Applying stickers properly

Which values apply to which sticker?

The temperature values below come from the datasheet of the high tack vinyl film. We use that film for pipe markers and container decals. They apply to the film itself. Other values may apply to other stickers, such as inspection stickers, ISO 7010 stickers and retroreflective film.

1. Clean the surface

According to the film supplier's application guideline, you clean the surface with soapy water, rinse it with clean water and let it dry. Remove grease with isopropyl alcohol and then dry the surface with a dry cloth, before the alcohol has evaporated. A dirty, greasy or damp surface gives less adhesion.

2. Mind the temperature

According to the datasheet, the following applies to the high tack vinyl film:

• Application from +10 °C. This is the lowest temperature at which you may apply the film.
• Service temperature from -40 to +80 °C. This is how hot or cold the sticker may get once it is in place.

Is it colder than +10 °C? Then wait before applying, or heat the room.

3. Apply without air bubbles

According to the film supplier's application guideline, you use the dry or the wet method for flat and slightly curved surfaces. We recommend the dry method, because the film then reaches full adhesion faster.

• Small stickers: peel 2 to 3 cm of the backing paper off one side, place the sticker in the right position and press the exposed edge down. Then squeegee from the centre to the edges, while you pull the paper further away.
• Large stickers: make a hinge with tape at right angles to the longest side, at most 1 m from the nearest edge. Remove the paper up to the hinge and squeegee firmly from the centre of the hinge outwards.
• Air bubble? Prick the bubble with a fine needle and push the air out, starting at the edge of the bubble. Very small bubbles (smaller than 2 mm) disappear after a few days.
• Wet method: the guideline does not recommend it below +15 °C. Adhesion then only builds up after a few hours and is complete after 24 to 48 hours. We give no advice on the liquid mixture.

Curved surfaces and rivets

This is general advice from us; the film supplier's guideline applies to flat and slightly curved surfaces. On a slightly curved surface, work in small sections. Do not stretch the sticker. Fix a pipe marker around a pipe with one edge first and then wrap it around the pipe. On rivets or relief, press the sticker carefully around the rivet. Is it very deep? Then a sticker may not be the best choice; please contact us.

How long does the adhesive take to cure?

According to the film supplier's application guideline, the film reaches full adhesion faster with the dry method than with the wet method. The guideline gives no time for the dry method. We therefore do not give a time.

Frequently asked questions

From which temperature can I apply pipe markers?

From +10 °C, according to the film datasheet.

Which temperatures can the stickers withstand once applied?

For the film of our pipe markers and container decals, -40 to +80 °C applies according to the datasheet.

Can I move the sticker later?

Not without risk. The adhesive is intended to be permanent. So place the sticker in the right position first, before you press it on.