OFF THE WALL
with Ziggy & Son
"It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it."
--Joseph Joubert,
French Essayist
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FUNNY BUSINESS
 Have a laugh worth sharing? SUBMIT YOUR FUNNY and we may just add it to our next Newsletter!
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Right now there are multiple opportunities to create a tremendous cash stream. The question is, "Which companies will recognize the opportunities, respond to them, and thrive?"
Everyday the doom and gloom news media tells us all about how bad things are with the economy and no one is suggesting how we fix it. In every financial downturn in history there were also fortunes made.
This article is about one such opportunity currently presenting itself in the signage and trucking industries. I recognize the opportunity because it is near and dear to me.
----Dennis Lasik
What is it? Statistically, less then thirty years ago things were almost as bad as they are now because of the oil shortage. A while later, Savings and Loans failed across the country and billions were thrown at that problem trying to stop the bank failures from continuing. Those of us over 40 made it through both of these. When you have an artificial bubble and it breaks it means the end of a mini era but not the end of our world! Six or seven years ago it was telecommunications. A lot of very highly paid people had to find new jobs when that bubble broke and I had a great year because I was willing to remove graphics from the used vehicles going to market. Moving to our present day situation; it turns out that many large companies are buying fleets of used vehicles instead of new to remain competitive and get a better return on their investment. This year an estimated 35,000+ DHL trucks will have their graphics removed. I hear Best Buy trucks are already showing up and the list will most likely continue to grow nationally and surely regional offerings will become common place. So you don't like removing vinyl? Don't know how to price it? You're not alone. The maintenance and removal of vinyl graphics displayed and weathered on vehicles and stationary surfaces can be both difficult and costly to remove. It can also be easy and a real money maker! I hope to do a series of articles and will to try to clear up some of the myths and misconceptions about the wonderful medium of vinyl signage we work in. Some of it will be pointedly dry, but when you get through it perhaps a little more of the puzzle will be complete and you will have a better understanding of how to conquer the removal problems at hand. I will also try to keep you out of trouble when things don't go as well as the nearly perfect vinyl they presented when you quoted the job.
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Taking it all off
When it comes time to remove the "vinyl" follow guidelines that will result in a job that is cost-effective, clean, safe to use and "green". I can't stress enough SAFE TO USE! It is almost certain we all know at least one person in our industry affected by dangerous chemical exposure. Read the labels on products you use even occasionally. Take a look under your sink, or wherever you keep your household chemicals and read the labels. You may be surprised to learn it is up to us as individuals to protect ourselves and our loved ones. The people you would expect to be looking out for us couldn't even watch the peanut butter!
Over the years, safe to use VINYL-OFF has been used to remove vinyl from a variety of surfaces, under a variety of conditions. It has demonstrated its cost effectiveness relative to hand held open flame burners; electric and infrared heat sources; eraser-wheel device procedures; and popular aerosol treatments. At a cost of less than fifty cents per square foot for a fast, clean and "green" removal, VINYL-OFF is hard to beat. In terms of efficiency, customer's who use VINYL-OFF, as part of their removal process, complete the job in fewer hours (not minutes) versus other removal processes.
GREEN & EASY-TO-USE Products
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How can I remove IT
Fast - Clean - Cheap & Safely?
CrystalTek has safe formulations useful for many types of removal jobs being evaluated for commercial use. We're hoping to introduce these new products this year!
What can I remove?
- Skid/Slip Resistant Tapes
- Vinyl Floor Marking Tapes
- Non-Structural Adhesive (DIY Acrylics, PSA, Hotmelts)
- Structural Adhesive (Acrylic, Epoxy, Polyurethane)
Keep on the look out for new product and testing opportunities in the coming months!
More "About Us"
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Answers in "GREEN"
Our tech support team has over 38 years experience with graphics failure analysis, printed circuitry, fleet graphics, large format, removals, installs, and maintenance. We have 50+ years experience in working with various adhesives, coatings, sealants and finishes. Our extensive knowledge combination in these fields has allowed us to become experts in Green Chemistry, product innovation, and graphics care & removal products. We are a new breed of chemical compounder with a performance, health, and environmental focus unique in the marketplace.
Q: Does your Vinyl Off remover work when the vinyl has a 3 mill lamination on it? If not, do you have a product that works for vinyl that has been laminated?
A: Depends on what the lamination is. Vinyl lam over vinyl is no problem, except a little more time is needed to penetrate all the layers. Polyester lam over vinyl will probably require Reflective Vinyl Off. The shield products on the front of RV's and cars are thicker than 3 mils and Vinyl Off gets through but Reflective Vinyl Off will more than likely work better.
Q: I have a fiberglass race hood with a vinyl wrap on it. Will any of your products remove the wrap without damaging the fiberglass? If so, which vinyl remover do you suggest, the regular or Reflective?
A: Assuming the fiberglass is not sealed (gel coat) like on a truck or boat, then I recommend you try Ultra Adhesive Off. If there is a possibility for damage ... the Ultra Adhesive Off would be the least likely to cause damage. You can apply then walk away, then remove the vinyl when you see it wrinkle. If it is sealed like Gel Coat then you could use either Vinyl Off or Reflective Vinyl Off to get the job done.
Q: Do I need protective gear while using your products?
A: While our products are "safe" to the environment and people....they are still chemicals and therefore should be treated as such. Minor skin and/or breathing irritations could arise in users sensitive to the chemicals used in our products. We recommend taking precautions as you would with any other chemical ie. ventilated area, dust mask, nitrile gloves etc.
Have a question about our products, graphics care & removal, or other common issues? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION HERE and see it in our next Newsletter. Back to the top |
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Tools, Tips, & Tricks of the Trade
Did you know????
Applying CrystalTek Wrap Polish seals Gel Coats, including FRP, and prevents out gassing styrene making new vinyl graphics blister. Wipe on, wipe off and the now protected surfaces are ready for new material. Waiting is not necessary.
Wrap Polish applied to standing graphics returns depth and luster as well as provides up to one year UV protection. Also great for clear protective laminations, painted surfaces, marker lights, windshields, headlights and any non-porous signage.
CrystalTek's WRAP WASH and WRAP POLISH have been widely used to clean and protect "vinyl wrap" surfaces without contributing to "edge lift". These products owe their popularity to the fact they are designed to be used with vinyl graphics, "green", easy to apply and economical.
And if you are lucky enough for the customer to remember your name and call you for advice on how to take care of the expensive graphics you installed, don't forget two things; recommend products that can safely be used on graphics and offer to use them for a cost of only blank amount. Look, another revenue stream, and a customer that will come to you when new graphics are needed.
Have a useful tip or trick to share? TELL US HOW YOU DO IT!
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We love to hear from customers who've been helped by using CrystalTek Products.
"Vinyl Off works so ridiculously well, an 8 year old can use it."
"I recently ordered your Vinyl-off product to remove graphics from a 15 year old truck I purchased to convert into a rolling warehouse. You stated that your product works very well. I am writing to inform you that you are providing false advertising. You should be stating the facts, something like: " Our product works ridiculously well and an 8 year old can use it." You see, as I began using the product, I was actually laughing as the vinyl came off the truck. My 8 year old son came over to see what I was laughing at and we ended up having a race to see who could get a 10 digit phone number off first. He won because I had to operate the heat gun ( we did it when it was 50 degrees out. I just don't have any idea how to convey to you how impressed with your products I am. I have been telling everybody about it and, the "Ghost Off" I used to clean THE WHOLE truck! Incredible. Thank you for providing a product which far exceeds expectations, and feel free to have any prospective customers call or email me anytime for an unbiased opinion."
W. Burke Sinclair Sinclair Power & Electric 732-642-7441
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Circle of Success
CrystalTek is always open to the possibilities of new distributors in ANY market. Although we have put our main focus in the signage industry, our products are used by a variety of people from all over the world. We are currently interested in finding more distributors to supply automotive/trucking & marine/RV users.
CrystalTek Distributors |
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 | | CrystalTek "Green" Products for Vinyl Care and Removal |
Sincerely,
Chasity Clark 404-492-6661
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