Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1491554
G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M M A R C H 2 0 2 3 • G R A P H I C S P R O 4 9 W I D E - F O R M A T P R I N T I N G H O W - T O / T U T O R I A L G raphic installers who are in the business of apply- ing window graphics have two key objectives in mind for every job they do: 1) minimize the time and effort it takes to get the job done, and 2) leave an image behind that looks amazing for their client. Material manufacturers work hard to help installers meet these objectives by supporting print service providers (PSPs) with innovative products that are easy to install and designed to produce visually stunning, eye-catching graphics. Some products utilize dry application meth- ods and others require a wet application. e recom- mended installation method is typically dictated by the media used. Dry application Print media that features an air egress liner or a spe- cialty dot patterned adhesive, should only be applied using dry application methods. Embossed patterns in these products' adhesives allow for easy removal of any trapped air bubbles by pushing the air out through the channels formed in the adhesive. It's an easy applica- tion process as it typically doesn't require any special- ized application tools — and since no liquid is used, no liquid clean-up is needed, making the process fast. However, applying air channel products using wet application methods is not recommended. e same channels that allow air to easily escape from the graphic would also trap application fluid and create issues with graphic appearance as well as potential adhesive failure. Wet application Some window media calls for wet application. When using intricate patterns of cut vinyl or optically clear films, installers should opt for a wet application pro- cess. is method will allow the installer to float the graphic onto the surface. Liquid and trapped air can be removed by using a hard squeegee. An added ben- efit to using wet application methods is that 100% of the adhesive contacts the glass surface. is increases the durability and useful life of the finished graphic. GP Installing Window Media: Wet or Dry? C O U R T E S Y O F M A C T A C