Is it OK to apply ControlTac with a wet application?

[Jean Shimp]

I know this goes against common practices but I have to apply a 52" circle to polymetal and it has to be dead on correct. I don't have a lot of experience applying ControlTac and would be more comfortable with the RapidTac on hand just in case I'm messing up. My question is - is there any harm in using application fluid on air egress vinyl?

 

[eahicks]

I can't imagine why you would need Rapid Tac. If you tape hinge it you can lay half and half with no issues. Almost impossible to leave any bubbles.

 

[bannertime]

I do it occasionally. As long as it isn't a cheap stuff like Grimco's Briteline 3203X. I've had water/alcohol mix pull off the adhesive. If it's actual 3M then you'll be fine.

Do you have an old laminator? We recently re-purposed our old one for installing graphics, and it works like a champ.

 

[eahicks]

I do it occasionally. As long as it isn't a cheap stuff like Grimco's Briteline 3203X. I've had water/alcohol mix pull off the adhesive. If it's actual 3M then you'll be fine.

Do you have an old laminator? We recently re-purposed our old one for installing graphics, and it works like a champ.

He said Controltac, so that is 3M.

 

[SightLine]

No, it is not okay. Fluid will be permanently trapped in the air channels in the adhesive and will eventually cause failure of the vinyl. Ea has is right. Just tape hinge it and you will be fine. Probably the worst would be if is unlaminated solid color controltac which can tear pretty easily if you are not careful. If its not laminated then at worst I'd say maybe app tape but I'd not even do that.

 

[MikePro]

anything my employees ever wet-applied, that had grey adhesive (like controltac), has failed.
if i had to apply a controltac circle dead-on.... I would slit the backing twice down the middle, align & tack in place with dbl sided tape on painter's/masking tape, lift a side to apply middle to set hinge for "book-hinge application"

 

[signbrad]

Dry application is recommended by 3M for Controltac.
Here is the link to the Tech Bulletin. See page 4.

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/9620O/5-5-application-dry-method.pdf

Brad in Kansas City