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I'm painting a logo on Weathermax, a polyester-based awning material and my usual method (acrylic house paint) is causing adhesion problems. Someone suggested a clear urethane primer as a base coat - anybody know anything about it? Thanks......
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Just a thought Sonny, try washing first with Rapid Prep. You didn't describe in detail but, sounds like paint is not penetrating surfase and bonding, often this is a residue / contamination, Rapid Prep can be the answer?
Roger
-------------------- Roger Bailey Rapid Tac Incorporated 186 Combs Dr. Merlin Oregon 97532 Posts: 3020 | From: Merlin Oregon | Registered: Dec 1998
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Polyester doesn't absorb. Odds are that the Weathermax material also has a proofing to repel water. Applying a waterbased product to it probably wasn't a good idea.
The best option is probably to remove the graphic and redo it using vinyl ink; or a synthetic enamel with something like Nazdar's NB-70 mixed in to guarantee adhesion.
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Sonny - Weathermax does have a coating applied to repel water as Glenn states....the coating also aids in color retention. I asked a guy who reps the product.
Not sure about what kind of paint may stick to it though. I don't think 'cleaning' it with anything is going to help.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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Try making the first coat Ti-cote, XIM bonder or even Krylon Fusion. I've use all of those methods at one time or another on difficult awning fabrics.
-------------------- Kerry H Kerry's Signs Vallejo, CA Posts: 160 | From: Oakland, CA | Registered: Sep 2006
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Maybe rough up the surface with a scotchbrite pad then use lettering enamel with a hardner. If you're using vinyl mask the stuff with the hot solvents like vinyl sreenprinting ink might leak around the edges and lift the mask.
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Hi Sonny, I'd go with a silkscreen ink, it will 'bite' into the fabric and work a treat.
Brian.
-------------------- Brian the Brush brian the brush uk Yorkshire, UK www.brianthebrushuk.com Posts: 123 | From: United Kingdom | Registered: Sep 2001
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If you haven't already, contact the manufacturer and find out any recommendations they have. That input may guide you away from an apparently successful experiment that turns out later to be an expensive time bomb.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5084 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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If you do use lettering enamel, don't use a hardner. Instead, mix in some of Butch Anton's FrogJuice. Because of its chemical formulation (primarily the MEK in it), FJ will help give the enamel some bite without making the paint brittle.
However, I still strongly recommend vinyl ink. It will bite into the polyester remaining flexible and not crack.
a similar situation. a fiberglass section(complete with jel-coat finish) is on the assembly line at Catapillar Tractor. when product (tractor)is complete and workers apply logos with no luck in bonding and same results when attempting paint w/stencils. They found out about Rapid Prep and Rapid Tac, requisition approved, now they have written stats, after using Rapid Products in most of they're assembly facilities for 15 years now.
They realised the power of properly cleaning before painting or vinyl film application!
Not saying this is definatly Sonnys' issue, however, solving problems with adhesion should always start at cleanliness!!
Roger :>)
-------------------- Roger Bailey Rapid Tac Incorporated 186 Combs Dr. Merlin Oregon 97532 Posts: 3020 | From: Merlin Oregon | Registered: Dec 1998
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We used to screenprint vinyl banners by the hundreds back in the day... and hand letter banners with thinned down vinyl ink. I really miss those brain cells!
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