Preparation and application of sign face sheetings

Roll Storage
Boxed rolls should be stored horizontally preferably at a temperature
of 15C to 25C for a minimum of 24 hours before use. The rolls should
be stored no more than 5 boxes high and not directly on a concrete floor.
The boxes should be arranged so that each box size is stacked correctly
to prevent collapsing in the centre of boxes and damage to the contents.
Retroreflective sheeting has a shelf life of approximately 12 to 18 months
and therefore stocks should be rotated. Direct sunlight should be avoided.
Open rolls
Open rolls should be supported through the core as shown right or returned to the
original box and supported at each end with the plastic supports. Rolls should not be
stored vertical on their end at any time due to possible damage to the roll edge etc..
Open rolls should not be laid horizontally on a flat surface for extended periods.

Off cuts
Off cuts may be stored flat or wound tightly around an empty core. Where Ultralite sheeting off cuts
are being stored these are best kept flat or wound tightly around a 106mm core.

Substrate preparation
Nikkalite sheetings will bond to clean smooth surfaces of tested and approved metal, coated metal,
and certain plastic sheets. To obtain optimum adhesion and long durability, it is absolutely necessary
to eliminate contaminants by abrading the surface and then wiping the
surface clean with a suitable cleaner. Where the aluminium sheet has
been alochrome chemically treated and degreased providing this
cleaned surface remains clean and oil or greasy deposits are not left
during guillotining or handling etc. then less preparation is required other
than removing surface dust / contaminants.
Painted metal surfaces should be prepared by marking out and abrading
the area the self adhesive sheeting is to be applied to, this provides a
suitable surface for the adhesive to adhere to.
All substrates should be degreased using a suitable degreasing agent
such as mineralised methylated spirits, citrus cleaners etc.. Undertake tests on plastic substrates to
ensure the cleaner does not damage the surface.
Plastic substrates should be tested for quality and suitability before use as certain plastic substrates
emit plasticizer from their surface, which can have a detrimental effect on the adhesion of self
adhesive materials. Certain GRP substrates have been tested and offer acceptable levels of
adhesion.

Application
Application should be undertaken in an area having an ambient temperature of
between 15C to 25C (59F to 77F), where both sign face sheeting and
substrate have conditioned to this temperature. A wide width roller with a 6575 shorehardness is recommended for correct application on large sign panels.
A hand roller may be used for small areas and for text providing firm
overlapping strokes are used.

Nikkacal non-reflective, CR1 Engineering grade & CR 2 Ultralite sheetings

Rev 08 09

Where possible select the appropriate size of roll to eliminate the need for joins in sign face sheetings
but where it is necessary in non-reflective, CR1 Engineering grade or CR 2 Ultralite sheetings these
should be overlapped with the upper edge overlapping the lower piece by approximately 6mm to
allow water run off. When applying EF40801 or DT142-S to the surface this should not be applied
across overlapped joints.
Nikkalite Crystal grade CV
Microprismatic sheetings must not be overlapped, a butt joint is the correct method when using
more than one piece of sheeting.
Nikkalite coloured overlay sheetings
Nikkalite coloured overlay sheetings should not be overlapped, when this occurs it leaves a dark line
on the sign face where the two layers overlap. Use a suitable roll width to avoid this.
Nikkacal Protective overlay sheeting EF40801
Protective overlay sheeting must not be overlapped, the fluorine surface properties allow the easy
removal of graffiti and this also includes adhesives. Therefore an overlapped joint will not adhere
satisfactorily when applied to itself.
It is important to ensure that appropriate width rolls are used for the base retroreflective sheeting
when EF40801 sheetings are to be applied to avoid overlapped joints in the sign panels. Following
installation normal temperature changes will cause the sign face substrate to expand and contract
leading to movement in overlapped joints which may result in air tunnels forming where EF40801
sheeting is applied over a joint below.
Trimming
All self adhesive sheetings should be trimmed back cleanly to the edge of the
substrate, this includes abutting aluminium sheets on a sign section. If the self
adhesive sheeting is trimmed back hard a metal edge will be visible when
abutting sheets are aligned, this should be avoided. However, the sheeting
should be trimmed sufficiently to avoid damage during handling and
transportation and stacked face to face supported on rubber mats or wooden
battens.

Rev 08 09