Cab Decal Storage

[Paul]

So - How do YOU store yours??

I know that should be flat, but... how?? Between wood? Between glass sheets (dangerous!)?

suggestions welcome!

 

[DRD]

Rolled up in a tube which is sealed to stop dust getting in. But these will be installed within a month

I think the unfortunate reality is that you ought to get them installed pronto before the glue starts degrading

 

[Nickbs]

Paul

I'd made some suggestions back on this thread :

http://www.pinballinfo.com/community/threads/cabinet-decal-storage-question.18496/#post-100189

If trying to keep them flat then it is more the 'flatness' of the surface that is relevant, rather than pressure. Just putting them between two sheets of cardboard will normally do the trick. Laying them out long-term on a convenient domestic surface (e.g the kitchen or dining table....) whilst you await application is a good idea - as long as you can persuade the rest of the family to eat of their knees in the lounge.

If you are rolling then (as per post in link), graphics on the outside to stretch, as loose as possible and don't use rubber bands. Our guys often just use an open topped small/medium size box (e.g A4 photocopier box size or similar) to upend the graphics in (never store rolled graphics on their sides).

 

[strobey]

Paul,

I've had some cab decals stored since 2011 rolled up and in the original tube, separated by brown paper. It's how the vinyl is made and stored - on rolls - so I see no reason to flatten it and promote ripples before you're ready to apply.

I've just had a look and they still look perfect with no evidence of delamination or ripple...

For what is worth!

 

[Nickbs]

Paul,

I've had some cab decals stored since 2011 rolled up and in the original tube, separated by brown paper. It's how the vinyl is made and stored - on rolls - so I see no reason to flatten it and promote ripples before you're ready to apply.

I've just had a look and they still look perfect with no evidence of delamination or ripple...

For what is worth!

The vinyl you've got there is a very good brand (3M), but be aware that the 20 series film, normally intended for short term promotional use.:

https://www.williamsmith.co.uk/product/3m-scotchcal-20-series

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/...0.pdf?&4eqmNfRtSfRt5Z5OjZxOsA5MlZ5MlZllllll--

3M advise a 2 year shelf-life before printing & 1 year once printed ( before application). The vinyl is intended primarily for short-term promotional use and has a glue type that makes it easier to apply ( as well as being 'easy remove' ).

You may well be fine with those graphics for quite a while (as they are on 3m and they massively over specify everything), but you may encounter problems in application if the glue has 'gone off' a bit, masking it difficult to remove from the backing paper or getting it to adhere to the cabinet when trying to apply - alternatively it may be east to apply, but not actually stick too well due to the age of the glue!

 

[strobey]

Nick,

Great advice, thanks. All being well it's a job for over the Christmas break - it's been put off for way to long, so we'll see how it goes! Will report results

 

[strobey]

My backbox efforts...

 

[DRD]

I think fish tales pinball is the definitive decal job. Completely transforms a faded cab., bravo

 

[Nickbs]

My backbox efforts...

Looks great!