SGIA Journal September/October 2013 - (Page 29)

feature Want Your Graphics to Look Great and Last? Start with Surface Preparation and Cleaning Graphics are always being applied to some sort of surface, and if that surface is not properly prepared, there is a distinct possibility that the graphic will not last as long or look as good as it should. Achieving a perfect graphic installation is the goal of most every applicator, whether an industry veteran or an inexperienced consumer. Much can play into the success of an application and how long the graphic will last: The properties of the vinyl product, the chosen type of adhesive, the conditions under which the graphic is being applied, and the propensity of the installer to follow proper procedures. Even a seasoned installer using the best materials on the market could be doomed to relative failure before an application is even begun if they do not appropriately execute one specific step. No matter what the circumstance, graphics are always being applied to some sort of surface, and if that surface is not properly prepared, there is a distinct possibility that the graphic will not last as long or look as good as it should. Surface preparation is a critical step toward attaining successful, long-lasting vinyl graphic installations, but it is one that is unfortunately often overlooked and misunderstood. Simply because a substrate does not look dirty, wet or otherwise compromised does not mean that cleaning and preparation of the surface is unnecessary. Also, not all substrates should be prepared in the same manner; there are specific steps that should be taken based on the composition of a surface. For these reasons, it is important to understand principles of cleaning and preparing various surfaces for optimized pressure-sensitive graphic applications before attempting them. Preparation and Cleaning: The Basic Steps As is the case with most any procedure, a great place to start when preparing for a graphic installation is reading the directions. Especially when using solventbased cleaners, review all instructions on the container, and contact the manufacturer, if necessary, for clarification regarding ventilation, use and disposal. Be sure to wear gloves or other personal protective devices (PPDs) as recommended by the manufacturer’s guidelines and warnings. While you may not need a lot of tools in the surface preparation stage of installation, make sure what you do use is helping, not hindering your cleaning. As towels or cloths become dirty, use new ones. Make sure all surfaces are completely dry prior to application. If need be, use a heat gun to remove moisture, especially around rivets and along seams. Always reference applicable performance guides provided by graphic material manufacturers for appropriate application temperatures. As you begin, you should have two basic goals in mind when cleaning a surface before graphics application: Removal of organic contaminates, such as dirt, bug spatter or food residue, and removal of petrochemical contaminates, such as wax, grease and oils. To properly remove these contaminates a three-step process is recommended: Jason Yard, Marketing Manager, MACtac® Distributor Products Visit SGIA at SGIA.org SGIA Journal ■ September/October 2013 | 29 http://www.SGIA.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SGIA Journal September/October 2013

How to Sell in a Tough Economy
How One Fine-Art Photographer Created a Four-Story-Tall Print
December 1, 2013 Training Deadline Approaches
Affordable Care Act — What is New and What is Happening
Reducing Inkjet Ink Usage
Want Your Graphics to Look Great and Last? Start with Surface Preparation and Cleaning
2013 Market Trends & Product Specialties Report
Digital Ceramic Printing Continues to Cast a New Business Model for Output Providers
How to Hire and Retain a Sales Champion
Going Grand: Does It Make Sense for Your Business?
Flames Made Easy with Knifeless Tape
The Edge is Near: Innovations in Fabric Finishing
SGIA Expo Sponsors Lead the Industry Charge to Orlando
The Innovation of an Art Form: A History of Screen Printing
In Many Specialty Graphics Shops, Old and New Technologies Sit Side by Side
SGIA Helps Making Shipping Easier with YRC
New Products
Specialty Imaging Shines at the 2013 SGIA Expo

SGIA Journal September/October 2013