posted
Back in October 2008, I posted pics of the window perf work done on our shop truck windows.
The side windows were done on the Gerber Edge. One side had a laminate applied and the other did not.
The rear window was an inkjet print with a laminate.
What the manufacturers say about laminate shortening the life of a window perf is true. The unlaminated side still looks new.
As for the rear window, the edges started to lift just days after it was installed. I put it back down with the help of a heatgun and then applied a 3/8" cast vinyl stripe to seal the edges. So far, its held up extremely well.
posted
actually laminating would have been fine, but you need to edge seal to make it last. The 3m liquid edge sealer works good, or just slits of lam around the edges. Once what creeped into a opened edged hole, it sat there and eventually started lifting .
-------------------- Bruce Evans Crown Graphics Chino, CA graphics@westcoach.net Posts: 910 | From: Chino, CA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I'm beginning to think laminate can be the evil of most prints. Glens test proves it. Most prints I get from Blake I request they NOT be laminated. I would rather spray 2 part urethane clear on a print than laminate for this reason.
first off I can spray a thinner mil than the laminate is and my clear will not shrink as bad as the vinyl laminate
GREAT TEST GLENN!
-------------------- You ever notice how easily accessible people are when they are requiring your services but once they get invoice you can't reach them anymore
posted
I've found that laminate does all sorts of funky stuff to prints , especially perf. When doing vehicles I almost always don't laminate unless it's full color, then I'll laminate and edge seal. The full color makes the perf a lot less workable. Either way, I dislike perf. It always comes back to make me look bad.
posted
Hmmm, what perf are you using? I use FDC's 50/50. Printed on my JV3. One side on my truck is laminated, one is not, just like your example. Trimmed back 1/4" from the seal of the window, all around. Been on over 3 years, thru the high pressure car wash once a week. NO LIFTING etc... Cleaned with a 50/50 denatured/H20 mix. Temps ranging from 95 degrees to 30 below zero, heat, sun, ice etc... I do wait the recommended 24 hours prior to laminating. Laminated with 8518. I would agree on using a Seal-it pen, but haven't needed to yet.
-------------------- Nikki Goral Image Advantage Signs 4050 Champeau Road New Franken, WI 54229 920-465-4500 "Finish every day and be done with it. Tomorrow is a new day."-Ralph Waldo Emerson Posts: 928 | From: New Franken, WI (East Green Bay) | Registered: Jun 2007
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posted
Also, after re-reading your post, I do heat the entire thing post application.
-------------------- Nikki Goral Image Advantage Signs 4050 Champeau Road New Franken, WI 54229 920-465-4500 "Finish every day and be done with it. Tomorrow is a new day."-Ralph Waldo Emerson Posts: 928 | From: New Franken, WI (East Green Bay) | Registered: Jun 2007
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