Sign Update

I attempted my 2nd wet application recently without much luck. I used Action Tac Application Fluid to put on Oracal 751 Vinyl.
I applied the fluid, the decal, and then squeegeed the decal. They vinyl wouldn't stick to the van, even after having left it sitting for 30 minutes.
The temp was about 10 degrees. Too cold? Not the best application fluid?


I normally use dry application, but this was getting onto a larger than usual size so opted for wet.

Any input would be appreciated.

10 Celcius is about the coldest you can do this in.
The basic principle of vinyl application is that the adhesive has to flow into the microscopic pores in the surface of the substrate in order to stick. When the weather is cold, adhesion is reduced because the adhesive is less fluid. When you compound matters by putting a layer of liquid between the adhesive and the substrate, you have to work that much harder to get the adhesive in the pores.

I don't do very many wet apps at all, but some advice for cold wet apps would be to add a small amount (a few drops per gallon) of denatured alcohol to your splash. The "hot" factor of the alcohol will soften the adhesive somewhat for you, making it a bit more pliable and easier to work into the pores of the substrate. Then squeegie the fluid out from under the decal until you think your hand is going to fall off. Work the adhesive down to the substrate and force the app fluid out.

Or just do it dry.

Oh and then the obvious stuff:
Is the surface clean - free of wax and oil (vehicles often have protection added in the form of wax when cleaned).
etc...

Possibly too cold.
I use water in normal conditions, and add a drop or two of washing up liquid if very hot and a little meths if it is cold but if too cold I do it dry.

You could have used a hairdryer to warm the surface a little, but I would have done it dry.

Discover the joys of center hinging, and you will have one less reason to do it wet.

The only time I do a wet app on a vehicle now, is if it is multi layered vinyl. Even then the first layer goes down dry. Other layers go down wet so that I can align it easier.

I normally do it dry - time is money

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Make sure you don't over soak the decal. If I do a wet install I only mist the vinyl with a quality spray bottle with a good atomiser, and I always mist the transfer tape after I squeegee the graphic, and resqueegee. Helps release the transfer tape even if the vinyl hasn't setup.

Too cold.

If you are going to do it wet, make sure it is only misted and not soaked, as above.

Thanks for tips on using denatured alcohol and doing it dry.