Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA’s)
Decals are a time-tested decorating method, dating back to the 1940’s. They are still in full swing today for an ever-growing range of applications.
The substrates on which the graphics are printed can be many different types of plastic, depending on the use. The most common material is vinyl, which was among Serigraph’s initial product lines when the company was launched in 1949.
Like a graphic overlay, the second surface of the decal carries an adhesive layer that is covered by a liner. It is usually pressed onto the surface of the end product after being positioned in a template. Sometimes the adhesive is heat-activated.
Decals are used to decorate or accent many product applications, including marine engines, outdoor power equipment, motorcycles, recreational/utility vehicles, tools, appliances, and many more.
We can print almost any kind of decorative pattern to achieve the desired effect our customers are looking for. Our creative design team welcomes the opportunity to make your products stand out with colorful, high impact graphics.
Heat Transfers
Heat transfers offer an advantage over other methods of decoration because they look “painted on.” Run your finger over them, and you find no edge. Because they are an ink only solution, there is no substrate on the decorated product.
Like a transfer onto a T Shirt, the inks transfer from a plastic substrate onto the product using heat and pressure. The trick is having the right release coating on the substrate that allows the ink to transfer freely.
An adhesive on top of the ink layers makes sure that a permanent bond is made to the product. Generally, the transfer is made to a flat part of the product, though small contours can also be navigated. If the contours are pronounced, then In-Mold Decorating (IMD) may be a better solution.
Heat transfers form a strong bond, so they are also very good for safety labels that need to be permanently attached to a visible part of the product. Many heat transfers are limited to several colors, but full four-color graphics can also be produced through various printing methods.
Contact us to learn more.