If your graphics aren’t staying put, don’t just reprint — investigate. Here’s how to identify the root cause of adhesion failure in digital print applications and how to ensure your graphics hold strong from day one.
Adhesive issues come in many forms:
Edge lift (corners peel up within hours or days)
Full release (graphic won’t stay adhered to the surface)
Bubbling or tunneling under the surface
Wrinkling during install or temperature changes
Adhesive residue left behind during removal (for removable films)
Not all adhesives work on all surfaces. Common problem surfaces include:
Low surface energy plastics (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, powder-coated metals)
Rough or textured walls (e.g., concrete, stucco, brick)
Dusty, dirty, or oily surfaces
Moisture-prone or freshly painted walls
Solution:
Use films designed for low-energy or textured surfaces — or apply a primer/pre-treatment. Always clean surfaces with IPA before install.
Adhesive choice should match both the surface and the expected duration of the install.
Adhesive Type | Use Case |
---|---|
Permanent | Long-term signage, outdoor graphics |
Removable | Short-term promotions, wall graphics |
High-tack | Low-energy surfaces, difficult textures |
Repositionable |
Easy install and temporary graphics |
Solution:
Check the technical datasheet of the adhesive film before use — or search by surface type in tools like Substrate Bank.
Temperature and humidity affect adhesive performance before, during, and after installation.
Cold temperatures = stiff adhesive, weak bond
High humidity = condensation under the film
Heat expansion = wrinkling or edge lift post-install
Solution:
Install between 10°C and 32°C (50–90°F) with stable humidity. Let materials and surfaces acclimate to room conditions before use.
Stretching vinyl too aggressively during install
Not using a squeegee properly
Not applying enough pressure for adhesive activation
Trapping air or dirt under the surface
Solution:
Use correct pressure and tools. Apply from the center outward in smooth strokes. Round corners instead of sharp angles to prevent lifting.
Adhesive loses tack over time
Poor storage can lead to edge curling, dirt, or liner separation
Contaminated rolls pick up debris that reduces contact
Solution:
Follow FIFO (first-in, first-out) media storage. Keep rolls in original packaging in a climate-controlled environment.
Some ink systems (especially UV-curable) can affect adhesive performance — especially if not fully cured. Laminates may also shrink or stretch if incompatible with the base film.
Best practice:
Use tested ink-film-laminate combinations, and check that the entire system is approved for your installation type.
Adhesion failure is preventable — if you align the right material, adhesive, and surface with proper prep and installation. By diagnosing the issue instead of guessing, you avoid reprints, protect your margins, and deliver consistently successful installations.
Because in digital print, it’s not just what you stick — it’s how well it stays stuck that counts.