Wet Application - Getting Bubbles!!!!!

[Sven]

I have a 2'x3' piece of aluminum. I attempt to cover it in a solid piece of vinyl for a background color. I spray down the aluminum and vinyl with rapid tac II, lay the vinyl over the aluminum and start squeegeeing the water out with a felt covered 7in squeegee. TONS OF BUBBLES. Any advice is appreciated. I have tried wet application many times over the years and have never gotten it to work. I would love to get this method to work as it seems it would be less tedious that regular transfer-tape, hinge, squeegee method...

 

[Moze]

Unless you're applying frosted/dusted/crystal, I think it's easier to apply dry.

 

[graphix45]

It sounds like you may not have it wet enough. I don't really like wet application for a background that I have to apply cut vinyl over top of. It takes too long to dry and if I rush it, I usually mess it up.

 

[Speedsterbeast]

If you are laying the whole piece flat on the substrate and then trying to squeegee on, most likely +1 for not enough fluid, or you're not moving from the center out.
After you lay it doen, pick up one edge, peel it backand work from the opposite edge onward

 

[Jackpine]

One of Dale's Big Squeegee would work. I do it that way with no problems.

 

[Browner]

Try applying more pressure with the squeegee.

 

[Circleville Signs]

It's 2' x 3'. Why the hell do you need to wet apply?

 

[TDFcustomSL]

Why couldn't you paint the aluminum? Or have a body shop paint it for you for probably what its cost you in material trying to cover it?

 

[Bly]

Use soapy water instead.

Save the Rapid tac for glass.

 

[HulkSmash]

don't wet apply...

 

[2B]

Unless you're applying frosted/dusted/crystal, I think it's easier to apply dry.

Get a big squeegee, you could be done be the time you space the material down

 

[DizzyMarkus]

I wet apply also -- 99% of those are fluid trapped under the vinyl from not using the squeegie in the right motions to get it out. You will be suprised at how many dry out -- but you dont want to wait a few days to apply the rest :0) Laminator? run 'er through that Big Squeegie here also

Markus

 

[CP Signs]

Why wet apply? Even hinging it doesn't take more time then wetting the thing.

 

[DizzyMarkus]

I do on large surface areas and smooooooth surfaces ;0) Started that way and ---well it has just stayed that way -- I do dry also.

 

[rjssigns]

Dry with small overlapping squeegee strokes. I've done large double layer graphics on glass like that, but it takes some time. Key is to lay down 1/8" to 1/4" of material at a time.

 

[Sven]

It's 2' x 3'. Why the hell do you need to wet apply?

It was an experiment. Trying to figure out how people do it. Trying to see if there is some benefit, if it works...

Why couldn't you paint the aluminum? Or have a body shop paint it for you for probably what its cost you in material trying to cover it?

I am now painting it. Looks good..

 

[Jillbeans]

I agree that painting is the best way.
Also, Rapid Tac 2 is for glass and cold temp apps.
Try regular Rapid Tac and flood the hell out of both the surface and the back of the vinyl.
Love....jill

 

[ironchef]

I would do it dry on laminator, also the felt your using might be too thick to let enough pressure thru. Try a different material insteadnof felt or a thin felt one like the avery ones

 

[John_jcmotorsportsnj]

I would apply it dry. I would use a roller instead. no fine scratches.

Speedball makes great rollers for applying vinyl.

 

[J Hill Designs]

Also, dont use a felt squeegee - need more pressure