FAQs

Before starting, refer to the Owner's Manual for the specific printer, as well as recommendations from the ink manufacturer, for any instructions pertaining to the proper preparation of panels prior to print. Remove the masking from the panel. To prep aluminum-face panels, use a new lint-free wipe and spray 99% isopropyl alcohol on the wipe. Clean the panel in one direction (not in a circular motion), making sure to remove all visible oils, residue, and dirt.

Laminators’ aluminum-surfaced panel products surfaces are comprised of a high-gloss, factory-baked, polyester paint finish. Please use paints recommended for painting on this type of surface. Refer to the "Sign Panel Tips and Tricks" section of our Resource Guide (“Your Guide to Producing Quality Signs") for painting recommendations. Our panel surfaces are ideal for digital inks (both UV and solvent cured), screen print inks, automotive acrylic enamels, polyurethanes, and lacquers (some may require light scuffing with fine grit sandpaper prior to painting). Follow paint manufacturer’s recommendations for proper application, thinning, and cure times. The panel surface must remain dry, clean, and grease-free prior to painting. Please consult with your local distributor to find the best inks and paints to use with our aluminum-surfaced panels.

We recommend prior to painting, performing a small paint adhesion test to check for adhesion. A cross-hatch test is a method for testing paint adhesion. Below is an explanation on how to perform the test.

Laminators’ vinyl-surfaced panel products surfaces are also high gloss. Please use paints recommended for painting on this type of surface. Refer to the "Sign Panel Tips and Tricks" section of our Resource Guide (“Your Guide to Producing Quality Signs") for general painting recommendations, but consult with your local distributor to find the best inks and paints to use with our vinyl-surfaced panels. Our surfaces are ideal for automotive acrylic enamels, polyurethanes, lacquers, Krylon spray paints, and vinyl inks without any board preparation. The surface must remain dry, clean, and grease-free prior to painting. Follow paint manufacturer’s recommendations for proper application, thinning, and cure times.

We recommend performing a small paint adhesion test prior to painting. A cross-hatch test is a method for testing paint adhesion. Below is an explanation on how to perform the test.

Laminators’ Omega-EP should be painted with paints known to have compatibility with rigid PVC. Please consult with your local distributor to find the best inks and paints to use with Omega-EP. UV solvent-based and acrylic inks and paints are compatible with Omega-EP. The surface must remain dry, clean, and grease-free prior to painting. Follow paint manufacturer’s recommendations for proper application, thinning, and cure times.

We recommend prior to painting, performing a small paint adhesion test to check for adhesion. A cross-hatch test is a method for testing paint adhesion. Below is an explanation on how to perform the test.

All you need is a good grade of masking tape and a sharp utility (or Exacto) knife. You begin by making eleven parallel cuts 1/4” apart vertically and horizontally, about 1" long with the utility knife over the cured paint. The end result should look similar to a “Tic-Tac-Toe” game pattern. Apply the masking tape over the scored area and press firmly. Immediately remove the tape by pulling it back upon itself at 180° in one rapid motion. Then inspect the cross hatch to see if any of the finish has pulled away with the tape from the cut area or if it is intact. There should be no removal of the paint squares.

Please refer to the "Edge Capping" section of our Resource Guide (“Your Guide to Producing Quality Signs”) for recommended edge seal instructions. While there are many other “industry-accepted” edge sealing methods that may provide adequate results, we cannot recommend each alternate edge-sealing method used in the industry.

Please refer to the "Sign Panel Tips and Techniques" section of our Resource Guide (“Your Guide to Producing Quality Signs”) for recommended cutting instructions and techniques.

Wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Alcohol is recommended for this process to remove any body oils (contamination is usually caused by body oils). Wipe again with a clean cloth or tack cloth and your surface to ready.

Please refer to the "Sign Panel Applications" and "Sign Panel Installation" sections of our Resource Guide (“Your Guide to Producing Quality Signs”) for recommended panel applications and installation techniques. The recommendations within the Resource Guide are general industry accepted techniques. Please consult the local township where your sign will be installed for proper codes and ordinances required to properly install the sign.