By Jim Hingst
Yesterday I received an email with a couple of pictures of
applied vinyl graphics with what looked like bubbles underneath the film. See the photo below. The message that
accompanied the pictures read: “Could you please take a look at the enclosed
pictures and help us with your assessment.”
applied vinyl graphics with what looked like bubbles underneath the film. See the photo below. The message that
accompanied the pictures read: “Could you please take a look at the enclosed
pictures and help us with your assessment.”
In troubleshooting problems long distance, pictures are
invaluable. And although I realize that a picture is worth a thousand words, I still
need a little more information in order to determine the cause of the problem. As
self-help guru Anthony Robbins says “if you want better answers, ask better
questions”. In troubleshooting a graphics problem, some of the general questions
that I would ask are listed below. The types of questions that you should ask,
of course, will depend on the nature of the problem.
invaluable. And although I realize that a picture is worth a thousand words, I still
need a little more information in order to determine the cause of the problem. As
self-help guru Anthony Robbins says “if you want better answers, ask better
questions”. In troubleshooting a graphics problem, some of the general questions
that I would ask are listed below. The types of questions that you should ask,
of course, will depend on the nature of the problem.
-
What is the substrate? If you don’t have a picture, was the
surface smooth, riveted, corrugated or textured? What was the condition of the
substrate? Was there any damage to the surface? If it was an old surface,
indicate whether the paint was chalked, pitted, peeling, etc. What was the
substrate's paint history? When was it
painted? Who is the paint manufacturer, and what the product series was used?
-
How was the surface cleaned prior to the application?
-
What was the surface temperature of the substrate at the
time of application?
-
What was the lot number of vinyl used?
-
If the graphic was printed, what inks, clear coats or
overlaminates were used?
-
How were the graphics installed? What was the installer's level of experience?
What tools did the installers use? Were the graphics installed wet or dry? If
it was a wet application, what type of application fluid was used? Were the
graphics edge-sealed? What type of edge sealer was used?
-
Provide information about cleaning and environmental
conditions. Following the installation, what was the method used in cleaning
the graphics? How frequently were the
graphics cleaned? What types of chemicals were used? Were the graphics cleaned
using a high-pressure sprayer? Were the graphics subjected to chemical
spillage? If they were, find out what kind of chemicals.
About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.
Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer. Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.
Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for publications, such as Signs Canada, SignCraft, Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 325 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published.
© 2015 Jim Hingst
