how to put down side art

starfighter2

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I have had proplems with side are and anted to see if any of you have had the same issues and what you have done to resolve the issues I have had.

when I put down the side art, I start on one side and spray and have tried to both spray the cap with 3m glue and not spray. As I lay it down I use a squegy to spread from the center out until the art is on the cab getting all the air out.

My issue is after the day or two I get bubbles in areas that there where no air pockets, and I will pop a hole and squegy it back. But then it comes back.

Any of you have this issue. I am thinking its just artwork with bad adesive, but I used the 3m spray I would have thought that would resolve the issue and it has not.

Thanks for any ideas...
 
My technique:

1. get drunk
2. do a lot of praying
3. apply

Usually works for me...but I'd be interested to hear other "more professional" methods.
 
Just peel the backing off, hold it out in front of you, and run at the cabinet.

Like so:
CrystalCastlesMoppet.jpg


-Ian
 
Why on earth are you using adhesive spray? I haven't purchased sideart in 3 years that hasn't come already adhesive-backed. Here's the right way to do it:

1) tape into position along the top edge with painters tape (top edge ONLY)
2) check and recheck position
3) flip it upside down on top of the machine, tape still attached
4) begin peeling adhesive backing off the art
5) stick top edge down, pay attention to tape line, make sure tape is still holding the top edge where you originally stuck it
6) using a bondo spreader, begin working air bubbles out as you reach behind the art and slowly pull the backing off
7) work center to sides with the spreader, slowly, so that all air bubbles are eliminated while continuing to slowly peel backing
8) done

It's so easy when you use tape and a bondo spreader. I can do sideart on a machine in about 15 minutes, both sides. Never crooked, no bubbles. Easy peasy.
 
Why on earth are you using adhesive spray? I haven't purchased sideart in 3 years that hasn't come already adhesive-backed.

From your description, this is what I was thinking. I've had some similar situations (not side art) where the old adhesive was dead, and I tried to apply a new layer of spray adhesive. Instead of sticking tightly, the solvent in the new glue appeared to dissolve the dead glue and release it from the substrate and causing what you described. YMMV
 
Solvents will always cause bubbles in vinyl. I have a small graphics business that I run out of my house. Have to do repair work at a body shop I am friends with. Always have to make sure that the paint has not been touched for a few days. Even dry paint that has been buffed will cause havoc to my work. If you really start doing a lot of side art I would recommend getting the gold 3-m squeegee. Is is much better than a standard bondo applicator.
 
I am using the techniques discussed. and used bondo spreader. Everything looks greate for the first two days and then the bubbles appear. They are not large but noticable to me. I used the 3m glue because the first time it did not stick I thought the additional glue would help. tryied another project and Infact it made no differance.
 
If the surface you are putting the vinyl down onto is clean and free of any contamination, you do not need any further adhesive. The biggest thing is making sure everything is clean. I usually scrub it with a degreaser to get any dirt out of the surface. Let that dry, then clean it with glass cleaner. Of course the best surface ever to work with is new paint, properly dried of course. New cars are the best with installing artwork.
 
I have tried laying down the artwork on both painted and dry wood surface with the same results. I also cleaned the cabinet with water and cloth before laying down the art, but not a degreaser and glass cleaner.
 
Water and a clothe will not work, use TSP to degrease and prep the surface before application. But it sounds like you've reapplied this artwork soo much, it may be beyond recovering. So these tips can be for next time.
 
Installing art is a one shot deal. Pulling it up will always lead to crappy results, using sprays will also lead to a crappy result and just to complete the trifecta, water will lead to a crappy result :)

Buy some new art, reseal the cabinet and try again. Rikitiki did a nice how to on this but i'm not able to find the youtube link right now :(
 
Installing art is a one shot deal. Pulling it up will always lead to crappy results, using sprays will also lead to a crappy result and just to complete the trifecta, water will lead to a crappy result :)

Buy some new art, reseal the cabinet and try again. Rikitiki did a nice how to on this but i'm not able to find the youtube link right now :(

i found this, not the same thing but close enough http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7u-qiteSOo
 
This is the second sheet of side art with no success. It sould like I am missing the perp work to clean the side art and that all the other steps are being followed. Any recommenations on the cleaning material used before placing the art work? brands, where to find?
 
i tilt the cabinet over a bunch and support it so it doesnt fall either way

then in the "negative" space i can hang the artwork and apply it without it sticking somehow wrongly to something and making mistakes and screwing it up

much easier
 
This is the second sheet of side art with no success. It sould like I am missing the perp work to clean the side art and that all the other steps are being followed. Any recommenations on the cleaning material used before placing the art work? brands, where to find?

The surface has to be perfectly clean and dry. I use Windex.
 
Installing art is a one shot deal. Pulling it up will always lead to crappy results, using sprays will also lead to a crappy result and just to complete the trifecta, water will lead to a crappy result :)

Buy some new art, reseal the cabinet and try again. Rikitiki did a nice how to on this but i'm not able to find the youtube link right now :(

Here is Rikitiki's blog on applying full cabinet vinyl:
http://www.coinopspace.com/profiles/blogs/vinyling-a-cab-101part-1
 
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