Product: Vinyl Window Decals
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Client: Cork Medical
When we started providing custom vinyl window decals, we were amazed at the number of different ways that the service was being provided by others in the industry. From materials to installation technics, the range was very interesting. Here are a few items we have learned over the past year.
You cannot install vinyl on glass when the temperature is below 40 degrees. This was a very interesting install. One of the things that has to be done when you apply vinyl to glass is you have to clean the glass. So what’s the problem? Water doesn’t freeze until 32 degrees, right? That is correct but in order to get the best possible adhesion you need to wipe the glass down with alcohol which turns to gel at about 40 degree. Once the alcohol gels, it is very difficult to get the window clean. So that is why we wait until the temperature is above 40 degrees.
It is important to use a quality vinyl when printing custom window graphics. On one of our calls we were asked to remove and reapply window graphics that had been placed on the glass by another company just one year earlier. The problem was that the vinyl shrank and left behind glue lines. The vinyl had shrunk almost .25″ which made it very visible. When Optimum Signs prints window decals, we only use 3M vinyl and overlaminate. This prevents shrinking and guarantees that the color will remain clean and clear for years to come.
It is necessary to laminate exterior window graphics. This was the most interesting of our discoveries. Most companies in an effort to make window graphics/decals less expensive don’t laminate the vinyl. This is fine if you only want the sign to look good for about 6 to 9 months. With the Wisconsin weather, the vinyl will shrink and the print will fade. It is very important to know if your sign company is laminating your window graphics. If the sign only needs to live for a few months, then it is perfectly safe not to laminate the sign.
Anyone can install window graphics. Not true. If all it took was a little skill with a tape measure, anyone could do this. You have to know where to measure to, what to take into consideration when measuring, viewable distance, and of course who needs to see the information. At Optimum Signs, we employee only skilled designers and sign makers with years of experience so we know how to install your window or custom door graphics.
If you need window graphics or just a name on a door, call Optimum Signs at 262.289.9481 or email us at info@optimumsignswi.com. We have the skill and experience to make you look good!
