The back side of the tools needs to be elevated. Pushing the squeegee flat across the graphic will result in air bubbles being trapped under the graphic. Keep it about 35-45 degrees off the graphic for most applications. This is about 5 inches off the table on the back side. This does not apply to the Cradle tool. The Cradle tool does not have to be picked up.
Match the length of the Big Squeegee with the vinyl width being applied. Long tools can be a bit awkward on small signs. Do not use a tool that is narrower than the width of the vinyl being applied.
Downward pressure is not necessary. Applying downward pressure may distort the squeegee resulting in air bubbles being trapped and possible distortion of the tool. Direct pressure toward the application point. Downward pressure is not a problem with the Cradle tool.
Keep the main pushing pressure applied to the middle third of the squeegee. Putting pressure toward the ends may result in the graphic gathering toward the center and cause wrinkles in the middle farther down the graphic.
Avoid pulling on the backing as much as possible. Let it peel itself as you push. If a vinyl needs extra help, pull lightly in the direction the squeegee is moving. Pulling upward may lift the squeegee and allow air to get under the vinyl. Check out the video on working with thin backed vinyl.
Silvering is normal. Silvering is caused by the incomplete adhesion to the underlying graphic. The silvering will go away after the graphic has set for awhile. You can speed up the process by applying heat and/or pressure. The Laminator(1 series) and Yard Sign Tool(4 series) have a cotton covering which reduces the silvering.
Roll the graphic up so that it will feed from the bottom of the roll. This requires that, once fitted into place, the graphic be pulled back over the squeegee and then rolled up. Never just roll it up as it sits on the table. The vinyl should be on the outside of the roll. If the vinyl turns under on a regular basis it may be necessary to peel the backing off with a free hand. Pieces that are not awkward to handle in the flat, do not need to be rolled up. Just hinge back and apply.
It is normal to allow the roll to come off the roll holder and roll ahead of the squeegee during application. This does not cause any problems with air bubbles. The roll holder serves as a stiffener and helps to control the roll during preparation.
If the cut vinyl does not release from the liner easily, it will take considerably more time to apply the graphic. Problems with release can result from cutter depth/sharpness or the transfer paper is not strong enough to pull it free of the backing. Try different transfer tapes to see which works the best. The vinyl specifications may suggest which transfer tape to use. Allowing the graphic to set a while will help it release better. Try going over the masked graphic with small hard squeegee to set the adhesive. Turning the graphic over and hard squeegee the graphic works good too.
The roll holder can be used to hold a roll of vinyl or application tape at any time, to keep it from rolling around on a table. It has also been used for holding a roll while changing rolls in a printer or to hold the printed vinyl as it comes off the printer.
The Big Squeegee is warranted against manufactured defects for 60 days. Premature wear of parts that wear out are not covered. The amount of wear on these items is dependent on the type of usage. Masking will wear out the fabric faster than laminating and mounting. The fabric is replaceable. Just pull it off and apply new. No Glue required.
Avoid static. Cut off any excess backing material before it gets to be problem. You can stop and restart a lamination as long as the unapplied vinyl is held tight.
Make sure the hinge has been applied correctly before continuing to lay it down. Make a dry run after rolling it up to make sure it is going where you want it to go.
To avoid stretch, sprinkle corn starch along the edge of the squeegee to reduce friction.
The Cradle tool is designed to work with the round side up when applying vinyl. The felt edge can be used either way. With the round side down, masking can be applied with the roll rest inside the cradle much like the Cut Vinyl tool.
Match the length of the Big Squeegee with the vinyl width being applied. Long tools can be a bit awkward on small signs. Do not use a tool that is narrower than the width of the vinyl being applied.
Downward pressure is not necessary. Applying downward pressure may distort the squeegee resulting in air bubbles being trapped and possible distortion of the tool. Direct pressure toward the application point. Downward pressure is not a problem with the Cradle tool.
Keep the main pushing pressure applied to the middle third of the squeegee. Putting pressure toward the ends may result in the graphic gathering toward the center and cause wrinkles in the middle farther down the graphic.
Avoid pulling on the backing as much as possible. Let it peel itself as you push. If a vinyl needs extra help, pull lightly in the direction the squeegee is moving. Pulling upward may lift the squeegee and allow air to get under the vinyl. Check out the video on working with thin backed vinyl.
Silvering is normal. Silvering is caused by the incomplete adhesion to the underlying graphic. The silvering will go away after the graphic has set for awhile. You can speed up the process by applying heat and/or pressure. The Laminator(1 series) and Yard Sign Tool(4 series) have a cotton covering which reduces the silvering.
Roll the graphic up so that it will feed from the bottom of the roll. This requires that, once fitted into place, the graphic be pulled back over the squeegee and then rolled up. Never just roll it up as it sits on the table. The vinyl should be on the outside of the roll. If the vinyl turns under on a regular basis it may be necessary to peel the backing off with a free hand. Pieces that are not awkward to handle in the flat, do not need to be rolled up. Just hinge back and apply.
It is normal to allow the roll to come off the roll holder and roll ahead of the squeegee during application. This does not cause any problems with air bubbles. The roll holder serves as a stiffener and helps to control the roll during preparation.
If the cut vinyl does not release from the liner easily, it will take considerably more time to apply the graphic. Problems with release can result from cutter depth/sharpness or the transfer paper is not strong enough to pull it free of the backing. Try different transfer tapes to see which works the best. The vinyl specifications may suggest which transfer tape to use. Allowing the graphic to set a while will help it release better. Try going over the masked graphic with small hard squeegee to set the adhesive. Turning the graphic over and hard squeegee the graphic works good too.
The roll holder can be used to hold a roll of vinyl or application tape at any time, to keep it from rolling around on a table. It has also been used for holding a roll while changing rolls in a printer or to hold the printed vinyl as it comes off the printer.
The Big Squeegee is warranted against manufactured defects for 60 days. Premature wear of parts that wear out are not covered. The amount of wear on these items is dependent on the type of usage. Masking will wear out the fabric faster than laminating and mounting. The fabric is replaceable. Just pull it off and apply new. No Glue required.
Avoid static. Cut off any excess backing material before it gets to be problem. You can stop and restart a lamination as long as the unapplied vinyl is held tight.
Make sure the hinge has been applied correctly before continuing to lay it down. Make a dry run after rolling it up to make sure it is going where you want it to go.
To avoid stretch, sprinkle corn starch along the edge of the squeegee to reduce friction.
The Cradle tool is designed to work with the round side up when applying vinyl. The felt edge can be used either way. With the round side down, masking can be applied with the roll rest inside the cradle much like the Cut Vinyl tool.
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I just wanted to shout it to the world that the Big Squeegee is a career saver. After having Carpal Tunnel Surgery on both wrists this year I was thinking that I would have to give up my sign business and concentrate on the Quarter Midget parts business.
Brad
Brad