--- title: Are Arlon adhesive vinyl products compatible with Lexan® (Polycarbonate) Substrates? description: Arlon self-adhesive vinyl products are compatible with polycarbonate --- [Skip to content](https://help.arlon.com/are-arlon-adhesive-vinyl-products-compatible-with-lexan-polycarbonate-substrates#main-content) Open main navigation Close main navigation - - [arlon.com](mailto:techservice@arlon.com) [arlon.com](mailto:techservice@arlon.com) HOW CAN WE HELP? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Arlon Help Center](https://help.arlon.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Printing & Production](https://help.arlon.com/printing-production?hsLang=en) # Are Arlon adhesive vinyl products compatible with Lexan® (Polycarbonate) Substrates? ## The short answer is: Yes. The longer answer is: Proper pre-drying of the substrate is required. Arlon self-adhesive vinyl products are compatible with polycarbonate (Lexan®), acrylic, and modified acrylic substrates. However, when applying the film to polycarbonate, it is critical to allow the material to pre-dry before installation. In the sign and graphics industry, "outgassing" is often used as a **generic term** for any trapped gas, moisture, or volatiles that cause bubbles under vinyl. When installers say: "Let the polycarbonate outgas" they often mean: They are not necessarily referring to VOC emission in the scientific sense. SABIC provides a comprehensive **LEXAN™ Sheet Processing Guide** that recommends pre-drying polycarbonate sheets in an oven at approximately **120°C (250°F)**. The recommended drying time varies depending on the sheet thickness to ensure that absorbed moisture is removed prior to processing. [Lexan Sheet](https://cdn.myvink.be/ea/e4/17115/sabic_20191205_processing-guide-lexan-sheet.pdf) ![](https://help.arlon.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-17-2026-08-24-22-2529-PM.png?width=398&height=342&name=undefined-Aug-17-2026-08-24-22-2529-PM.png) According to Plaskolite, pre-drying polycarbonate sheets for a minimum of one hour at **250°F (121°C)**, referred to as "flash drying," promotes a dry surface that is conducive to good film adhesion. This process allows absorbed moisture within the polycarbonate to evaporate before the application of pressure-sensitive film. \[[plaskolite](https://plaskolite.com/docs/default-source/tec/tec115_tuf_outgassing.pdf) \] If the sheet is not properly pre-dried, moisture can become trapped beneath the film and may lead to bubble formation after installation, particularly when the graphic is exposed to direct sunlight or elevated temperatures. [\[sabic.com\]](https://www.sabic.com/en/products/polymers/polycarbonate-pc/lexan-resin) Because polycarbonate is hygroscopic and can reabsorb moisture from the surrounding environment, proper sign-face construction is also important. Drain holes or breather vents can help moisture escape, while maintaining an air gap between the polycarbonate and the backing surface promotes ventilation and reduces moisture accumulation. Applying the film shortly after the sheet has cooled can further minimize the risk of moisture-related adhesion issues. Tech Solution Group August, 2026 - [General Information](https://help.arlon.com/general-information?hsLang=en) - [Product Specification](https://help.arlon.com/product-specification?hsLang=en) - [Printing & Production](https://help.arlon.com/printing-production?hsLang=en) - [Application](https://help.arlon.com/application?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Architectural](https://help.arlon.com/application?hsLang=en#architectural) - [Fleet & Commercial Vehicles](https://help.arlon.com/application?hsLang=en#fleet-commercial-vehicles) - [General Signage](https://help.arlon.com/application?hsLang=en#general-signage) - [Marine & Aircraft](https://help.arlon.com/application?hsLang=en#marine-aircraft) - [Maintenance & Removal](https://help.arlon.com/maintenance-removal?hsLang=en) - [Troubleshooting](https://help.arlon.com/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Before Application](https://help.arlon.com/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#before-application) - [Regulation & Compliance](https://help.arlon.com/regulation-compliance?hsLang=en) - [Training & Certification](https://help.arlon.com/training-certification?hsLang=en) [![Chill listening crop-3](https://help.arlon.com/hubfs/Arlon%20ANZ%20LP%20Images/arlon-logo.svg "Chill listening crop-3")](https://www.arlon.com) Copyright © 2026, Arlon Graphics