With varying substrates, adhesive, peelability, and printing system are all important factors. This guide shows what you should consider when choosing the material.
What adhesive properties are important for campaign films?
In campaign films, adhesion strength, removability, and repositionability are key criteria. The adhesive must ensure that the medium remains secure during the campaign and be able to be removed as quickly as possible without damaging the substrate. How well this is achieved depends on the specific medium, adhesive, substrate, duration of use, and application conditions. Therefore, a general statement is not possible.
Basically, there are different types of adhesives:
- Removable: Designed for removal at a later date, making it suitable for time-limited applications and changing motifs. The actual adhesive strength and duration of use vary depending on the product.
- Permanent: Designed for permanent adhesion, intended for long-term use. For short campaigns, removal is often more complex.
- Repositionable: can be reoriented during assembly, which can be helpful for large areas.
Also pay attention to the quality of the substrate. Smooth surfaces such as glass, painted metal or plastic behave differently than rough plaster, wood or wallpaper. Also, paint systems, surface treatments and contaminations all affect adhesion. For wall applications, self-adhesive wallpaper is also suitable depending on the substrate and requirements.
What should be considered when removing films?
It cannot be guaranteed in advance whether a self-adhesive medium can be removed without leaving residue. The result depends on the medium, the adhesive, the substrate, the duration of use, and the environmental conditions. In general, the longer a medium remains bonded, the stronger the adhesion can change.
In practice, this approach has proven effective:
- Before gluing, check the manufacturer's specifications for the medium, particularly for the adhesive, substrates, and recommended usage duration.
- Test the medium in an inconspicuous area of the real substrate, both in terms of adhesion and the subsequent removal.
- Remove the medium within the period specified by the manufacturer and in accordance with the processing instructions for the respective product.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations when removing adhesive residues and only use cleaners that are compatible with the substrate.
Especially with fresh or sensitive paint, wallpaper or porous surfaces, a removable medium can also leave traces. Therefore, always conduct a test on sensitive substrates.
What determines the choice of the self-adhesive medium?
Choosing a self-adhesive digital printing medium cannot be determined solely by the duration of the campaign or by fixed film classes. What is crucial is the interplay of several factors. The following points should be considered together.
Duration of use and frequency of replacement
How long should the motif remain attached and how often should it be replaced? In short intervals and frequent replacements, the simple and as gentle as possible removal is usually the priority. Longer durations place higher demands on durability and adhesive properties.
Underground and location of use
Smooth, rough, curved, painted or tiled: The substrate influences which adhesive and which carrier material are suitable. Equally important is whether the application takes place indoors or outdoors, as weather, temperature and humidity affect the behavior of the medium.
Removableness and adhesive
Depending on the desired level of removability, different adhesive systems are suitable. Which system is suitable depends on the substrate and the intended duration of use.
Mechanical stress
Is the surface frequently touched, cleaned or deformed? Then other properties are required than for a flat, protected surface. This also applies to edges, curves and areas with high loads.
Printing system
The medium must match the printing system and the ink used. The next section focuses on what you should pay attention to in this process.
Self-adhesive digital printing media differ in material, construction, and properties. Classic PVC films are only one part of the available options. Which medium is best suited for your application can best be determined based on the specific requirements and the product data sheets.
What is important in terms of print quality and ink compatibility?
Print quality and ink compatibility depend on the surface or coating of the medium. It must match the printing system and the ink used. Which printing and ink systems are approved for a medium varies depending on the product and can be found in the technical specifications for the respective medium. Only when the combination is suitable does the ink adhere cleanly, dry evenly, and deliver the desired print result.
Please check these points before making a purchase:
- Freely available printing and ink systems: Is the medium suitable for your printing system, ink, and printer manufacturer?
- ICC profiles: Matching profiles allow colors to be reproduced in a reproducible manner, especially when changing motifs within a campaign series.
- Drying and degassing: Depending on the tinting system and medium, drying or degassing times before laminating and gluing must be observed. Please refer to the manufacturer's specifications.
- Surface: Matt, glossy or textured, influences color perception and readability under varying lighting conditions.
Whether a laminate is suitable depends on the location of use, the level of stress, and the expected lifespan.
When does PVC-free play a role in campaign media?
PVC-free is a material property and can be a project requirement, for example when a client, a tender or an object specification provides for PVC-free materials. From this property alone, no statements can be made about quality or other advantages.
What matters is what the application requires. PVC-free media can differ in processing behavior, for example in terms of stretchability, rebound behavior, and adhesive selection. Therefore, please clarify beforehand whether the substrate, application site, and processing meet the material requirements and what specifications the client requires.
How can the right medium for your project be found?
You can find the appropriate medium by systematically clarifying the requirements of your project: which substrate should be coated, how long will the campaign run, will the application take place indoors or outdoors, how removable should the medium be, what printing system do you use and what mechanical stresses can be expected?
It is best to proceed gradually:
- Define the substrate and the intended use (interior, exterior, smooth, rough, curved).
- Determine the duration of use, the frequency of changing the motifs, and the desired removability.
- Compare the media with your printer and ink system based on the manufacturer's specifications.
- Create a pattern and test its adhesion and removability on the real substrate.
In special cases, such as unusual surfaces or special requirements, it is worth consulting the manufacturer.
How does com2C help you choose the right self-adhesive medium?
As a manufacturer of digital printing media, we assist advertising technicians in selecting the material, from the initial request to the finished print. We develop and produce our own materials; we have our own lab for inkjet coatings and know the challenges of everyday production. We offer various self-adhesive digital printing media and material types so that the selection can be tailored to the specific application.
- Practical advice from the field: We will discuss the substrate, duration of use, removability, and pressure system with you before you place your order.
- Media for different printing and tinting systems: Depending on the application, we offer various digital printing media for different printing and ink systems. Which systems are compatible with a particular medium depends on the product in question, and we can advise you on the selection.
- PVC-free materials: With the GoGreener line, we offer PVC-free alternatives for projects that require this material property.
- Individual developments: If your project has special requirements, we develop solutions together with you.
- Personal after-sales service: We are also available to assist you with any questions regarding processing after delivery.
Our team will show you which medium is best suited for your project. Product finder for self-adhesive films After application and pressure system. For questions about substrates or special applications, the team of com2C Available. If you would prefer to speak with us directly, arrange an appointment. Consultation. We look forward to working with you to make your campaign a success.
