Digital Print Media

Boat Wraps: An Overview

June 25, 2019 By Digital Print Media Editor

Whale boat wrap by Marco Baccioli, via Behance

Wrapping a boat, in many ways is similar to wrapping a land vehicle. Some installers might say its actually easier because a wrap is applied in large panels, and there are no doors, windows and numerous other rivets and obstacles to worry about. Here are some popular questions and answers regarding boat wraps:

Q. Who is the typical Boat Wrap Customer?

A. Customers in the market for a boat wrap are typically individual boat owners looking to dress up their boat. Many are looking to personalize their new boat with a solid color wrap or to “repaint” older hulls. Boat wraps are also a common request among professional fisherman, competition boaters, tour boats, and boats used for promotional purposes at events.

Q. Does the vinyl differ from regular vinyl used to wrap land vehicles?

Vinyl manufacturers usually offer a selection of media specifically intended for marine use. Some manufacturers have products that can be used for both marine and land vehicle wraps. They will need to stand up to all of the harsh elements that a land wrap will encounter with the addition of the harsh effects of water and possibly salt. Check with the manufacturer to see their recommendations.

What type of vinyl is ideal for boat wraps?

Something that is easy to apply and handle (an installer usually deals with large panels so this is important) and can be installed fast is key. A vinyl should contain an adhesive that produces no bubbles should be used. Polymeric vinyl and cast vinyl are popular marine substrates and an overlaminate is also recommended for certain applications. Again, it is best to check with the wrap manufacturer for the ideal media.

Things to look for before choosing boat vinyl

High-tack adhesive
Permanent, non-damaging adhesive
Long-term durability
Good resistance to salts, alkalis, fuel, oils and greases
Good fade resistance from UV exposure

What considerations should a designer take when creating a boat wrap?

Its important to take into consideration the complexity of the nose of the boat. Templates are flat and its difficult to visualize just how skewed the curve may be. If possible, print out the design and create a paper model of the boat to aid with visualization.

Clear Adhesive Overlaminates for Windows: Application Tips & Tricks

April 18, 2019 By Digital Print Media Editor

Choosing the correct media for a window decal application is the first step to creating a graphic that your customers (and their customers) will love and buzz about. Clear adhesive overlaminates are a popular choice for window graphics because they can be inexpensive and easy to install – just make sure the film is printable. HP Gloss Polymeric Overlaminate and HP Matte Polymeric Overlaminate are perfect for window graphic applications. Each features a 140g DSPE lay-flat liner and performs exceptionally well for printable applications as well as an overlaminate.

Popular window graphic applications

Indoor and outdoor signage
Special effects
Privacy
Decor
Promotional decals
Brand building
Overlaminate solutions

Keep reading for helpful tips and tricks on how to apply install window graphics like a professional.

Clean the Area Where the Graphic Will Be Applied

The first thing you want to make sure of when applying vinyl window graphics is that the surface area you’re applying them to is thoroughly cleaned. Take your time to ensure there is no dust, dirt or grime that may get in the way. Use a lint-free wipe and a non-ammonia based cleaner to clean the surface.

Certain cleaning solutions have chemical agents that can cause the adhesive to not bond to the window surface. Once clean, be sure to wait until the surface is entirely dry. Using an IPA (isopropyl alcohol)/water mixture (50% water with 50% IPA) can help accelerate drying time and is a great cleaning solvent for windows. Thoroughly cleaning the area is critical and will help you to avoid unattractive mishaps, such as bubbling or messy edges. It will also help ensure the graphic lasts longer because there will be nothing keeping it from sticking to the surface.

Get Fluid Prepared for ‘Wet’ Application Method

The wet application method is the recommended application method for getting the vinyl window graphics to slide around the surface well. You can make this fluid easily with a couple drops of dish soap mixed with water and poured into a spray bottle. Remove the liner from the graphic and spray the window with a generous amount of the mixture and well as the adhesive side of the graphics and position it where you would like on the window. You should be able to move it around easily to get the positioning you’d like. The graphic may appear hazy after the initial installation which could last up to several days before clearing.

Final Steps

Using a soft squeegee, squeegee from the center of the graphic out towards the edge of the graphic forcing the fluid to escape. You can choose to use application tape to hold the window decal into place. To smooth out remaining liquid and bubbles, use a soft squeegee and work from the center of the graphic out towards the edge. If application tape was applied, wait a minimum of 15 minutes before removing tape, keeping it parallel to the glass. Pull back the application tape at a 180 degree angle to minimize the possibility of lifting the applied graphic. Be sure to double check to make sure that positioning is what you want before the solution begins to dry. You won’t be able to move it around freely if it dries up.

HP’s Recommended Application fluids

Rapid Tac
IPA/Water mixture (75% water to 25% IPA)
Mix a gallon of water with approximately 1 tsp of mild/synthetic detergent that does not contain perfumes, wax, oils, or lotions

HP’s Recommended Installation Steps

Test the glass surface for wax or other coatings by placing several drops of water on various areas of the glass. If the water forms into beads, then there is a coating on the glass that needs to be removed prior to application. If water does not form into beads, the glass surface is ready to install.
Apply a generous amount of application fluid using a spray bottle/applicator completely covering the window for which graphic will be applied. Depending on the size of the graphic, it may be helpful to also spray the adhesive side of the print as well.
Remove the liner from the graphic and position the graphic on the area where the fluid was sprayed.
Using a soft squeegee, squeegee from the center of the graphic out towards the edge of the graphic forcing the fluid to escape.
If application tape was applied, wait a minimum of 15 minutes before removing tape, keeping it parallel to the glass. Pull back the application tape at a 180 degree angle to minimize the possibility of lifting the applied graphic.

Download HP’s Tips and Tricks for Installing Window Graphics >>