Vinyl in a Heat Wave: How to Keep Your Cool When the Weather's Hot and Humid

February 15, 2023

Summer is here, and with it comes the scorching temperatures and muggy weather. While it's a great time to hit the beach and soak up some sun, the heat and humidity can make cutting, weeding, and applying adhesive vinyl a bit more challenging. So, if you're a vinyl enthusiast, it's essential to know how to work with the weather to create fantastic projects. Here are some tips on how to do just that!

Cutting Vinyl in Warm and Humid Conditions

First up, let's talk about cutting. When it's warm and humid outside, the backing paper on your vinyl can absorb moisture, causing it to warp or curl. This can make it challenging to cut your vinyl cleanly and accurately. One way to combat this is to reduce the pressure settings on your machine to compensate for the extra thickness of the backing paper. You may also want to try cutting at a slower speed to ensure a clean cut.

Weeding Vinyl in Steamy Conditions

Next, let's talk about weeding. Weeding vinyl can be a bit trickier in hot and sticky weather. The extra moisture in the air can cause the vinyl to stick to the backing paper more than usual, making it harder to weed out the excess vinyl. Here are some tips to help you tackle weeding in warm and humid conditions:

1. Adjust your pressure settings - As we mentioned in the previous paragraph, adjusting your pressure settings can help to compensate for the extra thickness of the backing paper that may have absorbed humidity. Experiment with different settings until you find the one that works best for you.

2. Chill your vinyl - This may sound a bit counterintuitive, but chilling your vinyl before weeding can also help to firm it up and make it easier to work with. Simply put your vinyl in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes before weeding. 

3. Work in a cooler area - If possible, try to work in a cooler area with lower humidity. This can help to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and make weeding easier.

4. Use a weeding tool - Finally, using a weeding tool can help you to weed out the excess vinyl more precisely. You can use a variety of tools, from simple tweezers to more advanced tools designed specifically for weeding vinyl.

Applying Vinyl in Humid Conditions

Lastly, let's talk about applying vinyl. The high temperatures and humidity can make it more challenging to apply vinyl, as the surface you're applying it to can become more slippery. Additionally, the extra moisture in the air can cause your vinyl to take longer to cure and adhere properly. To combat this, try applying your vinyl in a cooler area with lower humidity or if applying outside, try for earlier in the day before the heat kicks in. You can also try alternative application methods such as the wet transfer method. 

While the warm and humid weather can make working with vinyl a bit more challenging, there are plenty of tips and tricks you can use to make the process easier. By adjusting your pressure settings, using heat or cold, and working in a cooler area, you can create fantastic vinyl projects even in the hottest and most humid of conditions.

So, put on your favourite summer tunes, pour yourself a cold drink, and get to crafting

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