Types of squeegees used in the printing industry
What types of tools and accessories are used in the printing industry?
In the printing industry, various tools and accessories are used for finishing printed materials. Some of the most important and essential ones, if you want to be an excellent printing professional, are:
- Printing and cutting equipment: such as printers or cutting plotters, for example.
- Handling and transport equipment: such as coil carriers, coil lifters and gloves, amongst others.
- Tools for applying vinyl: these include spatulas and their various types, such as plastic spatulas and felt spatulas.
- Cutting tools: such as cutting plotters, precision cutters, rulers and corner rounders, amongst others.
- General-purpose tools for signmakers: in this case, we are referring to tools that are not specific to the printing industry, such as DIY tools, rollers, scissors or tweezers.
- Tools for finishing banners: such as eyelet machines, automatic systems for cutting and fitting eyelets on banners, as well as welding machines and laminators.
- Storage accessories: examples include coil storage racks, as well as tool holders, which are also well known and typical of the sector.
Types of squeegees used in vinyl signage
There are various types of spatulas and scrapers used in vinyl signage. Some of the most important ones are:
Plastic spatulas
Plastic spatulas for everyday use are designed to help secure the adhesive vinyl to the surface being worked on.
At PLASTGrommet, our spatulas are made from high-quality materials such as polypropylene and offer excellent glide. Their features include four rounded corners to prevent damage, and we also offer them in different levels of hardness.
Spatulas are used for all kinds of pressure-sensitive applications, such as film, signage and vinyl, amongst other materials.
At PLASTGrommet, we stock a range of plastic spatulas, with the Gold Super-Flex model standing out thanks to its dual advantages: flexibility and durability, ensuring it retains its shape for longer. Its versatility makes it ideal for a wide range of applications.
GOLD SUPER-FLEX 10 cm PLASTGrommet Spatula
Felt spatulas
This is a spatula with one edge covered in a layer of felt, which allows the material being worked on to be handled gently and delicately; at the same time, thanks to the type of material used, it adapts perfectly to uneven surfaces.
Es una de las espátulas industriales más empleadas para grandes superficies, así como para reducir los daños en los vinilos o rótulos. Es ideal para cualquier tipo de película o vinilo que realice una envoltura sobre la superficie, principalmente para soportes lisos.
It is the perfect solution for car wrapping, a technique in which vinyl films are applied to cars and windows.
Red spatula with felt, 15 cm, PLASTGrommet
Microfibre spatulas
These are also industrial spatulas, which offer a dual advantage as they combine the features of the two models mentioned above. On the one hand, they allow strong pressure to be applied to the material being worked on, and on the other, they handle the material gently and are capable of adapting to any work surfaces with irregular contours.
At PLASTGrommet, our most widely used squeegee for car wrapping applications is the Marathon model, which is made with a double layer of very high-quality microfibre, providing all the softness needed to prevent scratches on the surface. We also stock the Marathon Flex squeegee, which offers the same high-quality features as the Marathon model but with greater flexibility. This means you can choose whichever microfibre squeegee best suits your needs.
Una de sus ventajas es que puede usarse húmeda o seca, lo que permite una gran versatilidad de trabajo seguro y fácil. Las aplicaciones húmedas hacen que la microfibra deslice con más suavidad.
La calidad y suavidad de los materiales de fabricación la hacen perfecta para vinilos de alta calidad y siguen las recomendaciones de las empresas líderes en el sector, fabricantes y distribuidores de materiales gráficos, etiquetados y materiales de embalaje.
Espátula húmeda Marathon FLEX 10-15 cm
Diferentes técnicas de impresión de vinilos: ¿qué espátulas se utilizan para su aplicación?
Hoy en día existen diferentes técnicas de impresión de vinilos empleadas en el sector de las artes gráficas. A continuación, os vamos a explicar las más populares y las que mejor acogida tienen entre los clientes.
Cut vinyl
Cut vinyl is one of the most popular techniques when it comes to applying vinyl for decorating spaces or even onto clothing. This printing technique requires a design that is first mapped out by a computer.
It should be noted that this type of printing allows for the use of various types of vinyl in different colours, as well as all kinds of textures. It also offers a wide range of customisation options and designs. To apply it, you will need to use plastic and composite squeegees, as well as anti-bubble tools.
Printed vinyl
Printed vinyl consists of a self-adhesive film suitable for a range of uses; like cut vinyl, it is also highly recommended for printing on fabric. However, it differs significantly from cut vinyl in that it has a white backing and is applied by printing onto the desired surface. That said, this printing technique produces a lower-quality finish, as it is precisely that transparent layer which remains around the printed design. It can be applied in sections, so precision is key during installation. Depending on the thickness of the vinyl, it is advisable to use plastic or felt squeegees to smooth out any unevenness.
What are repositionable vinyl stickers used for?
As the name suggests, ‘repositionable’ refers to a type of material that can be stuck on and removed without leaving any adhesive residue.
Nowadays, repositionable adhesive vinyl offers a wide range of uses; in fact, it has become a highly sought-after decorative item amongst consumers, as, regardless of individual tastes and stylistic preferences, repositionable vinyl comes in a wide variety of designs and sizes.
Nowadays, repositionable adhesive vinyl offers a wide range of uses; in fact, it has become a highly sought-after decorative item amongst consumers, as, regardless of individual tastes and stylistic preferences, repositionable vinyl comes in a wide variety of designs and sizes.
‘Discover our tool kits, containing all the essential tools for signage’
Seasonal decorations
This is one of the most popular options that really appeals to people, involving the use of vinyl decals featuring designs specific to a particular celebration. Christmas is by far the most popular, but there are also many other celebrations that lend themselves to using elements that reflect a themed décor, such as Halloween, Easter and Carnival, amongst others.
Temporary decoration
In this case, decorative repositionable vinyl stickers allow you to create personalised designs so that you feel completely at home and your décor matches your personal style even before you buy a property. Best of all, when removed with a scraper, they leave no residue and do not get damaged, meaning they can be reused elsewhere.
Advertising and commerce
Another use for repositionable vinyl stickers – one that has become increasingly widespread in recent times, thanks to both their versatility and ease of use – is in the advertising and retail sectors.
Many businesses use vinyl graphics in their shop windows and signage, and even for promotions and specific campaigns. Their wide range of design options, ease of application and removal using just a scraper, and their versatility make them the go-to choice when it comes to conveying a message visually in a physical space.
In conclusion, to produce professional-quality digital prints, it is not only necessary to have good graphic design work; it is also essential to have high-quality tools and spatulas to avoid mistakes during the application and finishing stages.