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Advancements in Vinyl Graphics
Technology
Many of the apparent
advancements made with vinyl technology have been with the adhesives
used to apply the vinyl to vehicles.
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Vinyl graphics are a popular way of
modifying any vehicle, without the high cost of custom paint jobs. They
are popular among racers, truckers, and non-commercial drivers and can
be manufactured in several different shapes, sizes, and colors. Until
recently, vinyl graphics were relatively difficult to install, remove,
or modify without professional assistance. An adhesive had to be applied
to the graphic, then the graphic carefully positioned and place without
creating air bubbles. If for some reason, the graphic wasn't placed
correctly on the vehicle, then it had to be removed and this process was
as difficult as the application.
Many of the apparent advancements made with vinyl technology have been
with the adhesives used to apply the vinyl to vehicles. The older
adhesives that were often used were chemical solvents that could be
harmful to the health and safety of the user. They required the use of
specialized professional equipment to both apply and remove the vinyl.
Several forms of vinyl also utilized extreme heat to breakdown the
adhesives enabling them to be applied or removed. This required the use
of torches or heat guns and if not used properly could damage the paint
on the vehicles.
Companies like 3M that specialize in vinyl materials, since then, have
developed tools, which assist consumers in applying vinyl decals to
their own vehicles. 3m has also developed several types of easy-to apply
and remove vinyl, which do not require professional installation.
New forms of vinyl graphics are lightly affixed and can be repositioned
on the surface of the vehicle, without harming the vinyl or the
vehicle's finish. This is accomplished by using pressure-sensitive
adhesive that will not activate until the graphic vinyl is firmly
applied under pressure. Other forms of vinyl graphics are mesh, which
permits air to escape as the graphic is being applied, reducing the
possibilities of air bubbles. Some forms of mess graphics can even be
applied over the windows,
covering the vehicle completely without inhibiting the driver's vision.
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