What would cause vinyl discoloration like this?

[shoresigns]

Rule of thumb: horizontal surfaces absorb roughly 3–5x the amount of UV compared with vertical surfaces. Adjust your estimated lifespan accordingly, i.e. if vertical lasts 5 years, horizontal might be 1–2 years.

 

[BillyP]

That is the glue breaking down in the laminate due to the UV . I am in North Queensland Australia and do not not use laminate for that reason. I clear coat everything with 2pac polyurathane clear and have jobs lasting over
10 years

 

[equippaint]

That is the glue breaking down in the laminate due to the UV . I am in North Queensland Australia and do not not use laminate for that reason. I clear coat everything with 2pac polyurathane clear and have jobs lasting over
10 years

Do you get any pushback with your pricing for the extra time and labor with it? I like the idea but it seems like it would be a huge bottleneck in production, especially considering wait time to dry.

 

[BillyP]

I only do the 2pac way but have a friend with a bigger sign company and he gives his customers the option between 2pac and lamination and after his reasoning on durability to exposure over 75% of customers choose 2pac. It is surely a bit more time consuming but you have peace of mind the job is done properly

 

[equippaint]

I agree with the durability 100% but cant imagine the space it would take. Even with a spot clear, it's a good 8 hours or more before you could even put something on top of it. You can run rolls of film with no space issues. We have to get minimum $3k a day out of our 2 booths to make any money, that would put the vinyl cost through the roof.

 

[BillyP]

That is the whole problem that has been created in the sign industry with wide format printers. Sadly quality has to suffer because of economics. I stay small so I can offer my clients the best I can offer at a reasonable price to suit

 

[BVG]

That is the glue breaking down in the laminate due to the UV . I am in North Queensland Australia and do not not use laminate for that reason. I clear coat everything with 2pac polyurathane clear and have jobs lasting over
10 years

What product are you using? We're Sydney based but still get our fair share of 40° days. It'd be great having that extra peace of mind on long term jobs facing the sun!

 

[BillyP]

Am using PROTECT PARA GLAZE 2-1 mix with standard hardener and 15% thinner...May be sold as CARMASTER down your way

 

[equippaint]

Use a 2:1 clear. I don't like reducing it but it doesn't hurt anything if you do

 

[GAC05]

Hood graphics receive the harshest environmental treatment. They are facing up which means they get more direct sun rays for more hours of the day, they get heat from the engine.. on top of all that, it's on a black car so that just compounds everything.

Don't forget to add in the effects of global warming.

 

[BillyP]

I find 15% reducer adheres better. In cooler weather I go to 20%

 

[burgmurk]

While you're peeling off that graphic and replacing it, repeat these words 1000 times: "Not everything that goes on a sign or a vehicle is called a wrap."

At least once a month i'll have a phone call/walk in like:
"How much to wrap my car?"
"oh, well that depends on the size and shape and the kind of finish, yada yada, but somewhere between $3&6k"
"WHAT?!? THREE GRAND TO PUT A GOD DAMN STICKER ON MY DOORS?! WHAT THE...."
Followed by me mansplaining the difference between a wrap and putting some decals on a door.

Oh well, at least down here we don't call the main course an entrée

 

[bmt Promotions]

I'm a bit conflicted on the path forward.