When adhesive first makes contact with a surface the level of bound or stickiness is called “tack”. As time passes or pressure is exerted the adhesive flows onto, and makes complete surface contact on the sign substrate it achieves “ultimate adhesion”. The difference between tack and ultimate adhesion is substantial. Ultimate adhesion can be over 400% greater than tack when the film is applied with the standard method (squeegee + elbow grease). Knowing how to adjust the tack level and understanding the rate at which bond levels rise will make applications much easier and allow bubble and trouble-free sign installations.
IMPORTANT FACTS:
The bond increase is due to increased surface contact attained through the flow of the adhesive layer. At the time of application, “tack” is about 2.2 lb. per inch width (1 kg/2.5 cm). The bond may build to more than double after 1 day. In 7 days, ultimate adhesion may reach over 9 lbs per inch.
The bond increase is due to increased surface contact attained through the flow of the adhesive layer. At the time of application, “tack” is about 2.2 lb. per inch width (1 kg/2.5 cm). The bond may build to more than double after 1 day. In 7 days, ultimate adhesion may reach over 9 lbs per inch.
If a film needs to be deformed (stretched) to achieve contact, using heat while installing will significantly increase initial contact and reduce problems during the service life.
Special films have been developed to have lower tack or slower adhesion build due to the application requirements for specific signage. The Arlon 2500 Translucent Series has a slow-build adhesive which allows thermoformers to remove areas of film from the sign face for several days after application and forming.
TIPS FOR USING ADHESION BUILD RATE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE:
- Leave application paper on sign face as long as practical before removal.
- Use heat to increase the rate of bond build when a sign must immediately go into cold weather service, especially on vehicles
- Use narrow overlapping application strokes with the squeegee and apply uniform, high pressure across the sign face.
- When using wet application techniques, wait as long as possible to remove the application paper; in addition, lightly wet the application tape (paper types only) and peel it back at a very low angle.
- Never attempt to use heat to soften film in combination with wet application.
