The Challenges of Applying Vinyl Wall Graphics to Low VOC and No VOC Painted Surfaces

At Priority Architectural Graphics, our team is constantly on the lookout for timesaving and cost-saving solutions for our clients. One problematic area when it comes to scheduling delays is the application of vinyl wall graphics to low and no volatile organic compound (VOC) painted surfaces. Many of our clients are painting the walls at their facilities with low or no VOC paint in order to enjoy a healthier, more eco-friendly company home or office environment. These surfaces can create unexpected challenges when it comes to getting vinyl wall graphics to stick properly, which in turn, can result in project delays. The team at Priority Architectural Graphics often faces issues with these types of paints. Here is what we have learned and what you, as a client, need to know to ensure the most successful installation.

Why Low VOC and No VOC Paints Make Vinyl Applications Difficult

There are three primary issues when it comes to low/no VOC paints causing application issues:

• Slick, Smooth Surfaces

Low VOC and no VOC paints often dry to a very smooth, almost slick finish. Unlike traditional paints, which leave a slightly porous surface that vinyl adhesives can grip, the smoothness of low VOC paint makes it harder for the adhesive to bond to the wall. For vinyl graphics to stick well, they need those tiny pores and surface texture to “grab” onto. Without that, the vinyl can easily start peeling or bubbling over time, leading to a less-than-perfect final product.

• Longer Curing Times: “Off-gassing”

Even though many walls may feel dry to the touch a few hours after painting, low VOC and no VOC paints require significantly longer curing times before they’re ready for vinyl graphics. Curing means the paint has fully hardened and all solvents (even minimal ones in low VOC paints) have evaporated. For traditional paints, this process may take just a few days, but for low or no VOC paints, curing can take up to 30 days or more.  This is what our team at Priority Architectural Graphics has found to be a significant project scheduling challenge. Typical project schedules may not include sufficient time for this off-gassing process to occur. And applying vinyl too soon can result in the graphic not adhering properly, leading to costly rework. This is because the paint is still releasing compounds and hasn’t fully hardened, making it difficult for adhesives to stick.

• Adhesive Limitations

The adhesives used for vinyl wall graphics are typically formulated to work with traditional paints. However, low VOC paints contain fewer chemicals that interact with adhesives. This means that the adhesive might not form a strong enough bond, causing issues like peeling or lifting around the edges. Some adhesives are more prone to failure when faced with chemically resistant paints like low VOC options.

How to Overcome These Vinyl Application Challenges in Commercial Signage Installations

As a signage client or stakeholder, understanding these challenges can help ensure better planning and a smoother installation process. Here are four strategies we can all agree to implement in order to improve our chances of success when it comes to vinyl graphic applications:

• Allow for Sufficient Time for Full Paint Curing in Project Schedules

Patience is key. Planning is key.  While it’s tempting to want to install your vinyl graphics as soon as the paint feels dry, it’s essential to wait for the paint to fully cure/off-gas. For low VOC or no VOC paints, this can take up to 30 days, depending on the paint brand, the room temperature, and humidity levels. Rushing the process will only increase the likelihood of adhesion problems later on.  We work collaboratively with our partners to give us 30-45 days (ideally) in the CPM schedule to correctly accommodate for this off-gassing period.

• Prioritize Proper Surface Preparation

Even after the paint is fully cured, proper surface preparation is crucial. Dust, oils, and other surface contaminants can prevent vinyl from sticking properly. Wiping down the wall with a mild isopropyl alcohol solution can help remove any residues and improve adhesion.  Our installers are always directed to properly prepare such surfaces.

• Consider Using Specialty Adhesives for Low VOC Paints

We can research and offer high-tack vinyl adhesives that are designed for difficult surfaces, including low VOC and no VOC paints. These specialty adhesives provide stronger bonding power and are more likely to adhere well to smooth, chemically resistant surfaces. Make sure to discuss specialty adhesive options with our team.

• Build In Time to Test Before Committing

A small test patch is always a good idea before committing to a full signage installation. By applying a small section of vinyl to the low VOC/no VOC painted wall and allowing this to sit for a few days, we can determine whether the paint and adhesive are compatible. If the vinyl starts peeling or lifting, adjustments may be necessary, such as switching to a different adhesive or waiting longer for curing.

At the end of the day, choosing low VOC or no VOC paint is a great decision for everyone’s health and the environment. However, that decision does come with some trade-offs when it comes to the subsequent application of vinyl graphics. Understanding these challenges and following our recommendations as your signage experts will help ensure that your graphics installation is a success.

By better planning, being patient and prepared, our clients can enjoy the best of both worlds—a beautifully designed wall with vinyl graphics, and the benefits of a low-emission, eco-friendly paint job.