Frequently Asked Questions

Which tape should I choose for my application?

There are tapes with more or less tack (= adhesion):
– to transfer small sized cuts, use a tape with a high tack.
– to transfer mat vinyl, it is recommended to use a high tack tape.
– to transfer large sized cuts, use a tape with a low tack.
– for “difficult” products (HX5DEPM), fluorescents (F610 range), carbon vinyls (HX30CA000B, S5CANB range), we recommend the use of the tape HEX588.

What is the difference between the paper tapes and the transparent tapes?

Film tapes have the advantage of being transparent and they take the positioning on the cut vinyl easier. However the choice of material is above all a matter of personal preference: some users prefer paper tapes, others transparent tapes.

How long can I leave a tape on a cut vinyl before doing the transfer?

It is recommended to put the tape on the cut vinyl just before the application.
If you need to leave the tape on the cut vinyl for any length of time before the application, it is recommended to use a special tape for “kits”: HEX100 or HEX910 (cf. next line).

I need a tape that I can leave on the cut vinyl for a rather long time without peeling off (e.g. for kits).

There are two tapes specially for kits:
– the HEX100 paper tape.
– the HEX910 clear tape.

I find it difficult to transfer my cut vinyl with my transfer tape. I cannot lift the cut vinyl off the liner. What can I do?

First try and proceed the other way round:
– Put the transfer tape on the cut vinyl.
– Vigorously apply the tape with the help of a squeegee.
– Turn the whole complex over, liner (protective paper) up.
– Carefully remove the liner at an angle of 180°. If necessary, aid the lifting off of the film from the edge with a finger. The cut vinyl should stay on the tape.
If this does not help, try a tape with a higher tack.
For “difficult” products (HX5DEPM, fluorescents (F610 range), carbon vinyl (HX30CA000B, S5CANB range), we recommend the use of the tape Hex588.

How does it work?

To find out about the applications, refer to the Technical Data Sheet and the Technical Bulletin available from our website Internet www.hexis-graphics.com.

What are the conditions for the transfer onto a fabric?

This will depend on the flex and the fabric used. Refer to the Technical Data Sheet and the Technical Bulletin available from our website Internet www.hexis-graphics.com.

What are the conditions for laundering Flex?

Wash inside out at 40°C (104°F) maximum.
They can’t be tumble dried. Iron inside out.

Can the Flex be used outdoors (on awnings)?

The product is not intended for such applications (in particular as far as resistance to outdoor conditions is concerned).

Can I superpose two flex PLOTTER VINYLS?

Yes

On which fabrics can I apply Flex?

The fabric must be resistant to the operation conditions of the press. In case of any doubt, carry out a preliminary test to check the compatibility of the fabric. It is also possible to put a sheet of baking paper between the Flex and the hot plate of the press. This will allow protecting the fabric against the heat to some extent.

Can I print on plotter vinyl?

These products are not intended for printing. Even if they are able to accept a print, Hexis does guarantee neither the results nor the reproducibility.

Which product should I use for installation on concrete surfaces, building walls, structured surfaces…?

Use VCSR100WG1.
Caution: the installation method is peculiar.
Refer to the Technical Bulletin available on our website www.hexis-graphics.com.

How to choose a vinyl for screenprinting?

The vinyls for solvent / eco-solvent inkjet printed can be screenprinted. In the case of sites without humidity control or with strong variations in humidity levels, it is recommended to prefer films on a PE liner.

Which product should I use on low energy plastics (polyethylene, polypropylene)?

Use a product with a reinforced adhesive, such as:
– Digital printing media: VCR100WG1, VCR200WG1, VCR3000WG1.
– Plotter vinyl: VCRE3000.

Etched Glass Vinyl, What is the difference between the S5DEPM and the V203EG?

The PVC films are identical (same durability).
The S5DEPM is intended for cutting plotter application. The V203EG is intended for solvent inkjet printing; in production it is controlled in view of such an application.

Microperforated, How to choose a microperforated film?

Depending on the application, Hexis offers a range of microperforated films:
– MICRO2: Long-term applications (durability of 3 years (printed, laminated)). Print with solvent, eco-solvent, HP-latex inkjet
– MICRO4: Short-term applications. Removal with no significant adhesive residues (depending on the substrate, within 3 months after application). Print with solvent, eco-solvent, HP-latex inkjet.
– Micro140UV: Specially designed for printing with UV curing inks.
– MicroM0: If you need an M0 fire rating (outdoor application): Use the MicroM0.

Can it be installed on the emergency exits of public transport vehicles?

No, the law does not allow the installation of films on emergency exits.

Which laminate should I use on a microperforated film?

PC50MICP2 for curved windows (rear windows of vehicles).
PG836 for flat windows (buildings).

Can I print a microperforated film with UV curing inks?

Because of its specific liner, the Micro140UV is specially designed for printing with UV curing inks.
The other references of the Microperforated film are not compatible with this technology, as the UV inks may clog up the holes in the film.

Do I have to laminate a solvent, eco-solvent waterbased inkjet print?

This is strongly recommended. Laminating a print increases its durability. The lamínate protects the print against abrasion and/or UV rays.

What do I use to laminate a graphic printed with UV curing inks?

Use:
– the VCR750,
– or the AGCR700 if, in addition, you want to add anti-graffiti protection to the print.

Can I use the floor laminate (GSOL170) for outdoor applications?

No, this product is intended for indoor use only.

How do I clean an antigraffiti film (AG700, AG800)?

Use HEX’AG.

How to remove an old vinyl film?

Use a heat gun. Start peeling the film in a corner / on the edge of the film. Pull the film, while heating with the heat gun. Progressively proceed with the peeling of the film, pulling gently while heating at the same time.
If the film is too brittle, using the DECAPTOUT liquid will help (Careful: beforehand always check the compatibility liquid – substrate).
Leave the liquid to soak for a couple of moments. The liquid will soften up the film so that it becomes easy to scrape it with a squeegee.
If any adhesive residues remain on the substrate, you can remove them with the DECOLL’VIT liquid. In the particular case of a vehicle body you may use the product 1- REMOVER from the1-2-3 liquid cleaning system.

The durability of removable films indicated in the Data Sheets is very short (several months). What happens after that period?

The given durability indicates the ease of removal at the end of the durability of the film without leaving any significant adhesive residues on the substrate. Beyond this durability, it will be harder to remove the vinyl without leaving a large amount of adhesive on the substrate. The behaviour of the product will be more like that of a permanent adhesive.

How to remove an old sealing varnish?

Use acetone.

What do I use to remove an old vinyl?

Use DECAPTOUT or DECOLL’VIT.
Be careful with the substrate: always carry out a preliminary test before the use of a liquid to ensure it does not damage the substrate.

How do I remove traces of adhesive left after the removal of an old vinyl?

Use DECOLL’VIT.
In the case of a vehicle body, you may use the product 1-REMOVER of the liquid cleaning system 1-2-3.
Be careful with the substrate: always carry out a preliminary test before the use of a liquid to ensure it does not damage the substrate.

How to choose a solar film for buildings?

You can choose a solar film for buildings along the following criteria:
– The tint of the required film,
– whether you prefer installing the film on the inside or the outside of the window,
– the type of glass (simple, double glazing, tinted or not),
– the durability.

Does Hexis have F / M rated products (materials with fire / smoke rating)?

A certain number of products are certified with an F and/or M rating. A copy of the certificate is provided on request.

Special substrates, Can I apply a product on polycarbonate (e.g. Makrolon®), or on PMMA (e.g. Plexiglas®)?

These products outgas over a lapse of time. If this happens, bubbles may appear under the film. It is recommended to degas before the installation of a film. To do this, heat the substrate for a couple of seconds with the life flame of a blowtorch (blue tip of the flame). Be careful not to deteriorate the substrate (do not keep the flame for longer than one second on the same spot).

Liquids, What does the expression “180° peel” on the Technical Data Sheets mean (under adhesive properties)?

The measurements of the adhesive forces of our products are carried out on glass plates.
To do this test, the film is partially applied on the plate.
We then measure the force that is necessary to peel the film from the plate by pulling at 180° at the loose end of the strip.

What does the term “initial tack” indicated on the Technical Data Sheets mean (under adhesive properties)?

The tack is the value for the immediate adhesion of a film on a substrate, without having applied it. We measure the adhesion force on glass, without having applied any pressure on the film.