Varieties and features of the Oracle and how to glue the material correctly
"Oracal" self-adhesive film is widely used both in daily life and for industrial purposes. This material adheres well to various surfaces. However, despite the apparent simplicity of application, it is important to know not only the features of the Oracal film, but also how to glue the product. This product is divided into several types, each with its own characteristics.
What is "Oracle"
"Oracal" (the name comes from an American company) is, as stated, a self-adhesive film. The product is made of polyvinyl chloride (vinyl), one side of which is coated with a specialized compound. The name "Oracal" is used for all self-adhesive films made from the specified material, regardless of the brand of the product.
According to the production technology, this product is divided into 2 types:
- Calendered. Such material is subject to shrinkage. Therefore, it is glued only on flat surfaces. The production technology allows the production of "Oracal" in a limited range of colors.
- Discard. When producing such a film, the raw material passes through special rollers. Cast "Oracle" is distinguished by its elasticity, due to which it does not shrink.
One layer is impregnated with water-based glue or a special solvent.The service life of "Oracal" in the outdoor environment is 3 years, indoors - unlimited.
The scope of this film is vast. The material is used for:
- removal of defects on the car (including glass);
- advertising (mainly fluorescent coated film is used);
- signage design (matte or glossy material is used);
- registration of transport and other metal surfaces;
- transfer of images to surfaces and for other purposes.
The popularity of "Oracal" is due to the fact that the film is not only easy to glue, but also does not fade in the sun, it tolerates temperature changes well and does not pass water.
Varieties and labeling
According to the composition of the adhesive base and the substrate, "Oracal" is divided into several types.
551
Oracal 551 is commonly used to transfer decals onto vehicles. The palette of shades of such a film has 98 shades. At the same time, only white and black materials are matte.
620
Easily removable version of "Oracle" with a matte or glossy surface. This material is used for advertising purposes.
640 and 641
The film of this type is characterized by increased resistance to temperature extremes - from -40 to +80 degrees. The material does not fade in direct sunlight, so it is used to decorate the exterior walls of buildings. The color palette includes up to 60 shades.
"Oracal 640" and 641 differ in one feature: when gluing horizontally, the material deforms, unlike when gluing vertically.
951
The product tolerates extremely low (up to -80 degrees) and extremely high (up to +100 degrees) temperatures.Metallic in color, the film is available in 49 shades, in the usual form - in 97.This material is distinguished by a mirror shine, and therefore is often used for advertising purposes. The film is suitable for adhering to difficult and uneven surfaces.
970
Oracal 970 is used for vehicle wrapping, including sports cars. The film of this type can withstand a temperature drop of up to -50 degrees and an increase of up to +110. The product is resistant to alkalis, engine oil and other automotive lubricants. Oracal 970 is produced in white, black and yellow.
8300 and 8510
Oracal 8300 and 8510 are available in 32 shades. The material is used to decorate shop windows and illuminated stained glass windows. The film is characterized by increased strength and changes color when several layers are applied.
6510 fluo
The semi-gloss surface material is illuminated at night through specialized processing. For this reason, the film is produced in a limited color palette. Oracal 6510 is available in just six shades. Like the previous one, this type of product is used for advertising purposes.
How to glue correctly
When pasting Oracal, a number of conditions must be met. At temperatures below 10 degrees, the material loses its original properties, and therefore is not suitable for use. If the film is glued at +30 or more, then the product becomes plastic, which complicates the application to the surface.
To achieve strong fixation of the material, the specified temperature regime must be maintained for at least a day.
Surface preparation
It is recommended to stick "Oracal" on flat and previously degreased surfaces without contamination.For this, the future workplace is washed with a soapy solution. Depending on the type of surface, the following procedures may be necessary:
- putty on irregularities and cracks;
- varnishing (for wood);
- primer (for rough surfaces);
- treatment with a solution of dishwashing detergent (for glass, metal and other smooth surfaces).
The described procedures help to achieve the strongest possible adhesion of the material to the surface.
Bonding
To glue "Oracal" you need to separate no more than 5-7 centimeters from the protective film and apply the material to the surface, smoothing all the irregularities with your hand. The last procedure should be performed, moving from the center to the edges. If bubbles form, these defects can be removed by piercing with a needle.
The rest of the material is glued according to the same scenario: first, 5-7 centimeters of the protective film are removed, then the sticker is leveled. If it becomes necessary to apply the product on an uneven surface with deep corners and grooves, then "Oracal" in these places must first be warmed up with a hair dryer. Under the influence of temperature, the material becomes more malleable.
Alignment
As shown, it is necessary to align from the center to the edge. It is necessary to smooth the material several times, eliminating, among other things, minor flaws. The degree of adhesion of the adhesive base to the surface depends on this.
Wet bonding method
This method is used less frequently. However, this method allows, if necessary, to correct the position of the material. Also, the wet method is recommended for those who have never worked with "Oracal" before.
Before gluing, it is necessary to treat the surface with a solution of dishwashing detergent and water.Then you need to remove all the protective film. Then Oracal can be applied to the surface. Finally, it is recommended to smooth the material well, eliminating all the water from the support. Then you need to dry the entire glued surface with a hair dryer.
Features of work in winter conditions
In winter, it is allowed to glue "Oracal", provided that the work is carried out in a warm room. This is not only due to the fact that the film base loses its original properties at low temperatures. The adhesive composition gains strength within three days after gluing.
How to properly remove the film
To remove "Oracal" from the surface, it is necessary to pull the film towards you, taking one edge. In the event of material breakage and the appearance of glue residue, the latter must be cleaned with acetone, gasoline, alcohol or another suitable solvent. If such contamination appears on surfaces that do not tolerate aggressive exposure, a soapy solution can be used to remove the stains.