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PRINT AND CUT REFERENCE GUIDE
15 March 2024
One main difference between applying solvent inkjet printed vinyl and unprinted computer-cut vinyl is that once the media has been printed, it will retain some of the solvents from the ink. These excess solvents will soften the media and weaken the adhesive. Therefore, allowing the print to sit for 24 to 48 hours (longer for heavier ink loads) is essential before laminating or cutting. While this may not be practical in some instances, it is particularly crucial when processing heavily inked prints.
Now, imagine the consequences if those excess solvents don’t properly evaporate – edges curling, colours bleeding, and vinyl as stretchy as a rubber band. To navigate these challenges:
First off, embrace the waiting game – give those solvents a chance to dissipate for at least 24 to 48 hours (and yes, heavier prints demand even more time). Don’t forget your registration marks for realigning the graphic in the cutter – it’s a game-changer.
Consider beefing up your vinyl game with Grafityp’s LM112P and L12P. With a top coating designed to shield the glue from ink, there’s no need for that extra bleed area between your graphics and cut lines, these films also have the added benefit of fast drying.
When cutting your artwork, a little breathing room goes a long way – leave a 4mm border between the print and the cut path to prevent those pesky curls.
Oh, and speaking of application – keep it clean, folks! A pristine surface and a temperature above 10°C are the unsung heroes of successful print and cut graphics.
Digitally printed calendared film should be applied unstressed on flat and slightly curved surfaces.
Now, imagine the consequences if those excess solvents don’t properly evaporate – edges curling, colours bleeding, and vinyl as stretchy as a rubber band. To navigate these challenges:
To minimise these problems:
First off, embrace the waiting game – give those solvents a chance to dissipate for at least 24 to 48 hours (and yes, heavier prints demand even more time). Don’t forget your registration marks for realigning the graphic in the cutter – it’s a game-changer.
Consider beefing up your vinyl game with Grafityp’s LM112P and L12P. With a top coating designed to shield the glue from ink, there’s no need for that extra bleed area between your graphics and cut lines, these films also have the added benefit of fast drying.
When cutting your artwork, a little breathing room goes a long way – leave a 4mm border between the print and the cut path to prevent those pesky curls.
Oh, and speaking of application – keep it clean, folks! A pristine surface and a temperature above 10°C are the unsung heroes of successful print and cut graphics.
Digitally printed calendared film should be applied unstressed on flat and slightly curved surfaces.