Application of self adhesive vinyl poses some difficulties in South Africa when there is a hot climate. By learning the influence of heat on your materials and selecting the appropriate material as a self adhesive vinyl sheet, you can be certain that your graphics will retain its looks and sticking ability even when subjected to hot sunshine and extreme temperature.
Heat and Self Adhesive vinyl
Extreme temperatures affect self adhesive vinyl in a number of ways. UV degradation is spurred by direct sunlight which makes colours to fade and vinyl brittle with time. Heat also influences the adhesive layer- too much heat may make adhesive soft so that it may lift at the edges or cause a bubble. It is important to remember that in provinces such as Gauteng, in South Africa where the average temperature goes well above 35degC, it is necessary to select heat-resistant self adhesive vinyl sheets when it comes to having long-term effects.
Choosing Heat-Resistant Self adhesive Vinyl Sheets.
All self adhesive vinyl does not adaptable work in hot climates. Seek the materials that are about outdoor application and are rated to be high temperature resistant. Quality Self adhesive Vinyl sheets with adhesive formulations altered so that they retain adhesion at temperatures of 60-70degC at surface temperature- rather than on the surface, frequently used on vehicles and dark coloured surfaces on direct sunlight.
UV stabilizers are also introduced throughout the whole film of premium self adhesive vinyl rather than simply on the surface. This gives it better fade protection and stops the material to be brittle when continually exposed to the sun. In case of South African conditions select self adhesive vinyl sheets with a operating range of five to ten years outside withstanding conditions to ensure that graphics reman in our extreme climate conditions.
Extensive Lifespan protective measures.
The finest self adhesive vinyl will use protective overlaminates even in hot weather. Printed graphics have their protective film clear and are resistant to UV radiations, physical abrasiveness, and contaminants in the surroundings. Self adhesive vinyl sheets which are laminated normally have a life of twice that of unprotected substances under extreme environments.
Take into account the colour of the surface of application during installations. Dark surfaces trap more heat resulting in higher temperatures which strain both vinyl and adhesive. Vinyl glued onto black or dark-coloured panels is also under worse conditions as compared to the same material on white or light-coloured surfaces.
Techniques of application in case of hot weather.
The method of application is even greater in hot climates. Install self adhesive vinyl with temperatures in the range of 15-25degC of surface-that is usually at the beginning of the morning or in the evening in South African summers. Installing should be avoided at the peak times as these are the times that the surfaces are hot enough to be not easily handled.
Wipe surfaces and clean properly before sticking self adhesive sheets of vinyl. Any contamination concerns are augmented by heat, thus make sure that the surfaces are free of dust, oils, and residues. Allow adhesives to dry before exposing graphics to harsh conditions- at least 24 hours must elapse between application and exposing of graphics.
Maintenance in Hot Climates
Frequent servicing prolongs the durability of self adhesive vinyl in straining conditions. Wash off using simple soap and water without any harsh chemicals which degrade it faster. Periodically check installations with regards to edge lifting, particularly post extreme heat, and resolve problems as they occur to limit additional harm.
Park cars will have the adhesive vinyl graphics in color where possible to minimize the cumulative heat exposure. In permanent installations, think about shaded spots during sunshine hours, or paint graphics facing away, so that the afternoon sun does not shine directly on them.
Where to Buy in South Africa
Allrich SA is the distributor of high quality self adhesive vinyl in South Africa Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban.