Palram PALFOA - Manual (Page 11)

Fabrication Guide
10
Cold Laminating with a Vacuum Press
This method is suggested for small and medium-sized photo shops for mounting prints utilizing a spray adhesive.
1. Spray the adhesive on the back of the piece to be mounted, keeping the spray six to eight inches from the surface. If using a
double coat of adhesive, the second coat should be applied in a direction perpendicular to the first coat. For bonding most art
materials, the adhesive is typically applied only to one surface, usually the back of the print.
2. Allow the spray to dry two to four minutes before mounting so that the adhesive becomes tacky. If blisters occur from trapped
solvent, allow the adhesive to dry slightly longer than four minutes.
3. Position the print on the PALIGHT material and place inside the vacuum frame.
4. Apply vacuum for 10 minutes.
Hand Laminating using Transfer Adhesive
For small shops or display makers without access to presses, this method can be used for the lamination of flat, relatively small items
utilizing a transfer adhesive.
1. Using a sheet of transfer adhesive having both sides covered by release paper, peel away and fold back the release paper 1/2” inch
from one edge.
2. Place the edge of the print to be laminated on the exposed adhesive.
3. Remove the rest of the release paper while lifting the print slightly to avoid contact with the adhesive, then use a roller or a
squeegee to smooth the print evenly onto the adhesive.
4. With the print facing down and the remaining release paper facing up, smooth out any excess air from between the print and the
adhesive with a squeegee.
5. To laminate the print to the PALIGHT material, peel away and fold back the release paper 1/2” inch from one edge.
6. Placing the print evenly on the PALIGHT material, tack the exposed adhesive to the PALIGHT.
7. Gradually remove the liner while pressing closely with a hand roller or a squeegee to eliminate any air bubbles until the entire
print has been laminated.
Hand Laminating using Spray Adhesive
For small shops or display makers without access to equipment, this method is recommended for the lamination of flat, relatively
small items utilizing a spray adhesive.
1. Spray the adhesive on the back of the piece to be mounted, keeping the spray six to eight inches from the surface. If using a
double coat of adhesive, the second coat should be applied in a direction perpendicular to the first coat. For bonding most art
materials, the adhesive is typically applied only to one surface, preferably the back of the print.
2. Allow the spray to dry between two to four minutes before mounting so that the adhesive becomes tacky.
3. Place the adhesive side of the print or other item on the PALIGHT surface, pressing smoothly from the center of the piece to the
edges in order to eliminate any wrinkles and trapped air immediately.
4. Place a clean sheet of PALIGHT over the laminated piece to weigh it down. Although the bond should be at maximum strength
after fifteen minutes, allow 24 hours before exposing the piece to any sudden temperature or humidity changes.
Delaminating
A print mount can be delaminated within five minutes if a pressure sensitive adhesive, has been used. Although the print is usually
destroyed, the PALIGHT material can be reused. If five minutes have already passed, a hot air gun or a hair dryer can be used to heat
the material in order to peel off the lamination. Isopropyl alcohol or mineral spirits can be used to remove the remaining adhesive.
Chemical Resistance
The mechanism of chemical attack on thermoplastics in general, and PALRAM PVC sheets in particular, differs significantly from the
mechanism of corrosion of metals. Corrosion of metals results in a gradual loss of surface material as a result of electrolytic action by
the relevant chemicals. Chemical attack on PALRAM PVC sheet, where it occurs, consists generally of absorption of the chemical by the
PVC sheet and its subsequent swelling. The chemical resistance behavior of PALRAM PVC sheets is therefore simple to determine. The
chemical resistance is expressed in terms of weight change (usually an increase) and volume change.
The table that appears in the following pages lists the resistance of PALRAM PVC sheets to a number of commonly encountered
chemicals and other corrosive media at room temperature. (Information on chemical resistance at higher temperatures will be
supplied upon request.) Where the chemical resistance varies with concentration, the results of tests at different concentrations is
presented. The information listed is based on long-term laboratory tests and actual service installations.
For chemicals and corrosive media not listed in the list, please contact your PALRAM representative. He will place you in contact with
the PALRAM Technical Support Department.
It is important to note that PALRAM PVC sheets are generally not recommended for use with acetone, ketones, ethers, and aromatic
and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
The information on chemical resistance is based on our research and experience. It serves as a basis for recommendation.
PALRAM does not guarantee chemical resistance, unless specific tests are carried and separate documentation is supplied.