Wet-Installation vs Dry-Installation Vinyl Films

Wet Installation vs Dry Installation.

This question can be more complicated than it sounds because the installation method depends not only on the material type but also on the installer’s skill level.

Wet Installation of Graphics

This method cannot be used on vinyl films employing Air-Release or similar Easy-Apply adhesive technologies like wrap material.

Wet Installation of Graphics uses an application fluid like Water with Dish Detergent, Rapid-Tac, Rapid-Tac II, Sureglide, or similar, which is applied using a spray bottle to the graphic application surface and the adhesive side of the graphic (NOT THE BACKING PAPER).

This sprayed solution temporarily prevents the adhesive from sticking to the application surface immediately. It allows time during installation for the graphic to be moved by sliding or lifting the graphic and repositioning it before squeegeeing.

As the installer squeegees the graphic, the installation fluid is displaced, allowing the adhesive to re-activate and adhere the graphic to the surface, allowing a bubble-free installation.

After the graphic is squeegeed, the graphic must be left, with the application tape in place, until the application fluid has dissipated. If an attempt is made to remove the application tape too early. There is a possibility that the graphic will lift and may be damaged.

Advantages:

Slows the Process: Using application fluid and preventing immediate adhesion gives the installer time to work, especially as more fluid can be applied throughout the process.
Forgiveness: Using an application fluid allows for easier repositioning of the vinyl during the application, which can be particularly helpful for beginners.
Air Bubble Reduction: The liquid helps push out air bubbles as the vinyl is squeegeed onto the surface.

Disadvantages:

Longer Installation Times: The graphic needs time for the application fluid between the graphic and application surface to dry completely, which can delay the final adhesion and overall project completion.

Examples of Wet-Install Films are 3M 7125, Avery SC950, Oracal 751/951, and most graphics films that DO NOT employ Air-Release, Air-Egress, EZ-Apply, or similar adhesive technologies.

Note: Wet-installation graphics CAN be installed dry. However, installing these graphics dry leaves no room for error, and as soon as the graphic touches the application surface, the graphic will adhere. Installing these dry requires experience and confidence.

Dry Installation of Graphics

As the name suggests, means the graphics are installed dry without application fluid or anything to slow the installation process. The graphic film equipped with particular adhesive technologies such as those mentioned above assists the dry installation process. These adhesive technologies allow graphic adhesion control and don’t fully adhere to the application surface until squeegeed and heated. This special adhesive allows the graphic to be repositioned by lifting and moving the graphic.

After the graphic is squeegeed, the application tape can be removed, the graphic heated, and the installation is complete.

Advantages:

Faster Installation: The graphic adheres to the application surface as soon as it is squeegeed, which is perfect for speedy installations.
No Drying Time: As the graphics are installed dry without application fluid, drying time is not required.
Air Bubble Reduction: The special adhesives have air channels that allow air to escape when squeegeeing, giving a bubble-free installation.

Disadvantages:

Limited Adjustability: Once the vinyl adheres to the surface, repositioning it can be difficult. This limited adjustability can be especially problematic on large or complex surfaces where perfect alignment is crucial. Any attempt to peel and reapply can stretch or distort the vinyl.
Higher Cost: Wrap Materials equipped with air-release channels often cost more than wet-install materials. This higher cost can be a significant factor when budgeting for larger projects.

Examples of Dry-Install Vinyl Films include 3M 180mc, 3M 1080/2080, Oracal 751RA, Avery SW900, and equivalents.

Note: Dry-installation graphics CAN NOT be installed wet. We have seen a few YouTubers installing wrap material using the wet-install method. You should be aware that installing dry-install graphics using the wet-install method will, in most cases, invalidate any material warranties from the material manufacturer (3M, Avery, Oracal, etc.).

Not all Dry-Install Vinyl Films are Wrap Material.

Often, people confuse Dry-Install with Wrap Material. Although this is generally correct, it is not always true. For example, 3M 180mc (ControlTac) and Oracal 751RA are dry installation materials, but they are NOT usually considered wrap materials. These are Premium Cut Graphic Vinyl Films that employ Air-Release adhesive. Essentially, 3M 180mc is 3M 7125 with Air-Release, and Oracal 751RA is Oracal 751 with Air-Release.

Actual Wrap Films such as 3M 1080/2080, Avery SW900, and Oracal 970RA are used to color-change and wrap vehicles fully. Wrap vinyl films like these are thicker. They are thicker because the material can be stretched up to 150% and shrunk with heat so that the vinyl can be applied and adhere to deep recesses and compound curves. If this were attempted with non-wrap materials, the material would likely tear, become translucent, or worse.