Do Wall Graphics Work on Low-VOC Painted Walls? Why You Need an Adhesion Test
Have you seen cut vinyl peeling on walls? Have you wondered what is going on with the vinyl products currently in use? In fact, there is nothing wrong with the high-quality vinyl products that most sign shops use. Rather, the problem arises when installers attempt to mount wall graphics on low-VOC painted walls.
What are VOCs?
VOCs stands for volatile organic compounds. Lower concentrations are now ubiquitous in newer paint formulations, which builders and other contractors use on the interior of homes, offices, stores, and anywhere else that there is a wall to paint. You have probably noticed that paint no longer pollutes a room with fumes the way it used to. In this way, low VOCs minimize toxins and contribute to environmentally friendly work and living spaces.
New Paint Formulations Affect the Vinyl Graphics Installations
Paint formulas are propriety. Therefore, it is unclear what is currently standing in the way of proper vinyl adhesion. However, graphic installers have noticed that walls painted with Low-VOCs offer limited or spotty adhesion.
While some products adhere well, others peel right off within a day. Insiders suggest that silicone in the paint could be an adhesive repellent. Does this mean that you can no longer benefit from the great looks of wall murals, lettering, or other graphics? No, of course not!
Caliber Signs and Imaging is a Thought Leader in Tackling the Low-Adhesion Problem
Our installers are at the forefront of serving commercial and residential customers with customized vinyl graphics and lettering products. Because we understand that the vinyl has not changed, we shifted our focus on the wall cleaning methods we use for negating the problems associated with lowered VOCs.
We no longer assume a wall surface will be a great canvas for placing graphics. On the contrary! We have now devised a multi-step protocol that enables our technicians to install your products and have them last.
- Film adhesion and wall prep test. Before you approve the project, our technician will visit your location to conduct a film adhesion test. Doing so enables us to determine the best preparation of the surface. Moreover, it allows us to select the ideal vinyl for the project.
- Coverage counseling. If you have not yet invested in a paint job, our specialist will offer you suggestions on the best type of paint to use on walls that you want to see covered with vinyl products later on. Examples include Sherwin Williams’ “Cashmere Interior Acrylic Latex” or “Pre-Catalyzed Water Based Epoxy.”
- Timing. Did you know that wall paint has a three-week curing time? It feels dry to the touch, but it is not yet completely ready for covering. Therefore, we time our vinyl installations to allow for three weeks of curing from the day of the initial painting.
- Vinyl selection. Besides choosing products from 3M and Oracal, we provide our clients with an extensive range of resources. This means that we choose the vinyl-based on your venue’s unique needs. One type does not fit all.
By combining testing, surface preparation, and product knowledge, our installers can mount wall graphics on low-VOC painted walls. We serve all of Orange County including Irvine, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Costa Mesa, Orange, Anaheim, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, and Newport Beach, California. Call us today to learn more about this service!