3M™ offers low-tack adhesive tapes to premask and ease the application of large format graphics to substrates, as well as high tack tapes to prespace graphic markings and ease the application of small text.
What are APPLICATION TAPES?
► Translucent materials with adhesive on one side used as an aid in applying or transferring graphics.
What are typical uses for APPLICATION TAPE?
► Adds stiffness and stability to make application easier.
► Aid in the registration of cut graphic parts.
► Protect the film from stretching during application.
► Protect the graphic image from scratching during application.
► Protect the graphic during transport or long-term storage.
What’s the difference between one 3M™ PREMASKING TAPE and another, or one 3M™ PRESPACING TAPE and another?
► Each tape has a different level of adhesion. This ensures that the tape you use has a lower adhesion to the film than the film does to the substrate.
Which type of tape should be used?
► This depends on the type of graphic produced and the last component (ink, overlaminate or clear coat) that was applied to the graphic construction.
When to use PRESPACING TAPES:
► Hold cut and weeded letters or graphics in registration after removing the film liner.
► Use when large amounts of liner are exposed.
► Protect cut graphic parts from scratching or damage during application.
When to use PREMASKING TAPES:
► Application aid to increase stiffness, and prevent stretching and damage during application.
► Use when little or no liner is exposed.
► Protect the graphic when used in combination with spray painted clears.
► Eases application of pre-printed or large graphics to substrates. Low tack adhesive.
