DIGITAL: How can Oracal USA help me with my digital printing and vinyl questions?

Courtesy of Oracal USA...

Q: What causes vinyl to bubble when applied to polycarbonate? How do I prevent this from happening?
A: Polycarbonate outgases causing bubbles in your vinyl. To prevent this remove the protecting film as soon as possible and allow the polycarbonate to outgas naturally, heat will speed up the process.


Q: Can the 1663 adhere to clean concrete correctly?
A: Series 1663 can only adhere to concrete that has been properly sealed.


Q: I noticed that free samples of the 8300 Transparent Cal were available. When I tried to order a sample, it did not ask what color I wanted. Would it be possible to receive an 8x10 sample of #031 Red 8300 Transparent Cal?
A: We do not provide samples of Series 8300 in red. We only provide samples in gentian blue. For a specific color please see your distributor.


Q: Does Oracal offer stencil mask films? If so, are any of them translucent?
A: Yes, Oracal offers 4 different stencil mask films called ORAMASK 810, 810S, 811, and 813. ORAMASK 810 is a conformable stencil film that is useful for spraying and painting on uneven surfaces. It comes in a transparent grey color. ORAMASK 810S has a solvent-based adhesive that is ideal for multi-color or solvent-based paints. It is highly conformable and comes in transparent grey. ORAMASK 811 is a rigid paint mask film for painting or spraying on even surfaces that is available in opaque white. Lastly, ORAMASK 813 is a translucent rigid stencil film for painting or spraying on even surface areas that is available in translucent blue.


Q: I want to know if Oracal films contain acid because I want to use the vinyl for my scrapbooking projects.
A: No, Oracal films do not contain acid. They will work great for your scrapbook projects.


Q: Can I apply ORAJET 3631 using a wet application?
A: Yes, you can apply ORAJET 3631 using a wet application. Please remember to allow proper drying time if you are going to apply a laminate to the 3631. If the media is not allowed to dry thoroughly, water could become trapped in between the media and the laminate.


Q: Can environmental conditions affect vinyl releasing from a liner?
A: All cut, weed, mask and release operations are subject to environmental conditions. High humidity and heat conditions have an effect. Heat can soften the vinyl. In these cases a slightly higher tack tape may help.


Q: How do I download the color palettes for your products to work in signlabs?
A: Go to www.oracal.com and then click on the "Learning/Support" link on the left side of the page. On the top of that page, you will see many different links in blue. Select the link named "Color Palettes." From there, you can choose the software product that you have and download a set of Oracal's color palettes. Or, use this link:

http://www.oracal.com/learning_support/palettes.jsp


Q: I have a Graphtec 5100 cutter and would like to know what settings are being used with ORACAL® films?
A: We've surveyed customers, and these settings seem to be the most common.

For ORACAL® 851 Series...Force: 15, Speed: 40-50, Quality: 4, and Offset: 0.

For ORACAL® 751 Series...Force: 15, Speed: 55, Quality: 4, and Offset: 0.

For ORACAL® 651 Series...Force: 16, Speed: 55, Quality: 4, and Offset: 0.

For ORACAL® 641 Series...Force: 16, Speed: 55, Quality: 4, and Offset: 0.

We use these settings on our Graphtec cutter as well with excellent results.




Q: Can ORACAL® 751 Premium vinyl be applied to flexible substrates such as awnings?
A: Yes. One of the best attributes of our ORACAL® Series 751 is its conformability that makes it perfect to use with flexible substrates such as awnings.


Q: Which kind of ORACAL® films are suitable for making decals for automobiles?
A: Any one of our plotter films would work depending on whether it is a short-term or long-term application. A list of suitable materials and their minimum life expectancy include: 851 - 10 years, 751 - 8 years, 651 - 6 years, and 541 - 5 years.


Q: I have applied your transparent colored vinyl on glass and would like to know how to clean the window after application?
A: Since most aerosol window cleaners are alcohol based, any one of them would be acceptable or simply use water.


Q: I would like to know if there are any suppliers in Canada where I can purchase Oracal products.
A: We have distributors located throughout Canada. You can find distributor contact information at www.oracal.com/locator/locator.jsp.


Q: What application tape do you suggest when using Oracal vinyl?
A: We recommend a high tack application tape for all of our vinyls. The relationship between the release liner and the vinyl is different for every vinyl manufacturer. Oracal's vinyl has a tight liner adhesion. The tight liner adhesion improves the weedability of the vinyl.


However, some customers report that other tack levels from different types of tapes work well for them. If what you're using works for you, continue to use it.


Other tips we suggest include squeegeeing on the reverse side (the back of the liner) and pulling the release liner away with the application tape side down.



Q: What type of laminate should I use for my prints on ORAJET® media?
A: ORAGUARD® laminating films work very well with our ORAJET® digital media. First, be sure to match the materials (PVC laminates with PVC media, polyester laminates with polyester media, etc.), then use the exterior durability and UV prolongation factors to get the print life that you require. For example, 200% increased UV resistance should extend 6 month pigmented inks to 12 months, or 2 year solvent/thermal prints to 4 years. When using solvent inks, we recommended allowing 24 to 48 hours for them to cure before laminating.



Q: Does ORACAL® make floor graphic films?
A: We have ORAJET® Series 1913R for water-based inkjet printers and ORAJET® Series 1663 for solvent inkjet printers. We recommend combining these with Oraguard 250AS (3 month) or 255AS(6 month)laminates for indoor and outdoor floor graphics.



Q: What applications are ORACAL® 3000 Series recommended for?
A: ORACAL® Series 3951 and 3751 are engineered specifically for high performance fleet graphic applications. ORACAL® Series 3850 is engineered for translucent, back-lit applications. ORACAL® Series 3651 permanent and 3691 removable 2.5 mil films are engineered for a wide variety of graphics applications. ORACAL® Series 3165 is a 3.75 mil films are engineered for wide, flat applications where ease of handling is required. ORACAL® Series 3164 performs well when economical production is required. ORACAL® Series 1663 is engineered for removable floor graphics.



Q: Does ORACAL® have print media for my Oce' Arizona® solvent printer?
A: Yes, ORACAL® Series 3000 films are engineered to perform with true solvent printers such as Oce'®, VUTEk®, NUR®, Scitex®, Mutoh®, LAC® and others.



Q: Does ORACAL® have a waterproof vinyl that I can print on with pigmented inks?
A: ORAJET® Series 1916 is a new waterproof, microporous, fast-drying film that is not top-coated. It works exremely well with pigmented inks.


Q: What ORACAL® media can be used with dye and/or pigmented inks?
A: ORAJET® 1900 series is engineered for consistent outstanding performance on most wide format water-based inkjet printers.




Q: Can I print on ORACAL® with a thermal-transfer printer?
A: ORACAL® intermediate Series 651 and high performance Series 751 are engineered to perform extremely well with thermal-transfer printers. The ORAJET® 3000 series is engineered specifically for solvent and thermal-transfer printing. They are treated to remove the electrostatic properties of the film so as to not attract airborne contaminants.




Q: Can I clear-coat ORACAL® vinyl graphics?
A: Clear-coating may provide additional protection for vinyl graphics, but caution should be used because solvents in some varnishes can attack the vinyl and/or adhesive, causing failure.



Q: Why do bubbles form after I apply vinyl to polycarbonates?
A: Polycarbonates tend to outgas as well as absorb moisture which is later released. Polycarbonate should be baked 4-24 hours at 250° in an air-circulating oven before applying pressure sensitive vinyls. In some applications, flaming can be used. In all cases, however, see your manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines.


Q: Can I apply pressure sensitive films over latex painted surfaces?
A: No. Latex paints contain surfactants (soap-like chemicals) that leach onto the surface throughout its life, causing adhesive failure. Latex paints also contain plasticizers which can migrate to the adhesives in many pressure sensitive films, also causing failure.



Q: Are ORACAL® films enamel receptive?
A: Yes. Many enamels, as well as airbrush paints, bond well to ORACAL® films, but we recommend testing your specific brand of paint. KRYLON® works very well. One Shot paints require the use of 1 Shot Vinyl Primer.



Q: What should I use if IPA (isopropyl alcohol)has been used to clean glass and there still seems to be a surface residue preventing vinyl adhesion?
A: Bon Ami glass cleaner should remove any chemical residues left behind by other glass cleaners.



Q: What is the best cleaning solution to use with ORACAL® films?
A: IPA (isopropyl alcohol) is generally recommended unless the substrate manufacturer states that there is an incompatability. Caution: many cleaning agents can leave a residue that either prevents vinyl adhesion or attacks the vinyl adhesive.



Q: Will ORACAL® films work on my plotter?
A: Check the technical specifications for the ORACAL® Series that you are interested in purchasing to see if it is compatible with your brand of plotter. You may also want to run a test cut to ensure that your blade weight is properly adjusted for ORACAL's higher density.



Q: Why do ORACAL® films feel different?
A: Our films are denser than most films on the market, so it may initially feel less supple. The higher density results in better performance in several areas such as opacity, conformity, and decreased field shrinkage.
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