![\"Application](\"https:\/\/www.arlon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ever-Etched-large-high-res-1024x680.png\")
Choosing the Right Application Tape<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When choosing the right application tape, these are the questions you need to ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is it for pre-masking or pre-spacing? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The premask for UV-inks may be different from other ink\ntypes, as well as premasks for liquid laminated graphics vs. film overlaminates.\nThe amount and type of liner exposed will also affect what kind of pre-spacing\ntape to use. For release liners with air egress, make sure to choose a tape\ndesigned to adhere to them. Etched glass films or any graphic with a textured\nfinish require special app tapes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How will the graphics be stored and transported? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Almost all tapes are okay to be stored for a short period or transporting graphics stacked and flat. However, some graphic providers produce a large batch of graphics and will sit on the shelf for months. Make sure to choose an application tape that will not permanently bond to the graphic over time. Avoid storing the graphics<\/a> in high heat or prolonged sunlight. For graphics that must be rolled for transport, choose a tape that will adhere well to exposed liners. Always roll the graphics with the masked side out and at least 6 inches in diameter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If the graphics have a tight liner release, you may need to\nuse a high tack tape to peel it off the liner. If the graphic is not releasing\nfrom the liner, flipping the graphic liner side up and peeling off the liner\nworks most of the time. Always test the cut force before running a cut job and\nonly use enough force for the film to weed well but not cut into the release\nliner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, the graphic needs to adhere to the application surface more than the tape adhering to the graphic. So, if you use a high tack app tape, in the case with low surface energy substrates, you might peel off the graphic with the app tape. You can wait and let the adhesive build or assist the adhesion with little heat. One pro tip for paper app tapes is to spray water on its face and let it soak to 20-30 seconds to weaken the tape\u2019s adhesive. For textured substrates, you might be better off with a low or medium tack tape because the graphic\u2019s adhesive will not have enough surface contact to establish excellent adhesion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Application tape is typically applied by hand. However, for large panels, we recommend using a roll-to-roll laminator or lamination table such as the Rollsroller3<\/a> or CWT4<\/a>. When using these tables, make sure that the app tape is applied without tension, so the graphic remains flat and does not peel off the edges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While It might be tempting to only have a single application tape for all your projects, it\u2019s essential to make sure you\u2019re choosing the right application tape for a successful install. Make sure to consider the tape\u2019s capability in storage, handling, and final application, not just if it will stick on your graphic. Want to learn more vinyl basics? Check out our Basic Guide to Registering Vinyl Graphics<\/a><\/p>\n\r\n\t\tIs the release liner easy or hard to remove? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Is the application surface low surface energy or textured? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Applying App Tape <\/h2>\n\n\n\n