how sticky is Happ Vinyl?

[rchadd]

I have made MDF control panels and currently have vinyl on order from Happ. just wondering if it will stick to the MDF ok? or maybe good idea to undercoat the panel first? would that give better surface for the vinyl to stick to?

[Minwah]

It's pretty sticky, I stuck some slightly in the wrong place to some MDF and when I peeled it off it lifted the top few layers of MDF too!

I would prime the MDF to seal it at least, but you probably don't really *need* to.

[Zakk]

That stuff sticks like crazy, like minwah says.  I've cheated a couple of times by soaking the area with dish soap and water before applying, that lets you pull it back up and move it around a bit.  When the water dries up the overlay is solid as a rock.  If you paint the mdf you could do this, but unprimed/painted it would just ruin it.  Even if you don't use the soap, I'm sure minwah is right about it pulling up the mdf, a layer of paint -might- give you a bit of a second chance if you don't get it on there perfectly the first time.

[Goz]

I concur, since my painting skills suck in a big big way... My first cab I stripped down completely and covered in Happs Pica "D" vinyl (purchased on sale) and it is great that I know this stuff isn't coming off without a fight and it's looks nice. It was however very difficult to adjust any pieces that needed to be tweaked.

Beware of the sticky stuff

-Goz

[rchadd]

That stuff sticks like crazy, like minwah says.  I've cheated a couple of times by soaking the area with dish soap and water before applying, that lets you pull it back up and move it around a bit.  When the water dries up the overlay is solid as a rock.  If you paint the mdf you could do this, but unprimed/painted it would just ruin it.  Even if you don't use the soap, I'm sure minwah is right about it pulling up the mdf, a layer of paint -might- give you a bit of a second chance if you don't get it on there perfectly the first time.

I would like to confirm what i need to do:

1. prime the MDF by painting
2. wet the painted CP with little soapy water
3. apply the vinyl, adjust placement and leave to dry.

is this correct>

but doesnt the soapy water affect to stickyness of the vinyl?

i assume when you say "soak" you don't literally mean loads of it?

MDF would have to be primed as applying water to untreated MDF would be a very bad idea.

when should i cut the button holes in the vinyl? i assume should cut radiant slices from centre of the hole to edge and then just fold it under?

i assume the vinyl has peel off backing? so possible to measure and cut to size prior to sticking it down.

[RacerX]

Since it's that sticky, I think I would cut it a bit oversized and then apply it so you won't have to be as exact.  Then trim to size after it's stuck down.

Just an idea.  

[Zakk]

It's the same thing they do to apply window tint.  You make up a mild water/detergent mix in a spray bottle.  You would want to prep the surface by first applying primer, then a layer of paint (primer is porous, so the water might saturate it and get into the mdf).  You actually need the two layers, since the primer seals the wood, and the paint 'seals' the primer, if that makes sense.  Spray the resulting surface wet with the soap mixture, remove the backing paper from the vinyl and apply.  It should move around fairly easily, and then you squish out all the bubbles, starting from the center, working your way out.  You will notice start to get more and more 'stuck' as you work.  When it's just right, leave it for a day or so, and voila! A nicely placed overlay.  I do tend to cut the holes in a pie shaped pattern, but for button holes it's not really needed since the buttons and locknuts will hold it in place.  I assume that the water keeps the adhesive from touching the surface, and the soap acts as a lubricant to let it slide around.  Once the water has evaporated, there is not enough residue from the soap to keep all that adhesive from cementing to the surface.

Tomorrow's class: Water pipe from a pop bottle, an exacto knife, a bic pen and some tinfoil!  

[Minwah]

Sounds like a good tip from Zakk, I found it quite difficult to apply the stuff since it is so thin (kindof flops around and does what it wants).

I would make the holes last, just using a sharp knife - as Zakk said most of the time the very edge where the cut is will not show...

[Sylentwulf]

Tomorrow's class: Water pipe from a pop bottle, an exacto knife, a bic pen and some tinfoil!  

     

[Minwah]

Tomorrow's class: Water pipe from a pop bottle, an exacto knife, a bic pen and some tinfoil!  

     

I didn't even notice that before!  LOL

[RayB]

I would like to confirm what i need to do:

1. prime the MDF by painting
2. wet the painted CP with little soapy water
3. apply the vinyl, adjust placement and leave to dry.

is this correct?

but doesnt the soapy water affect to stickyness of the vinyl?

There's one missing final step that should have been mentioned regarding the soapy water: You should use a strong "squeegee" type of tool to try and push out as much of the soapy water as possible, once the vinyl is in the position you want. Just drag the tool on top of the vinyl and try to get the water to come out the sides...

And to answer your Q: Yes this technique DOES well with painted surfaces. I did it once applying side-art to some prototype Punky Doodle cabinets.

But that was with side art on a finished, painted cabinet side. I'm a little concerned about doing that on untreated MDF, since the last thing you want is for the MDF to absorb the water and never fully dry out since it would then be sealed with the vinyl.

~Ray B.
 

[rchadd]

prototype Punky Doodle cabinets.

there is no picture on KLOV of the cabinet and it says:

"The prototype has a unique black upright design. The wooden sides are two inches thick and have rounded edges."

just wondering what this thing looked like

[bwest]

I maybe missing something, but isn't latex paint about 60-80% water?  MDF does not have a grain so it shouldnt get to crazy on you (warping and swelling).  You can't trap moisture in unless you cover all sides in vinyl.

Just be sure to store in on a very flat surface until dry.

[Minwah]

I maybe missing something, but isn't latex paint about 60-80% water?  MDF does not have a grain so it shouldnt get to crazy on you (warping and swelling).  You can't trap moisture in unless you cover all sides in vinyl.

Just be sure to store in on a very flat surface until dry.

Not sure about trapping in the water, but personally I wouldn't like to get any bare MDF wet.  Lean a bit of MDF against a garage wall for a week and you'll see how even moisture in the air affects it...

I'd prime & topcoat as recommended, to be sure

[RayB]

there is no picture on KLOV of the cabinet and it says:

"The prototype has a unique black upright design. The wooden sides are two inches thick and have rounded edges."

just wondering what this thing looked like

I submitted that KLOV entry. I have one blurry photo of a cab. Just have not gotten around to scanning it and submitting it. (guess I should do that now...)
~Ray