Sailboat application

Technical Services unwrapped Chuck's sailboats, applied SLX, and docked for 1 month

CONCLUSION

• The starboard side had 30+% adhesive residue while the port side was clean removing. Since the graphic used on both sides were the same, this can be attributed to the difference in sun exposure.
• To protect the graphics from weathering, use a boat cover if it will be sitting on a trailer for extended periods of time without being moved.
• The graphic removal techniques in vehicles to minimize adhesive residue apply to boats as well: Peel at an angle less than 90° at a slow and steady pace with the assistance of heat.

TEST RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS

Figure 1. The sailboat wrapped in DPF 6000XRP after at least 6 years
Figure 2. Overlaminate separates from the print media when removing the graphic on the port side and some of the ink transferred onto the laminate?s adhesive as well.

Figure 3. Difference in hue between exposed print (darker) and covered print (more vivid print color)
Figure 4. Capillary effect on both 1-inch strips of DPF 6000XRP (bottom) and IJ180 (top).
These 1 inch x 4 feet strips were applied under the boat (past below the water line) so that they were submerged when the boat is on the water. They were of comparable peel values when removed and did not show any signs of adhesion failure such as lifting or edge curl.
Figure 5. Minimal delamination on the port side
Figure 6. Delamination on the boat?s starboard side.
Figure 7. Ritchie removing the remaining reflective film strip.
Figure 8. The boat ready for wrapping after stripping off all the adhesive residue with SOTT Film Remover
Figure 9. The other sail boat with UPP Blue Aluminum ready for unwrapping
Figure 10. Unwrapped in 11 minutes. No delamination.

CONCLUSION

• There is no significant difference in installation performance between the graphics on the starboard side (Series 3270) and port side (Series 3220).
• The installation went quicker than expected. We we?re able to unwrap, prepare, and wrap both boats in one day.

TEST RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS

Figure 1. Applying knifeless tape prior to wrapping the boat

Figure 2. Ritchie and I setting up the starboard side?s graphic with SLX laminated with Series 3270

I highly recommend wrapping a boat with at least 2 installers?one holding the free end of the graphic keeping a slight horizontal (front-to-back) tension and the other removing the release liner. Split the liner into front and rear halves with a release liner knife. Remove the liner incrementally with the graphic as close to the surface as possible. This will minimize the risk of misalignment.

Figure 3. Evening out the tension by introducing vertical (top-to-bottom) tension

The horizontal tension may create horizontal tension lines. To even this out, pull perpendicular to the tension (vertical) to achieve a relatively flat profile before applying with a squeegee.

Figure 4. Wrapping the port side with SLX laminated with Series 3220

Figure 5. Finishing the graphic as it wraps around the bow.

It is important that the film overlaps the bow towards the other side by at least an inch. This is so that when the boat is sailing, the edge faces away from the water and minimize risk of lifting.

Figure 6. 1-inch strips applied at the bottom of the hull (past the water line) near the keel to test for water submersion resistance

Figure 7. First sailboat done.

Figure 8. Wrapping the starboard side of the smaller boat setup on sawhorses with the keel side up.

Figure 9. Ritchie using an IR heater to soften the film and wrap around the bow

Figure 10. Ritchie applying masking tape prior to applying edge sealer

Figure 11. Second sailboat done on the same day