A Digital Printing Network

vehicle graphics and laminating

I have not been on here in a while, but plan on spending more time learning on here about my versacamm.

I have two questions I hope someone can answer. First could someone recommend a good digital media for door application on a truck. Second is it possible to laminate by hand, I do not have a machine, and can not justify buying one at the moment.

Thanks

Matt

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Permalink Reply by Butch on March 14, 2012 at 5:26pm

Doors can be done with any good digital capable vinyl. Check Oracal, Arlon, Sihl etc. Check out Big Squeegee for hand application of laminate.

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Permalink Reply by CYW on March 14, 2012 at 6:15pm

Matt, we have a laminator but we also have a Big Squeegee
Takes some practice but it will do in a pinch

Lady Di

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Permalink Reply by irving donaldson on March 14, 2012 at 6:00pm

Butch is spot on and I agree with all of this recommendation. Also in the beginning prelaminator - I would use spray on or roll on - both had UV protection and offered some scratch resistance - but is not equal to a laminate. We all start somewhere, but manage to get it done.

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Permalink Reply by Wendy on March 15, 2012 at 5:13am

HI! We also use liquid sometimes (Clearshield from Fellers) but another thing we've done is work out a deal with our local vocational technical school. They have a graphic design dept and use a large format laminator. We buy our own material and pay them a portion of what we charge (we mark it up) so that they are compensated for loading/unloading materials etc.

Is there someone nearby you could trust not to steal your biz that you could do this with?

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Permalink Reply by Ray on March 15, 2012 at 8:45am

I have a 55" Daige laminator for sale if you are interested.

Craig's List add here.

Ray

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Permalink Reply by John Miller on March 16, 2012 at 12:10pm

Only use CAST digital vinyl on vehicles. You can use calendered CUT VINYL on vehicles no problems but the calendered digital vinyls shrink way too much and will show a nasty dirt line within a month or so of application around the graphic.

Yes cast digital vinyl with laminate looks expensive but charge accordingly and you won't have any issues. I recommend 3M 180C. Has air release for easy installs.

You can laminate by hand, I have been for 2 years using the big squeegee tool. http://www.bigsqueegee.com/

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Permalink Reply by matt hammond on March 17, 2012 at 8:51am

Thanks for the info guys. I did order some calandered vinyl and laminate, I will use that for less demanding jobs than vehicles.

Which laminate would you put over the 180c ?, does that also need to be cast?

I do have big squeegees, and have gotten good results.

Thanks

Matt

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Permalink Reply by John Miller on March 17, 2012 at 9:33pm

A good rule is to match cal with cal and cast with cast. Actually, putting cast laminate over calendered vinyl helps it from shrinking. That way you only need to stock 1 laminate and 2 vinyls.

3M recommends using their cast laminates such as: 8518, 8519, 8520 or 8915. Some are luster, gloss and matte.

For a low cost, GREAT calendered vinyl, try General Formulations Concept 201 matte or 203 gloss. It's under $100 a roll and works great for print/cut jobs not needing cast. I use it for yard signs, window decals, labels, foamcore signs and bulk runs of print/cut stickers. You can get it from Fellers or at Grimco under their Brite Line house brand.