Squeegee marks on lamimated vinyl

[FASTSIGNS11702]

We keep getting squeegee marks on our laminted vinyl. We use felt strips and still get "streaks". Any suggestions on what else to try?

 

[gnubler]

I spray with IPA so the squeegee has less resistance.

 

[amw]

You could try something like https://www.wraptools.com/Wrap-Juice-Spray-Bottle_p_118.html
or make something like it.

 

[Graphic Extremes]

You could try something like https://www.wraptools.com/Wrap-Juice-Spray-Bottle_p_118.html
or make something like it.

I have used the liquid and it helps quite a bit.

 

[JBurton]

Wet the squeegees, never thought to try ipa, lager would be my first thought.
Naw but really, I use rapidtac to wet it, but water would work fine.

 

[Mike Paul]

What laminate? what’s the temperature of your install area?

 

[ewded]

Try to use less pressure, use the 30 degree angle and let the vinyl guide you, try to follow a pattern that looks like this: ((( | ))) rather than /// or ||| . The more experience you gain the less pressure will be used

 

[visual800]

i use these

Felt Half Moon Squeegee

This felt squeegee is made from felt material that is firm enough to apply vinyl lettering, striping and decals without damaging the vinyl. But is is soft enough to apply digital prints without scratching. Big half moon shape makes it easy to hold. Half-moon shape - 5 inches (w) x 2½ inches (h)...

signwarehouse.com

 

[caribmike]

Apart from using RapidTac and water, I have these felt squeegee covers that work very well. Additionally, we often give a finished sign surface a good wipe down with 90% ipa as others have suggested.

 

[Gino]

Generally, just a bit of water works well. Also, make sure your squeegees are clean and haven't picked up any kinda particles.

 

[RMarshall]

Wet the squeegees, never thought to try ipa, lager would be my first thought.
Naw but really, I use rapidtac to wet it, but water would work fine.

Finally something that PBR is good for

 

[Bscoggins]

We keep getting squeegee marks on our laminted vinyl. We use felt strips and still get "streaks". Any suggestions on what else to try?

You might try post heating it with a propane torch.. A wrap technique I was taught! be very cautious though not to over do.. it usually removes most light scratches

 

[Notarealsignguy]

Keep the vinyl rolled up or covered until you are ready to install so it doesn't collect shop dust. Wipe the squeegee edge periodically as you go along. The light marks seem to disappear on their own with post heat or a little time in the sun.

 

[Humble PM]

You might try post heating it with a propane torch.. A wrap technique I was taught! be very cautious though not to over do.. it usually removes most light scratches

Possibly a dumb question, but anything special about the propane torch over a hot air gun?

 

[Gino]

That's not really a dumb question, but I used to use a heat gun and found I could control a flame better. Now, nothing but a torch. For removing old vinyl, a heat gun or even a hair dryer.

 

[ikarasu]

Possibly a dumb question, but anything special about the propane torch over a hot air gun?

A torch gets to the temp you need it to almost instantly.. A heat gun takes 20-30 seconds to heat up then like 10 seconds to warm up the vinyl.

A torch is more dangerous because of how hot it gets and how fast it gets that hot, so you can screw up vinyl easier - but once you're used to it, it decreases your wrap time quite a bit.


I don't like post heating certain vehicles with a torch (sprinter vans) as it's easier to apply a more consistant heat with a gun. But for everything else, a torch is better.

 

[Notarealsignguy]

Dumb question but has anyone ever used a weed burner for post heat?

 

[JBurton]

Dumb question but has anyone ever used a weed burner for post heat?

Seriously considered it for a POS retired Uhaul we wrapped. Pretty sure they paid us more to wrap it than they did for the vehicle...

 

[DanL 57703]

As far as squeege marks, wet the felt with water or RapidTac and if they are going outside the sun would remove them otherwise use a heat gun.

 

[Applied Graphics WY]

Possibly a dumb question, but anything special about the propane torch over a hot air gun?

You can use either or. Some even use a hair dryer. It’s a Matter of preference.