What is the Best Workflow for New Media?

When you bring a new material into your shop, the goal is to get it off the printer and onto the substrate without any surprises. Even if you’ve been doing this for years, every film has its own "personality."

Following a consistent rhythm helps you avoid the common mistakes that lead to wasted rolls or middle-of-the-night install failures.

1. Confirm the Application

Is the media rated for your specific surface? A film designed for a flat indoor wall will behave very differently than one engineered for deep vehicle channels or low-energy plastics. Double-checking that you have the right "engine" for the job is the best insurance against failure.

2. Use the Correct ICC Profile

An ICC profile does more than just match colors; it manages your ink limits. If you use too much ink, it can "flood" the film, softening the adhesive and ruining the repositionable features of the vinyl. Using a tested profile keeps the chemistry of the ink and the film in balance.

3. Match the Laminate Family

To prevent curling or edge lifting, always pair your media with its matching laminate. If you are using a Cast film, use a Cast laminate. Mixing different material types creates internal tension because the layers expand and contract at different rates when the temperature changes.

4. Give it Time to Settle

The biggest mistake is rushing the "dry time." Whether you're waiting for solvents to outgas or for a Latex/UV print to reach room temperature, giving the roll a rest period before laminating protects the bond. This prevents the adhesive from becoming "mushy" or overly aggressive during the install.

5. Set the Memory with Post-Heat

On any curved surface or recessed channel, the job isn't truly finished until you "reset" the vinyl’s memory. Using a heat gun to reach the specified temperature (typically 200°F) locks the film into its new shape so it can't pull back or lift over time.