Sign Maker Advice How to use a squeegee
Last time I talked about all the diff erent types and sizes of squeegee available to us, now let’s talk about how to use them. Paul Hughes of Sign Making Tools explains further.
T
he fi rst rule in fi tting self adhesive vinyl is do not let the adhesive touch the
substrate it is being applied before it is squeegeed into place – the fi rst time it touches the substrate should be when the squeegee applies pressure to it. This technique will eliminate the risk
of trapping air causing bubbles in the vinyl fi lm. So many times, you see the fi tter
applying large areas of vinyl by removing the backing paper and then resting the vinyl fi lm on the substrate. The moment the adhesive touches the substrate it starts to tack. They then proceed to try to squeegee the vinyl fi lm into place, inevitably creating bubble and/ or creases. Why does this happen? It is because our act of squeegeeing moves the fi lm forward as we apply it – it stretches – only by a very small amount but enough to create a wave of material in front of the squeegee. If the vinyl is tacked to the substrate, it can not move forward thus, we end up with a bubble or worse a crease.
the backing paper by no more than 100mm, keeping the backing paper loop parallel to the masking taped edge. At the same time keep a gentle tension on the vinyl fi lm by pulling it against the masking taped edge. This will cause the backing paper to create a loop keeping the adhesive of the vinyl from resting on the substrate below.
the centre of squeegee blade to the end of fi rst moulded support rib (see photo) this will give you a very good visual of what the angel should be. When attempting to apply the vinyl
fi lm with the hinge method always start at the centre closest the hinge and work out to the sides. Your squeegee strokes should be parallel to both the hinge and the loop of backing tape, this will keep the tension even at all times. You are now using the squeegee more like a wood plain – little and often, and not as a bulldozer. Make sure your strokes overlap as not
A 30° angle is best
30° angle technique The best squeegeeing technique is to use 30° angles. That is the body of the squeegee
is 30° up from the substrate and the edge is at 30° to the area of vinyl being applied. Some fi tters pull their squeegee across the vinyl and the vinyl is applied under the squeegee out of the fi tter’s view, pushing your squeegee means you can see everything that is happing in front of your squeegee and the vinyl being applied. A way of visualising 30° on the edges
of your squeegee is to put two pieces of masking tape. Place the tape from
to trap air. Keep the squeegee at 30° all the way along the stroke, there can be a tendency to inevitably twist the squeegee as it gets close to you and when you are reaching away from you. If you change the angle, it most likely will create creases. Keeping a slight tension on the fi lm
is most important, as you apply the vinyl reach under the fi lm and pull the backing paper towards your tensioning hand. It is recommended that you only reveal about 100mm of adhesive at a time and then squeegee. If inadvertently the adhesive on the vinyl touches the substrate through a momentary release of tension – do not continue to squeegee. The reason for only revealing 100mm
is that it is fairly easy to lift this area off the substrate reapply the tension and continue without ill effects. Why 30°? I have no idea! It is just the optimal angle – it just works!
Keep tension slight when applying vinyl
Hinge method of application To stop the above happening we need to use a hinge method of application. Masking tape along one of the shortest edges of the vinyl fi lm, then peel back
| 38 | September/October 2024
Reveal 100mm at a time and then squeegee
www.signupdate.co.uk
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