[HulkSmash]

The only time we've ever got bubbles in vinyl is when we use off brand cut vinyl. So never doing that again

 

[OhioSignShop]

Clean the surface several times as needed, last cleaning with just H2O. Prior to all that make sure the application tape is smooth when applied. Most problems are from tiny specks on surface or being picked up by static charge when laying down the vinyl, or from improper squeegee methods. Takes some experience on various surfaces to get better at it. Nothing wrong with the wet methods except it sucks on glass.

 

[Custom_Grafx]

This youtube is maybe more helpful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV8FPk5qN9k

Just pretend it's a squeegee instead.

It's all in the wrist, grasshopper.

 

[daenterpri]

Thanks guys! I typically use Oracal High Performance. Would you consider that off brand?

 

[bob]

Bubbles are almost always the result of bad application technique. Not dirty substrate although reasonably clean is required, not less than pristine squeegees, not cheap vinyl.

Do not give undue reverence to your tools and supplies. If you have the proper technique should be able to squeegee down the nastiest vinyl with any reasonably straight edge and not have any bubbles.

 

[Craig Sjoquist]

Slow down.

 

[weaselboogie]

A felt edged squeege may be a bit forgiving.

 

[LenR]

+1 for Craig

 

[MikePro]

bad transfer tape application will cause bubbles as well.

just takes practice. i've been applying vinyl for 15+ years now and will still get random bubbles.... rarely.

 

[jasonx]

Most people get bubbles due to incorrect squeegee technique and using not enough overlapping strokes and trying to squeegee too much vinyl at once. Bubbles are trapped air so you need to expel it before the adhesive touches the application surface.

 

[Mike Paul]

Don't mask on your cutting table and use a quality squeegee with a clean edge.

 

[Tony McD]

Let the squeegee make the vinyl to substrate contact. Don't let it touch till the squeegee puts it down.

Clean the surface really well...till it squeaks.
Be careful where you lay your vinyl before hand. If you lay the vinyl on something, and get dust on the backing paper, it will transfer to the just cleaned area and cause dust bumps in the finished result. These may appear to be bubbles but are actually dirt underneath.