Problem with Convex

[myersvinyldesigns]

2 weeks ago, I applied a series of printed Decals to a fishing boat. The boat is a 23 ft bay fishing boat. Two of the stickers are at or partially under the waterline when the boat is in the water. These two decals are starting to come up.

The Decals were printed on Convex 6mil materal with an 8mil convex laminate over them. The laminate was done cold. The laminate and printed vinyl are not separating, the entire decal is coming up.

All of the decals were applied after cleaning the surface with Acetone and then using Rapid-Tac application fluid. I used a large squeegee to apply the decals and the boat waited 24 hours before going in the water after application.

All of the other decals are holding just fine.

Any suggestions as to application technique, different material, etc to use?

 

[Finishline Signs]

I haven't done in boat graphics that were below the waterline but I think using convex would make things worst. The thickness of the material would help the water catch it to lift it up as apposed to regulart vinyl that would be about 1/4 the thickness. Just a guess.

 

[mudmedia]

I agree with finishline may I ask why you used convex instead of regular vinyl which would adhere just fine and be thinner which makes the roughness of the water not so dangerous to the decal?

 

[myersvinyldesigns]

I had originally done the graphic with 3mil vinyl and a liquid laminate. The bottom of the graphic went over a lip on the boat and the "feet" of the bird were on this lip and they came up.

I contacted several companies and asked about what to use in this situation and was told Convex. I am very new to this and so I took their advice and had a roll of printable 6 mil and 8 mil laminate overnighted to me at considerable cost.

The new graphics do not have the legs on the lip but came up anyway. I understand the thickness thing now that I think of it, and can try the other way now that I have some OraCal laminate for my regular vinyl.

I just expected the Convex to hold better considering it is Hi-Tack

 

[mudmedia]

Hmm I am not to sure or confident on the liquid laminate ... One thing you could do is run 3m edge seal tape or people use "Lam Strips" around the whole way of the graphic...Ive done many boats and you really shouldnt have an issue I use 3m 180cv3 and edge tape everything...I dont think convex is a solution...Their adhesive is stickier but isnt made for what i would call "side" impact where something is hitting the lip of the graphic all the time...Convex is expensive so it sucks that you had to overnight it as is.

 

[MikeD]

never done it myself below the waterline, but perhaps an edge-seal pen would help out.
Good Luck!

 

[iraney]

It might be that the adhesive on the convex is water base adhesive if I'm not mistaken, it's best to use a solvent based adhesive for boat graphics since it wont be effected by water I.E. 3M IJ-180.

 

[Wiggum PI]

Edge sealer on anything below the waterline, period.

 

[ProWraps]

Edge sealer on anything below the waterline, period.

sure.. just make sure you let your client know you are applying a substance that is not meant to be there and will damage the substrate upon removal.....

with that said, try using "lam tape" which is essentially strips of laminate to hold down the edges.

 

[mudmedia]

Edge sealer on anything below the waterline, period.

Make sure you DO NOT use edge sealer on it...That stuff is not meant for surfaces where vinyl doesnt meet each other. Boats are expensive nowadays I would hate to see you put that on a 80k wake board boat and have a very unhappy customer...Doesnt matter below the waterline or not..I guarantee he will be a unhappy mofo. Owning a wake board boat myself I know id want to hurt someone.

But who am I to say...You may find yourself dealing with a little aluminum 1 man boat who he doesnt care...But Its just a recommendation

 

[Sign Works]

If I read your post correctly you used a wet application (Rapid Tac).
I would recommend that the application be done dry.
Post heat to activate adhesive wouldn't hurt either.

 

[heyskull]

I would never use convex on a boat!
It's too thick and it is not made for boat graphics!
What posessed you to use convex?
I would have used wrap material or something like it.

SC

 

[myersvinyldesigns]

What possessed me to use Convex was several retailers telling me that is what I needed to use, as well as the Convex rep telling me that it was exactly what I needed in the situation.

As stated before, I am new to this and am trying to learn. I now have something to base future ideas / suggestions on. Everyone on this forum has been extremely helpful and for that I thank you all.

I will be redoing this particular decal with regular 3mil vinyl with 3mil overlaminate and see how that works for me.

 

[myersvinyldesigns]

Is there someone on here that could print, laminate, and cut this graphic with that material? I would rather not buy a whole roll just to find out if it works or not. I have the artwork as an EPS.

If so, what would be the cost to have it done?

 

[Dakotagrafx]

would Orajet 3951HT be a better vinyl to use as it is designed for marine use?

 

[Jr Douglas Imaging]

..That stuff is not meant for surfaces where vinyl doesnt meet each other.

say what??? its meant exactly for this its called the edge..

trust me 12yrs of install experience the dude will be way more pissed when his boat looks like s**t after spending 3-5k or more. Now I will agree it is more than difficult almost impossible to get off.

3m IJ180v3 or 380 with matching lam. If your really concerned straight 180 no comply. pre-primer and edge seal any edge. I offer 3-4 year warrentee on our boats. Salt, fresh power or sail