I have both a UV printer with a Roll to Roll unit and a few HP Latex roll to roll printers. Which is recommended for outdoor perforated window vinyl? I assume UV inks would last better as they are made to cure with UV light. What about laminating needs? Unlaminated vs laminated would one last longer than the other?
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UV or Latex for Perforated Window Vinyl
- Thread starter CSPrint
- Start date
Both are recommended for exterior window perf projects and print can last 3-5 years unlaminated (laminating will give another year). Perf is rated as a promotional material so lamination isn’t required however lamination helps protect the print and definitely helps with removal down the road…I have both a UV printer with a Roll to Roll unit and a few HP Latex roll to roll printers. Which is recommended for outdoor perforated window vinyl? I assume UV inks would last better as they are made to cure with UV light. What about laminating needs? Unlaminated vs laminated would one last longer than the other?
Either ink technology will work with window perf from Continental Graphix (www.cgxusa.com). Most window perf has 1–2-year outdoor weatherability and either ink technology will work for this length of time outdoors without lamination (Continental's PanoRama One), which I wouldn't necessarily recommend anyway. Installing laminated window perf is a rough job because it needs to be wet applied, which traps water behind the graphic. The water tends to never really evaporate, causing future problems for that particular graphic. If you need the graphic to last longer than 1-2 years there are available options that will last 3 - 5-years, at which point you'll need to consider a laminate because the inks won't last that long unlaminated...just be aware that all the water needs to be removed from behind the graphic upon installation for long term success and acceptable appearance.I have both a UV printer with a Roll to Roll unit and a few HP Latex roll to roll printers. Which is recommended for outdoor perforated window vinyl? I assume UV inks would last better as they are made to cure with UV light. What about laminating needs? Unlaminated vs laminated would one last longer than the other?
Some brands have a different liner option for printing Latex vs UV or EcoSol because of the higher curing temperatures of the latex process. We laminate all vehicle perf graphics, you want to use an 'optically clear' laminate. A thin laminate such as Avery 1360 gloss which is optically clear but it is intended to be highly conformable, some laminate spanning the individual holes touches the glass and some does not resulting in a streaky appearance, some of this will work itself out but we have found better results with a thicker 4 mil optically clear laminate, the thicker material also makes the perf easier to handle during install.
If the application is a store front or office windows that are covered by an overhang we generally do not laminate. I prefer to premask unlaminated perf to reduce stretching especially in warm temeratures. Trimming the perf back away from edges and gaskets .25" ish and sealing with edge tape is recommended and helps keep any edges from lifting.
If the application is a store front or office windows that are covered by an overhang we generally do not laminate. I prefer to premask unlaminated perf to reduce stretching especially in warm temeratures. Trimming the perf back away from edges and gaskets .25" ish and sealing with edge tape is recommended and helps keep any edges from lifting.
Never, ever wet appy laminated perfEither ink technology will work with window perf from Continental Graphix (www.cgxusa.com). Most window perf has 1–2-year outdoor weatherability and either ink technology will work for this length of time outdoors without lamination (Continental's PanoRama One), which I wouldn't necessarily recommend anyway. Installing laminated window perf is a rough job because it needs to be wet applied, which traps water behind the graphic. The water tends to never really evaporate, causing future problems for that particular graphic. If you need the graphic to last longer than 1-2 years there are available options that will last 3 - 5-years, at which point you'll need to consider a laminate because the inks won't last that long unlaminated...just be aware that all the water needs to be removed from behind the graphic upon installation for long term success and acceptable appearance.
Superior_Adam
New Member
I have installed a ton of laminated perf and NEVER wet applied. Wet applying perf is not recommended.Either ink technology will work with window perf from Continental Graphix (www.cgxusa.com). Most window perf has 1–2-year outdoor weatherability and either ink technology will work for this length of time outdoors without lamination (Continental's PanoRama One), which I wouldn't necessarily recommend anyway. Installing laminated window perf is a rough job because it needs to be wet applied, which traps water behind the graphic. The water tends to never really evaporate, causing future problems for that particular graphic. If you need the graphic to last longer than 1-2 years there are available options that will last 3 - 5-years, at which point you'll need to consider a laminate because the inks won't last that long unlaminated...just be aware that all the water needs to be removed from behind the graphic upon installation for long term success and acceptable appearance.
Superior_Adam
New Member
I would stay away from UV on perf, it can fill the holes. We use our latex printers for perf. I always prefer to laminate as dirt and water can fill the holes and then you cant see out of it. Lamination increases life a ton. Our shop windows have been up for 5-6 years and still looks good.
I agree with Superior Adam, do not print UV ink on a perforated material...... I printed one and came our really great, when I arrive to the site, I found out that all the holes were covered with ink, tried to roll the material really small in diameter thinking that ink will break and come off, but NO. I had to reprint the entire job, it was about third of a 100ft roll by 48" wide.I would stay away from UV on perf, it can fill the holes. We use our latex printers for perf. I always prefer to laminate as dirt and water can fill the holes and then you cant see out of it. Lamination increases life a ton. Our shop windows have been up for 5-6 years and still looks good.
Do not print UV in on perforated material.
Tim Miller
New Member
We print perforated vinyl on our Colorados all the time -- but make sure you get perforated vinyl that says it's UV-printable. We print 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, and 50/50 with no problem.
victor bogdanov
Active Member
did you use dual liner perforated?I agree with Superior Adam, do not print UV ink on a perforated material...... I printed one and came our really great, when I arrive to the site, I found out that all the holes were covered with ink, tried to roll the material really small in diameter thinking that ink will break and come off, but NO. I had to reprint the entire job, it was about third of a 100ft roll by 48" wide.
Do not print UV in on perforated material.