To Mask or not to Mask

[DPD]

I have a laminated print that I am going to apply to alumalite. Typically I would mask the print and then apply it but I'm thinking that since it has a laminate on it that it is as good as masked. The question is should I mask the vinyl or can I apply the vinyl as-is because it has a PSA laminate on it? Thanks.

 

[JBurton]

I was going to say, who's debating masks these days...
No mask, should be fine with laminate, just use a soft squeegee.

 

[Gino]

I'd say no mask, either. What size is the print ??

 

[DPD]

I'd say no mask, either. What size is the print ??

Hi Gino, It's 5ft x 20 inches high. It's not really big.

 

[DPD]

I was going to say, who's debating masks these days...
No mask, should be fine with laminate, just use a soft squeegee.

Thanks. I was moving in that direction.

 

[Stacey K]

No mask unless its contour cut with a bunch of things that make it hard to apply without masking. Like individual letters, etc. but one panel you will find is easier without masking IMO.

 

[Ray Miller]

Hinge it with 2 pieces of tape down the middle and slowly pull the backing away from one end and stop at the hinge, remove it and then continue to pull the backer away. All with a felt/soft squeegee.

 

[somcalmetim]

Depends how important...even with wet edge squeegees I find you can still put fine scratches or whorl lines in high gloss lam if you are pressing hard enough to install properly or going fast...
If its a lustre finish lam anyway I wouldnt mask but with high gloss lams I like mask as you can be rougher with it, install with firmer pressure and still peel of the mask for perfect shine.
Might not be as important on signs but a 1/2" mask around the edge of the graphic gives you somewhere to stop your squeegee before you go off the graphic and scratch the background paint on a vehicle...we try not to touch vehicles with a squeegee if we can help it while installing...

 

[tulsagraphics]

Probably no mask, but also consider how much ink is in your print, and whether or not it has "really" outgassed. High coverage dark inks make the vinyl more pliable -- more likely to stretch / skew.
If your graphic needs really accurate positioning (e.g. it has a border), it might be worth masking to keep your graphic tight.
These days I have a RollsRoller so it's not really an issue, but if I'm doing a full coverage piece on a store front in warm weather, for example, then I'll definitely mask it.