Support

Can I apply wax or polish to ORACAL^® 970RA?

24 hours after installation is complete, apply a coat of ORACAL^® Long-Lasting Seal. ORACAL^® Long-Lasting Seal provides long-term protection for your car wrapping film, and should be applied once every 3-6 months for the life of the wrap.

• Gloss: This formula has been developed specifically for glossy car wrapping films and will provide an extremely smooth surface with a unique deep gloss. Contains PTFE.
• Matte/Satin: This formula has been developed specifically for matte car wrapping films and is water-free with a very high carnauba wax content.

Achieve the highest possible degree of protection with ORACAL^® cleaning and care agents. Click here for recommended Post Car & Maintenance Guidelines for vehicle wraps.

I live in Southern California and have experienced occassions where vehicles I’ve wrapped form a rust-like appearance on the face of the graphic. What causes this condition?

While we can’t say for sure without proper samples and photographs of the actual vehicle, you’re probably seeing the result of “acid rain” or “fallout”, which we believe is caused by industrial pollutants that condense on the films surface in the form of dew when vehicles are left in the elements. Please see the Dealing with Fallout practical information flyer for more information.

What is the best cleaning solution to use for prepping substrates prior to application with ORAFOL films?

IPA (isopropyl alcohol) is generally recommended unless the substrate manufacturer states that there is an incompatability. Caution: Many cleaning agents can leave a residue that either prevent vinyl adhesion or attacks the vinyl adhesive, such as Windex^® (and other glass or surface cleaners), Rapid Prep^®, and degreasers.

What should I use if IPA (isopropyl alcohol) has been used to clean glass and there still seems to be a surface residue preventing vinyl adhesion?

We have found that Bon Ami^® glass cleaner should remove any chemical residues left behind by other glass cleaners.

Does ORAFOL recommend any of its products for stainless steel tank applications?

Due to the wide variety of stainless steel types, gauges, applications, and aggressive cleaning regiments, ORAFOL Americas does not warranty its products when applied to stainless steel tanker trailers.

Which kind of ORAFOL films are suitable for making decals for automobiles?

ORAFOL offers a wide range of graphic marking films and digital media that are suitable for automotive decals. While you can obtain more specific application recommendations in the product section of our website, as a general rule we recommend the use of films with a solvent-based adhesive for automotive use. The solvent adhesive will last much longer when exposed to changing surface temperatures, chemicals and mild solvents. Also, our cast films tend to be more conformable and durable for demanding longer-term applications.

I have applied a decal using ORAJET^® vinyl to my car window. How do I remove this when I am finished with it?

When the decal is no longer desired on your vehicle window, just simply apply heat to the decal using a heat gun. Hold the heat gun 6-9″ away from the decal dispersing the heat evenly over the surface of the decal for about 10-15 seconds. Peel up an edge of the decal and slowly pull back until the graphic is removed. Wipe away any residue left behind with Isopropyl Alcohol and a clean rag.

Is ORACAL^® Series 8300 suitable for use on vehicle headlights and taillights?

No, ORAFOL assumes no liability for the possible damage that may be caused upon removal of its Series 8300 material from vehicle headlights and taillights. ORACAL^® Series 8300 is designed for permanent, durable, internally illuminated signs and window graphics. ORACAL^® 8300 is thermal print compatible and suitable for both wet and dry application. This material also offers impressive cutting and weeding properties.

Will ORACAL^® Series 351 polyster chrome vinyl hold up on a vehicle body graphic?

ORACAL^® Series 351 and 352 may be used to produce plotter cut decals or screen printed decals, and will last up to two years when properly applied and maintained on a vehicle. Since these are metallized films, these films are very rigid and offer no conformability to curved surfaces. ORACAL^® 351 and 352 are not designed for vehicle wrapping.

How do I prepare the vehicle surface prior to applying a vehicle graphic?

Click here for complete Pre-Application & Application Guidelines

The surface of the vehicle must be free of dust, grease, or any other contamination that could keep the film from adhering properly. The vehicle should be washed and allowed to dry for 24 hours before wrap installation. Nooks and crevices are likely to trap moisture, and will result in poor adhesion. Wipe the vehicle with ORACAL^® Pre-Wrap Surface Cleaner or isopropyl alcohol just before the installation to remove any soap residue or dust.

• Change cleaning rags often throughout the cleaning process for best results.
• Nooks, crevices, and under rubber seals should also be cleaned with one of these agents to promote proper adhesion into these areas.
• It is also possible to go over these areas with a heat gun to help drying.

Keep the vehicle in a controlled environment at the minimum temperate of 59°F during the drying time. The graphics must be stored in a controlled environment between 65°F and 75°F for a minimum of 24 hours prior to installation to promote an ideal application experience and performance.

What does ORAFOL recommend when performing a wet application with its products?

Wet applications are typically recommended for large surface applications of solvent-based adhesive products being applied to architectural glass and windows. We applications should only be done in ambient temperature environments of at least 60°F. For wet applications, ORAFOL Americas recommends using a medium-tack application tape when applicable for plotter cut graphics. After the application fluid has had ample time to dry, remove the application tape carefully at a 180° angle. newly applied graphics should remain in the application environment for at least 24 hours to promote uniform adhesion characteristics and allow any residual moisture to evaporate. (Recommended ingredients for wet application fluid: one tsp. of traditional Joy® or Dawn® dish detergent to on quart (32 fl oz.) of water. Detergent should not contain moisturizers, lotions, or bleaching agents.) Wet applications are not recommended or warranted when applying material with dispersion water-based adhesive systems such as ORAMASK^®, ORACAL^®, ORAJET^® or ORALITE^®; or films with RapidAir egress technology such as ORACAL^®, ORAJET^®, or ORALITE^®. Ammonia-based products or other glass and surface cleaners should never be used to clean a substrate or as an application fluid for vinyl installation. Wet applications should only be used on clean, smooth, and non-porous surfaces.

What is the recommended wet application procedure for application to glass?

Glass and other surface cleaners may leave a residue that could cause poor adhesion between the graphic and the surface. Only clean glass with a mild detergent and water solution prior to vinyl application. The following Application Fluid recipe also works great as a general cleaning solution prior to application: one tsp. of traditional Joy® or Dawn® dish detergent to one quart (32 fl oz.) of water and 4-6 tbsp. of 70% Isopropyl Alochol. Shake well.  If additional cleaning is needed, use only 70% Isopropyl Alcohol or ORAFOL® 359500030 Pre-Wrap Surface Cleaner to wipe down the surface. To learn more about ORAFOL® 359500030 Pre-Wrap Surface Cleaner, click here. Since glass is transparent, it is sometimes difficult to tell which side is contaminated when you are ready to clean. So it’s important to clean both sides of the glass to ensure you are removing any possible contaminants or debris that could potentially cause poor adhesion of newly applied vinyl graphics. Wet applications are typically recommended for large surface applications of solvent-based adhesive products being applied to architectural glass and windows. Wet applications are not recommended or warranted for the following: ORAFOL® flms utilizing /// ORAMASK®, ORACAL® or ORAJET® flms with polyacrylate dispersion (water-based) adhesive, all ORALITE® flms, ORACAL®, ORAJET®, ORALITE® flms with RapidAir® air-egress adhesive technology. ORAFOL Americas assumes no liability for glass breakage associated with application of its films on glass surfaces. For other tips to reduce the risk of poor adhesion properties and to reduce the risk of glass breakage, please contact ORAFOL Americas Product Support Specialists for suggested application guidelines.

How long should I wait before applying ORAFOL materials over One Shot^® enamel paints on MDO board?

ORAFOL materials may be applied directly to One Shot^® enamel paints when proper outgassing guidelines are followed. One Shot® recommends a (minimum) of four days at 60° F with proper air circulation to allow for proper paint outgassing. Please allow several more days if the ORAFOL film is printed and laminated. Both ORAFOL and One Shotۤ^® recommend performing a test application prior to completing the intended job. Please contact ORAFOL Technical Support at techsupport-americas@orafol.com for further testing and outgassing procedures. (Please note that the paint curing process may take up to 30 days)

I hear it may take anywhere from 3-4 weeks for paint to cure on painted MDO board. Do you have any suggestions on bypassing this?

Unfortunately the paint curing process is very important for a successful vinyl application. If this is a substrate that is used on a regular basis, it may be beneficial to keep a few extra painted boards in stock that have had plenty of cure time. The idea is to have these in stock and ready to go for a successful and worry free vinyl application.

Is it ok to apply my ORAFOL vinyl directly to pre-primed MDO boards?

This would not be a good idea. The surfaces to which your ORAFOL vinyl films will be applied must be smooth, non-porous and thoroughly clean from dust, grease, or any contamination. Primer and flat paints are too porous of a coating and would collect dirt and moisture resulting in poor adhesion between the adhesive vinyl and the substrate. A smooth, properly cured, exterior rated semi-gloss finish would be ideal for vinyl application.

Can ORACAL^® 751 High Performance Cast be applied to flexible substrates such as awnings?

Yes. Depending on the material that the awning is made of, ORACAL^® Series 751 is often a good choice due to its conformability and durability. Be sure to watch out for awnings that contain waterproofing compounds or porous or textured surfaces, as these can retard adhesion. Always perform a 24-hour adhesive test on the actual substrate prior to completing the final installation.

What is the best cleaning solution to use for prepping substrates prior to application with ORAFOL films?

IPA (isopropyl alcohol) is generally recommended unless the substrate manufacturer states that there is an incompatability. Caution: many cleaning agents can leave a residue that either prevents vinyl adhesion or attacks the vinyl adhesive, such as Windex® and other glass or surface cleaners, Rapid Prep®, and degreasers.

What should I use if IPA (isopropyl alcohol) has been used to clean glass and there still seems to be a surface residue preventing vinyl adhesion?

We have found that Bon Ami® glass cleaner should remove any chemical residues left behind by other glass cleaners.

Which kind of ORAFOL films are suitable for making decals for automobiles?

ORAFOL offers a wide range of graphic marking films and digital media that are suitable for automotive decals. While you can obtain more specific application recommendations in the product section of our website, as a general rule we recommend the use of films with a solvent-based adhesive for automotive use. The solvent adhesive will last much longer when exposed to changing surface temperatures, chemicals and mild solvents. Also, our cast films tend to be more conformable and durable for demanding longer-term applications.

Is an adhesive promoter or tape primer required with ORAFOL film applications?

ORAFOL Americas does not promote or recommend using any type of adhesive promoter or tape primer with its Graphic Innovations or Reflective Solutions products. Use of adhesive promoters or tape primers will void any applicable warranty coverage.

Are there any metal surfaces that ORAFOL films should not be applied to?

Application and removal of ORACAL^®, ORAJET^®, ORAGUARD^®, ORALITE^® films applied to copper, tin, nickel, brass, lead, alloys, or magnesium will not be warranted. If a substrate is in question, please contact an ORAFOL Product Support Specialist prior to application.

What if the substrate is damaged after removal of the film?

ORAFOL Americas is not responsible for the integrity of the substrate to which the vinyl graphic is being applied, and will not be liable for any direct or indirect damage to the substrate caused during graphic installation, expected service life, or graphic removal. It is up to the graphic installer and their customer to determine the suitability and integrity of the substrate to which the vinyl graphic is being applied.

What is the recommended procedure for application to Flexible Substrates, like Banner or Flexface materials?

For the general warranty to apply with selected ORACAL^® plotter films, the following procedures must be followed. Prior to application, the selected flexible substrate should be thoroughly cleaned with a clean saturated rag containing a mild detergent and water solution and then dried. The surface should then be wiped down with Isopropyl Alcohol or ORAFOL^® 359500030 Pre-Wrap Surface Cleaner using a clean rag to remove any surface contamination such as dust, grease, or other debris. Application of a graphic marking film on a flexible substrate should be laid out on a rigid table top. After the initial application, graphics should then be burnished using a rivet brush. Multiple cycles of applying heat and pressure will help ensure a solid bond between the adhesive and the subtle texture of the substrate. (Always apply vinyl graphics to the smoother side of flexible substrates.) Graphics applied to previously used flexible substrates will not be warranted. ORAFOL Americas does not recommend applying printed and laminated graphics to flexible substrates.

What is the cloudy effect that sometimes presents itself on the surface of PSA vinyl films?

• Mottling is a result of the plasticizers in the film migrating to the film surface, creating a cloudy or hazy appearance on top of the film.

• Sometimes, during various times of the year when there are broader temperature swings throughout the day – the material will become cloudy in appearance if going from (cold to hot) or from (hot to cold) during transit.

Is this a defect? Short answer: No…

• It may appear to be a defect, but it’s simply a chemical reaction and will rapidly disappear by simply subjecting the material to direct sunlight. You can also make cloudy mottled appearance to go away by applying heat from a heat gun or propane torch. The material will gloss back up and look completely normal in a matter of seconds or minutes.

What is the recommended temperature for ORAFOL film application?

ORAFOL films should never be applied at temperatures below 46°F unless otherwise stated in the individual product technical data sheet. However, for best application results, surface and ambient temperatures should be between 65°-75°F; with humidity levels resting between 50 - 70%. Colder temperatures and lower humidity levels will result in the material feeling more rigid and the adhesive less tacky. Warmer temperatures and higher humidity levels will result in the material feeling more aggressive and pliable. Newly applied graphics should remain in the application environment for at least 24 hours to promote uniform adhesion characteristics. A significant change in temperature should be avoided during the first 24 hours after the application is initially complete, as this may result in the material lifting or popping up in complex curved areas.

Does ORAFOL recommend specific films for colder weather conditions?

For colder application temperatures between 50°F/10°C and 23°F/-5°C please consider our (DT) Deep Temperature films, ORAJET^® 3161DT or ORAJET^® 3551DT. 
 

Does ORAFOL recommend any of its products for watercraft and boat applications?

ORAFOL Americas recommends the following print media and over-laminate combinations, solid-color change, striping and lettering material options for applications to well-conditioned boat and watercraft gelcoats: Print Media Options: ORAJET^® 3951, 3951RA, 3751RA, 3551, or 3551RA. Over-Laminate Options: ORAGUARD^® 290, 290F, 293, 289F, 280, or 270. Solid-Color Change Wraps: ORACAL^® 970RA. Striping and Lettering Applications: ORACAL^® 951, ORACAL^® 851, ORACAL^® 751 or 751RA, or ORACAL^® 383. Application on boats is generally not recommended below the water line. No warranty is given for applications under water. Additionally, no warranty is given for graphic applications to severly weathered or oxidized surfaces such as gelcoat, painted, or aluminum watercraft surfaces. 

Does ORAFOL recommend under water applications?

Application on boats is generally not recommended below the water line. No warranty is given for applications under water. Additionally, no warranty is given for graphic applications to severly weathered or oxidized surfaces such as gelcoat, painted, or aluminum watercraft surfaces.

What is the best way to remove my wall decal (ORACAL® 631 Exhibition Cal) appropriately without damaging it so that I can use it again?

ORACAL® 631 can be removed from your latex painted wall by simply peeling up an edge of the graphic with your fingernail and slowly peeling it from the surface. Unfortunately, chances are the graphic will become distorted upon removal, and will not adhere to the wall very well when reapplied in another location.

Can I apply pressure-sensitive films over latex painted surfaces?

Over the past several years the paint industry has made significant changes to paint formulations in an effort to make less of an impact on our environment. Additionally, paint formulations are now more durable and contain additives that are designed to repel dirt and moisture. Consequently, this shift has made it more challenging to achieve a successful graphic installation to these new paint formulations.
Pay special attention to paint coatings that are listed as having the following attributes;

• Low-VOC
• Zero-VOC

Additionally, the following attributes would make it challenging for graphics to successfully adhere, and are considered “Hard-to-stick”

• “Stainblocking”
• “Washable”
• “Scrubbable”

These types of paint coatings may present adhesion challenges between the wall graphic adhesive and the paint coating, and may require the use of an ORAJET^® material with solvent-based or high tack adhesive. Click here for complete Processing and Handling Interior Wall Graphic Instructions

Does ORAFOL make floor graphic films?

Yes. ORAJET® Series 1663 is specifically engineered for floor graphics printed with solvent inkjet printers. For durability and anti-skid properties we recommend combining this product with ORAGUARD® Series 250AS Laminating Film or ORAGUARD® Series 255AS(High Traffic Load)Laminating Film. Series 1663 can adhere to most smooth, sealed surfaces. We do not recommend applying this product to porous concrete, asphalt or masonry surfaces.

What floor graphic material does ORAFOL recommend for Social Distancing and other promotional floor graphic applications?

• Interior flooring surfaces that are smooth and sealed, consider ORAJET^® 3621, 3169RA or 1663 digital print media and over-laminate with ORAGUARD^® 250AS or 255AS Anti-Skid textured floor laminate.
• Exterior surfaces such as asphalt or concrete, consider ORAJET^® 3105HT, 3951HT, or 3954 digital print media and over-laminate with ORAGUARD^® 250AS or 255AS Anti-Skid textured floor laminate.
• Commercial Grade Carpet, consider ORAJET^® 3165, 3651, or 3105HT digital print media and over-laminate with ORAGUARD^® 250AS or 255AS Anti-Skid textured floor laminate.

Click here for complete Processing and Handling Floor Graphic Instructions

What causes vinyl to bubble when applied to polycarbonate? How do I prevent this from happening?

Polycarbonate outgases for a period of time after manufacuring, which can cause bubbles in your vinyl. To prevent this, remove the protecting film as soon as possible and allow the polycarbonate to outgas naturally for at least 24 hours before applying the vinyl (longer if possible). Where practical polycarbonate should be baked 4-24 hours at 250° in an air-circulating oven before applying pressure sensitive vinyls. In some applications, flaming can be used. In all cases, however, see your manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines.

What is the recommended procedure for drying out acrylic and ploycarbonate substrates?

When using substrates that tend to outgas, such as polycarbonate or acrylic products, it is recommended to remove the protective liner on these substrates to allow proper outgas time prior to installation. Either treat the substrate with a heat source or store it for 24-36 hours at room temperature conditions in order to cure the substrate prior to application of the vinyl graphic. Be sure to properly test these substrates by cleaning the surface and applying a small test strip for 24 hours. If bubbles or edge peeling appear, outgassing is still occurring.

I am having trouble with my ORACAL^® 631 releasing from the liner onto the application tape. What can I do to improve this?

There could be a couple of things happening with this situation. First check your vinyl plotter settings to make sure you aren’t cutting too deep into the release liner. If the silicone layer portion of the release liner is penetrated by the plotter blade it can cause the adhesive to migrate into the cut line. This creates an undesired bond between the release liner and the vinyl graphic. If this is consistent from one color to another, you may consider reducing the cut depth/pressure setting on the plotter. The idea should be to have the plotter blade cut through the face film and adhesive layers and barely score the surface of the silicone layer portion of the release liner. After applying application tape, place the graphic face down on a rigid table top so you are viewing the back of the release liner. Apply pressure with the squeegee back and forth several time over the back of the release liner. This will help push the adhesive out of the cut line and also create a stronger bond between the vinyl graphic and the application tape. It can be difficult to pull the graphic from the release liner, so it may be easier to remove the release liner from the graphic while the graphic is face down on a rigid table top. It is also important to use a high tack application tape such as ORATAPE^® HT55 which was designed specifically for use with ORACAL^® 631. If you need further assistance with troubleshooting please contact ORAFOL Product Technical Support directly.

Can ORACAL^® graphic marking films vary in color from lot number to lot number?

Yes, for graphic applications of the same color on a single substrate, ORAFOL recommends using material from the same lot number. If materials from different lot numbers have to be used, the user must check prior to application whether any differences between the lot numbers will affect processing of the films and/or impair the final result.

At what temperature do I store my rolls of ORAFOL materials? Do temperature variations affect the vinyl film while still on the roll?

The self-adhesive products ORACAL^®, ORAJET^®, ORAGUARD^®, ORABOND^®, ORALITE^®, Reflexite^® and ORAMOUNT^® are supplied in rolls and should at all times be stored either suspended or standing on end on the roll blocks provided, and never lying on the material's side. For storage and processing they should be kept in a cool dry place protected from sunlight. Relative air humidity between 50% and 60% and temperature between + 64°F and 72°F should be ensured. Direct sunlight, storage beside radiators, etc. should be avoided. Please observe the shelf life instructions contained in the technical data sheet available for each product.

Are there specific color profiles I should be using with ORAJET^® materials?

Yes, make sure to load the correct media profile for your job, based on your specific combination of media, ink, printer and RIP software. Each series of ORAJET^® digital media requires different print and RIP software parameter settings due to its individual qualities, such as thickness of the adhesive layer and face film. Download a wide selection of FREE color profiles here.

Will my printed ORAJET^® materials be warranted when using a liquid laminate to protect my prints instead of ORAGUARD^® laminating materials?

No warranty will apply when combining any ORAFOL films with other manufacturers of pressure sensitive adhesive graphic marking films or liquid laminate coatings.

Does ORAFOL offer custom colors? Can you match a Pantone color?

ORAFOL can produce custom colors for most products, however there are minimum order requirements and possibly additional costs based on order volume. For specific inquiries, please contact your respective ORAFOL Americas Territory Sales Manager.

What type of laminate should I use for my prints on ORAJET^® media?

ORAGUARD^® laminating films are designed to match specific ORAJET^® digital media. For specific recommendations, refer to the Digital Inkjet Media Selection Guide. When using solvent inks, we recommended allowing a minimum of 24 to 48 hours for the ink to cure before laminating. Failure to follow this practice can cause bubbles, delamination, discoloration, shrinkage and difficult application due to increased adhesive properties.

Can environmental conditions affect vinyl releasing from a liner?

All cut, weed, mask and release operations are subject to environmental conditions. High humidity and heat conditions can make application more difficult. In these cases a higher tack application tape(such as ORATAPE^® HT55) may help. If plotted graphics are not weeded quickly after production, adhesive may flow into the cut line, making weeding more difficult.

I want to know if ORAFOL films contain acid because I want to use the vinyl for my scrapbooking projects.

No, ORAFOL films do not contain acid. They will work great for your scrapbook projects.

Does ORAFOL offer stencil mask films? If so, are any of them translucent?

Yes, ORAFOL Americas offers 4 different stencil mask films…ORAMASK^® 810, 810S, 811, and 813. ORAMASK^® 810 is a conformable stencil film that is useful for spraying and painting on uneven surfaces. It comes in a transparent grey color. ORAMASK^® 810S has a solvent-based adhesive that is ideal for multi-color or solvent-based paints. It is highly conformable and comes in transparent grey. ORAMASK^® 811 is a rigid paint mask film for painting or spraying on even surfaces that is available in opaque white. Lastly, ORAMASK^® 813 is a translucent rigid stencil film for painting or spraying on even surface areas that is available in translucent blue.

Can I clear-coat ORAFOL vinyl graphics?

Clear-coating materials such as liquid laminate may provide additional protection for vinyl graphics, but caution should be used because solvents in some varnishes can attack the vinyl and/or adhesive, causing failure. When in doubt, use the matched ORAGUARD^® cold laminating films.

Can I print on ORACAL^® brand films with a thermal-transfer printer?

Many ORACAL^® plotter films including Series 651 and Series 751 are engineered to perform well with thermal-transfer printers.

What ORAFOL media can be used with dye and/or pigmented inks?

ORAFOL does not currently market films designed for use with water-based ink sets.

What pressure should I have my vinyl cutter set on when plotting ORACAL^® vinyl films?

There are many different types of plotters in use. You should run a test to ensure that your blade pressure and speed are properly adjusted for ORAFOL's higher density films. When testing different pressure and speed settings, look for how easy the graphic weeds, making sure not to cut too deep. Also, make sure that the vinyl cleanly releases from the liner using transfer tape. If cut too deep, the vinyl will be difficult to release from the liner, and may cause tearing along the edge of the cut.

What application tape do you suggest when using ORACAL^® plotter films?

We recommend a high tack application tape, such as ORATAPE^® HT55 for most of our plotter films. The relationship between the release liner and the vinyl is different for every vinyl manufacturer. ORAFOL’s vinyl has a tight liner adhesion. The tight liner adhesion improves the weedability of the vinyl. If what you’re using works for you, continue to use it. Other tips we suggest include squeegeeing on the reverse side (the back of the liner) and pulling the release liner away with the application tape side down.

Will ORACAL^® films work on my plotter?

Check the technical specifications for the ORACAL^® Series that you are interested in purchasing to see if it is compatible with your brand of plotter. You may also want to run a test cut to ensure that your blade weight is properly adjusted for ORAFOL’s higher density.

Are ORAFOL's films enamel receptive?

Many enamel coatings, as well as airbrush paints, bond well to ORAFOL films, but we recommend testing your specific brand of paint. KRYLON^® enamel paints tend to work very well. One Shot^® paints require the use of One Shot^® Vinyl Primer.

What is the recommended outgas procedure for Solvent and Eco-Solvent Inks?

When using ICC Color Profiles downloaded from www.orafol.com, ORAFOL Americas recommends allowing printed films at least 24 hours at 70°F to dry (outgas) before applying a laminate to avoid delaminating or adhesive failure (48-72 hours preferred). Note the following considerations: 24 hours of dry (outgas) time should be considered the minimum before applying lamination. (Prints with very little ink coverage would fall into this category.) If the print is heavy in ink saturation, (darker, rather than lighter) a longer outgas time of 48-72 hours is preferred for the print to dry before lamination. Using third-party inks and generic color profiles may result in poor printing quality, and require more time to effectively dry (outgas). DO NOT leave the graphic rolled up tightly around the core after printing. This will cause the solvent gasses in the inks to be trapped and potentially migrate to the adhesive layer of the material, resulting in poor adhesion properties once applied to the intended substrate.

Does ORAFOL warrant the use of 3^rd-party inks with it's ORAJET^® Digital Print Media?

ORAFOL Americas only warrants the compatibility of OEM solvent, eco-solvent, latex, and UV curable ink-sets with its approved inkjet printable materials. Each series of ORAJET^® digital media requires different print and RIP software parameters because of the individual qualities of each material. Check the Support section of our website for a wide selection of FREE color profiles.

What are the benefits of applying an over-laminate to my vinyl graphic?

Lamination of inkjet prints is recommended to ensure longer lifespan at optimum quality (gloss, color, physical damage). ORAGUARD^® laminate films enhance the desired appearance of the graphic (gloss, semi-gloss, matte). They also provide excellent protection against ink fading from exposure to UV rays.

How can I find out more information about product combinations and performance?

Please contact ORAFOL Americas Product Support Specialist to discuss proper product combinations, and substrate compatibility for your specific job. No warranty will apply when combining ORACAL^®, ORAJET^®, ORAGUARD^®, and ORALITE^®, branded films with films produced by any other manufacturer. For a list of compatible ORAJET^® and ORAGUARD^® combinations, along with application recommendations, please review the ORAFOL Graphic Innovations Digital Inkjet Media Selection Guide.

Do you have any authorized distributors in India?

ORAFOL America’s market area includes the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean. India and other international markets outside of our market area are served by ORAFOL EMEA. You can contact them here.

I would like to know if there are any suppliers in Canada where I can purchase ORAFOL products.

We have distributors located throughout Canada. You can find distributor contact information using our distributor map.