Variables:

  • Laminator Main Roll Nip Pressure
  • Acrylic
  • Backing Substrate
  • Cleanliness of environment/ substrates
  • Print Media

Problem-  Facemount has silvering across the print and won’t wet out

  • Possible solution:
    • Raise the top roll temperature (115-130) to wet out the adhesive
    • Raise main roll nip pressure
    • Use “graphics” grade acrylic not industrial grade
    • Use Viewbond XXL - heavier coat weight adhesive will reduce silvering
    • Change print media to a gloss product

Problem- Facemount adhesive shows bubbles after a few hours

  • Possible solution:
    • Not enough main roll nip pressure- raise it
    • Use “graphics” grade acrylic not industrial grade
    • Use Viewbond XXL – heavier coat weight will reduce silvering
    • Change print media to a gloss product

Problem- Facemount adhesive separating from acrylic in light box

  • Possible solution:
    • Was acrylic properly cleaned?
    • Was facemount and adhesive in finishing area for at least 12 hours before using?
    • Too much main roll nip pressure causing acrylic to bow in the middle and get edge lift
    • Is lower grade acrylic outgassing over time ?
    • Is light box too hot?  Is it vented?
    • Is graphic too close to lights in box?
    • Is graphic properly braced in the back to prevent flexing?

Problem- facemount adhesive and graphic has water seepage at edges

  • Possible solution:
    • To avoid this, always seal edges on outdoor graphic with waterprood tape (3m 8914 clear edge sealer.)
    • Or use strips of laminate to seal edges.

Problem- facemount graphic has bubbles along one edge

  • Possible solution:
    • Shims not set the same on both sides
    • Main roller nip setting not correct- have tech reset nip.
    • Pull off graphic and turn acrylic sideways- see if that side still has bubbles which would indicate the acrylic is not flat.

Problem- image is separating from acrylic after a few days

  • Possible solution:
    • graphic was dropped and bent causing adhesive to pull away from acrylic
    • graphic was not properly braced  and flexing is causing adhesive to pull away from acrylic

Problem- backing substrate is pulling away from acrylic/ print

Possible cause: not using a suitable , high tack adhesive like Gallery Bond

  • Solution: using a low energy surface substate for the backer- consult with your substrate supplier to verify this is the proper product for facemount applications.