Focus on Tools & Accessories
With the constant desire to find the right tool and accessory for the job, sometimes it can be hard to sift through the choices that are out there. Here are a few pieces on offer.
e. Admiral Tapes Securing the right tool
Having the right tools for the job makes the difference between a job becoming a nightmare or being a dream; the same goes for technical self-adhesive tapes. For an outside application a solvent acrylic adhesive is a must – this type of adhesive won’t feel as tacky to the touch compared to rubber-based adhesives and they offer a permanent solution with capability to withstand temperature fluctuations, UV light, chemicals and the elements. The quality of the tape’s carrier is also important as although
many tapes may look the same their technical specifications can be wildly different; all tapes are not equal. The quality of foam for example directly affects the tape’s ability to hold weight and combat sheer forces. An easy way to evaluate the quality of your double side foam against another product is to assess the tensile strength by pulling the tape from both ends until it breaks – a quick break shows a lower quality foam. Of course, great significance needs to be given to the application process and with technical tapes there some key rules to follow such as ensuring that any air bubbles are squeezed out during application – if left air bubbles will expand and contract with fluctuations in temperature and over time will
push the tape away from the substrate. Sometimes size
matters – tapes need to make 100% contact with the
VHB tape VHB tape
peaks and troughs of the substrates that they’re being used to bond. If bonding the same flush material together a thinner tape will provide a stronger bond but if your surfaces are uneven or dissimilar materials a thicker tape will be needed to allow them to expand and contract at different rates. 2026 is Admiral Tapes’ 45th year of trading - its tape
knowhow is deep rooted in industrial markets where high performance and reliability is critical to getting the job done right. Manufactured only using quality materials with conversion facilities that can produce almost any size and to specified drawings the flagship VHB and double-sided external grade foam tapes are available in various thicknesses and supported by double sided PET’s and technical transfer adhesives.
www.admiraltapes.com STS squeegee
Smoothing out those edges Sign Trade Supplies
For installers working on vehicles or complex shapes, Sign
Sign Trade Supplies offers a selection of squeegees and applicators that provide the tools you need to apply vinyl, films, window graphics, and wraps cleanly, efficiently, and without tears or bubbles. Its selection covers the full range, from simple economy squeegees for everyday tasks to specialised felt edge and micro squeegees designed for delicate vinyl, window films, or tight wrap installations. There are hard plastic trapezoid squeegees for precise applications, felt edge applicators that glide smoothly over printed vinyl without scratching, and soft felt options ideal for window film or painted surfaces.
Trade Supplies offers specialised wrapping tools such as nano squeegees and wrap sticks designed to help apply vinyl into tight curves and recesses. These are especially useful for doors, wheel arches, and contoured panels. You will also find buffer pads, replacement felt strips, and accessory tools to help squeegees perform smoothly over time. The benefits for a sign or print business are evident. These tools help reduce manual errors, prevent vinyl scratches or bubbles, speed up application work, and minimise the time spent fixing poor finishes. With prices ranging from entry-level squeegees to professional-grade tools, the collection suits both small workshops and larger installation teams. If a clean application and reliable finishes matter to your reputation, Sign Trade Supplies offers a comprehensive range of squeegees and applicators that help you deliver high-quality results every time.
www.signtradesupplies.co.uk
www.signupdate.co.uk
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