What is Convex™?
Convex is a soft pliable vinyl we formulated for use on surfaces that have rounded or complex curves. Convex vinyl comes with application-specific thicknesses and adhesives.
How Convex™ Works
There are many soft vinyls such as static cling and other thick vinyl products that we use in everyday life such as shower curtains or vinyl canopies on watercraft, etc. Some of these products are softer than others because of the additives in the product.
Our adhesives are custom formulated to work together with the soft Convex vinyl.
When the vinyl and adhesives are not formulated to work together, additives from the vinyl can migrate into the adhesive or chemicals in the adhesives can migrate into the vinyl.
This will cause the adhesive weaken and release over time, and in many cases it will cause the vinyl to shrink so much that it leaves a ring of exposed adhesive around the decal. And of course exposed adhesive becomes unsightly when it collects dirt.
By now you probably understand that to make a high-quality, thick decal, the components (vinyl and adhesives) have to be compatible. The amount of adhesive also makes a difference.
Convex will:
- Stick to enamel painted surfaces, glass, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, vinyl and ABS plastics.
- Hold up well against abuse*
- Maintain flexibility even in thick decals
- Have high-performance clear permanent pressure sensitive adhesives
- Have a gloss or matte finish
- Work with wide-format inkjet and thermal transfer printers
- When removed within a year, leave little or no adhesive residue**
* with Convex Laminates
** with Convex GearWrap adhesive |
More adhesive is not necessarily better.
Adding heavy adhesives (3+ mils) to soft vinyl should only be used on very rough surfaces such as concrete.
Helmets and smooth or lightly textured surfaces only need 1 or 2 mils of adhesive. It’s like building a house on sand. The more sand, the weaker the foundation. The more adhesive, the weaker or more slippery the bond will be.
Limitations of Vinyl
Convex base vinyl and laminates are formulated with the right amount of clear chemical resistant adhesives so that your decals have minimal shrinking and last for a long time.
Convex is not “shrink wrap”, but it does conform well to rounded surfaces because it has less “memory” than other vinyl.
So when you apply it to a helmet for instance, and rub it from the center out, you should be able to rub out the “air tunnels,” which is squeezing or condensing the vinyl. With that said, everything has it’s limits, and a strategic cut into the design may help with the application.
If any of the edges of your decal pop back up after application, there are generally two reasons: Either the area where it is popping up is contaminated with something such as grease from the applier’s fingers, or you are trying to force too much condensing of the vinyl and something has to give.
Oversized decals such as a 10” x 10” on a helmet may display such symptoms. That’s where the strategic cut may be needed to relieve the pressure on the vinyl.
Is thicker better?
That depends on the application. Harder laminates can last longer, but scratching is more evident. Convex laminate is softer and more pliable, Pro-Shield laminate is harder and less pliable.
All Convex and Pro-Shield laminates are formulated to work with Convex base films. So if you know your intended application well, you should be able to find the right combination. Or you can always call us for our recommendation.
Our goal is to provide you the best products and technical support. When you call us, you can reach someone directly who completely understands our products and can give you the advice or support you need.
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