As the title suggests, I'm looking for sources (preferably North American) for clear slightly sticky film such as what you find on new TV screens, etc. I'd like to adhere it to my projects before doing final routing to protect the finish. It must be stronger than plastic food wrap and with am adhesive that doesn't leave residue.
Any ideas?
thanks in advance
David
Any ideas?
thanks in advance
David
You could use vinyl wrap material used on car bodies. It can be peeled off after applying it, but I dont know how strong the adhesive is.
It is a low strength tacky film that is used as a transit packing, like you said.
It is usually sold in large rolls direct to factories, by plants using roll coaters to spread the adhesive on base film.
Getting a small qualntity will need finding...the rolls are usually more than 1000 meters long, and start at 1 meter width, and up to 6 meters...
The alternate is to find a spray or liquid form of the adhesive, or use wide (2+ inches) pieces of masking tape, that should work.
Basically you want a tape / film that stays in place during routing, and comes off when you want to remove it.
My advice is to buy a roll of wide masking tape made by a reputed company, and try it on a scrap piece, then work on the job after you are satisfied.
It is usually sold in large rolls direct to factories, by plants using roll coaters to spread the adhesive on base film.
Getting a small qualntity will need finding...the rolls are usually more than 1000 meters long, and start at 1 meter width, and up to 6 meters...
The alternate is to find a spray or liquid form of the adhesive, or use wide (2+ inches) pieces of masking tape, that should work.
Basically you want a tape / film that stays in place during routing, and comes off when you want to remove it.
My advice is to buy a roll of wide masking tape made by a reputed company, and try it on a scrap piece, then work on the job after you are satisfied.
Can't be too strong; a neighbor covered his old RX7 Turbo with huge pieces of it to sub for an expensive paint job awhile back and apparently got bored with it and peeled it off the last really warm day we had like it was Saran Wrap and from across the street, looking about as thick! He's a big dude, but had his hands full keeping it from folding on itself even in basically just a heat wave of a breeze.
What surprised me most was how transparent it was, almost colorless as he held it up, but applied to his beat up/stained, faded, white paint job it became a brilliant Ferrari Red that looked quite 'rich'/deep to boot once applied, smoothed out.
What surprised me most was how transparent it was, almost colorless as he held it up, but applied to his beat up/stained, faded, white paint job it became a brilliant Ferrari Red that looked quite 'rich'/deep to boot once applied, smoothed out.
So... 1000m might possibly be too much😉 Window foil is worth looking into, if I can find some clear-ish material and I know a guy with an auto detail shop. He just wrapped a whole Lambo, interesting transformation but didn't do anything for me. I'll check with him about some lighter material as the stuff he uses is quite thick 3M product.
Actually, 3M is one of the companies which make a huge variety of adhesives, there is almost too much choice there...!
Henkel / Loctite are also big, there are Japanese, Korean and Chinese makers as well.
No ties to any of the above named...
Instead of spending hours on the net, just go to the nearby shops, see what is available, and do a net search, this problem may have been already solved in other places, like wood working forums.
There are weak adhesives being used in printing and packaging, for example aluminum sections are coated with this to prevent transit damage.
Problem is to find a stronger film that will peel off without residue, or try one whose adhesive comes off with alcohol (sticking plaster), or thinner...those may withstand the forces seen in routers.
And come off cleanly after you are done.
Henkel / Loctite are also big, there are Japanese, Korean and Chinese makers as well.
No ties to any of the above named...
Instead of spending hours on the net, just go to the nearby shops, see what is available, and do a net search, this problem may have been already solved in other places, like wood working forums.
There are weak adhesives being used in printing and packaging, for example aluminum sections are coated with this to prevent transit damage.
Problem is to find a stronger film that will peel off without residue, or try one whose adhesive comes off with alcohol (sticking plaster), or thinner...those may withstand the forces seen in routers.
And come off cleanly after you are done.
Not an answer to the original question but I use low tack masking / painters tape.
Rob.
https://www.toolstation.com/eurocel-premium-masking-tape/p20201
Rob.
https://www.toolstation.com/eurocel-premium-masking-tape/p20201
Essentially you're searching for a pressure sensitive adhesive based film with mild retention properties. There is the so called "clear bra" film some automotive manufacturers use to protect rocker panels from stone damage. It may be overkill for your needs.
I like the masking tape idea. It will probably be the cheapest solution, and probably the best. I have used 3M "blue" 3-inch wide masking tape for exactly this purpose. It prevented a hand-held circular saw from marking the surface of high-quality veneer plywood... in my case it was walnut veneer plywood.
I often use painters tape but I'm looking to cover larger areas such as a full size 3 way to route holes and preferably see through.
If you type in "protective plastic film" on Amazon you will find multiple examples of clear and colored films available. My favorite name is "ArmorDillo" film, but that is blue. No endorsement, just a chuckle.
I've used 6-inch-wide painter's tape from Amazon for similar purposes. Don't know if wider is out there somewhere easy.
Like the window film referenced earlier, there is also plain static cling vinyl that most sign shops can get. Depending on how much tack you really want, that may work for you also. The surface needs to be quite smooth for that to adhere though.
Masking tape does leave residue. Only use genuine 3M Scotch painter's tape. It comes in several widths.
https://www.amazon.com/Scotch-2090-...HWPf1X8pFjSF6lvurP2ILf6mE_iZ-6WRoC8V8QAvD_BwE
Not cheap in small quantities but I don't know what other sources might have. Also, may be a bit thin if the item is going to get too rough of handling.
https://www.uline.com/BL_6408/Glass-Protection-Tape
https://www.uline.com/BL_6408/Glass-Protection-Tape
Iso alcohol and paint thinner can be used to remove adhesive residue, with a small risk of staining the wood...a trial should be done.
And 3M has a bewildering variety of adhesive products, they also have competitors, and a look at the adhesive makers' websites will be informative.
They did have a product called Magic Tape, which was a translucent film, which did not leave a residue on some surfaces.
Try looking for removeable adhesive tape...
Please bear in mind that I have no ties to any above named businesses.
And 3M has a bewildering variety of adhesive products, they also have competitors, and a look at the adhesive makers' websites will be informative.
They did have a product called Magic Tape, which was a translucent film, which did not leave a residue on some surfaces.
Try looking for removeable adhesive tape...
Please bear in mind that I have no ties to any above named businesses.
Wow. Great find. I even deal with Uline nearly daily. I'll order some and try it.
So many great suggestions. Thanks guys!
David
blue painters tape.
change the bearing often.
inner is usually 3/16
no need to buy " router bearings"
is double seal with 3/16 inner
can also add aluminum tape on top of the blue.
change the bearing often.
inner is usually 3/16
no need to buy " router bearings"
is double seal with 3/16 inner
can also add aluminum tape on top of the blue.