In a previous post, we provided insights for fellow installers on seasonal graphics, material types, and installation tips. Some of our readers reached out, saying, “You mentioned Drytac SpotOn graphics materials but didn’t provide a detailed overview.” Our oversight—so we’re here to correct that!
Drytac SpotOn vinyl graphics is a highly regarded line of printable films, known for their ease of installation, repositionability, and innovative bubble-free technology. These materials are designed with user-friendly application in mind, making them ideal for both professional installers like us, the V. Creative Graphics team in the Greater Toronto Area, and non-professionals. SpotOn’s dot-pattern adhesive eliminates the need for specialized tools or expertise (although we recommend testing a small area before tackling a full project), allowing films to be applied effortlessly just perfect for a seasonal graphics. Here’s a more in-depth look into the Drytac SpotOn series, highlighting its key products, features, and our applications based on these materials. We also share installation tips we’ve gathered from our expertise, as well as potential challenges that you, our fellow vinyl graphics installers, may encounter during project installations.
Products
- SpotOn White – 100-micron (4-mil) monomeric PVC film, matte or gloss finish, sits on dot-pattern removable adhesive. It is a durable film, designed for indoor use, up to 12 months. Great for windows and seasonal graphics, wall decals (see our suggestions at this link), and retail displays. In addition, it’s eco-solvent, latex, and UV printing compatible.
- SpotOn Clear – similar type as SpotOn White but with a gloss clear finish. Film is for indoor use, up to 12 months, ideal for window displays, glass partitions, and overlay graphics.
- SpotOn SynPaper – 120-micron (4.7-mil) polypropylene film, matte finish, has dot-pattern removable adhesive and is designed for indoor use, up to 12 months. Film is applicable for posters, point-of-sale displays, and promotional graphics, UV printing compatible.
Why does our team like these films? The answer is simple: Drytac materials from this series have dot-pattern adhesive technology that enables easy, bubble-free installation by allowing air to escape through the dot-pattern adhesive. It simplifies the process, even for large-scale installations, to be done smoothly without requiring advanced tools or techniques. The repositionability of SpotOn films makes them a favorite for us, professional graphics installers, allowing quick adjustments during installation without causing surface damage or leaving adhesive residue.
SpotOn films are designed for temporary indoor use, making them ideal for retail displays, promotional events, and seasonal graphics. Their versatility provides our team with full flexibility to install and later remove or update graphics seamlessly. Additionally, the films are available in multiple finishes like matte and gloss, allowing our installers to meet specific client needs, whether it’s reducing glare or enhancing transparency for window displays. Last but not least, the series supports multiple printing technologies—eco-solvent, latex, and UV—ensuring high-quality, vibrant graphics that are both versatile and visually impactful.
As certified vinyl graphics installers at V. Creative Graphics, we’ve applied SpotOn films to window displays, which are easy to apply and remove. A special case was with SpotOn Clear, printed with white ink, offering a unique, see-through effect. Our projects for temporary installations in commercial spaces, including walls and murals, catered to customers needing installations for seasonal graphics changes and promotional rebranding. We’ve also completed projects for retail promotions and POP displays where fast installation and quick updates were essential.
Installation Tips
Before applying SpotOn films, our installers cleaned the surface thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt, or moisture. This is crucial for ensuring maximum adhesion, especially for large, high-impact graphics such as murals. Thereafter, they started the installation from the center and smoothed outward toward the edges, reducing the risk of wrinkles and ensuring a smooth finish. SpotOn films perform best when applied at room temperature. Fellow professional installers, you should avoid installing in extreme hot or cold conditions, as they may affect the film’s adhesion and pliability.
If misalignment occurs, SpotOn films can be peeled off (a huge technological advantage) and repositioned without damage—ideal for professional settings where precision is crucial.
So, a bit of a dive into our team’s installation experiences:
- Collaborative design process: Working closely with clients during the design phase allows us to preemptively address potential alignment issues by ensuring that the graphics are precisely measured and tailored to the specific dimensions of the installation surface.
- Advanced surface preparation techniques: We conduct thorough inspections of surfaces to identify any imperfections such as dents, cracks, or previous adhesive residues. Addressing these issues beforehand ensures a smooth and durable application.
- Utilizing industry-grade cleaning agents: We use microfiber cloths to ensure that surfaces are impeccably clean.
- Maintaining appropriate humidity levels: In the installation environment, this helps achieve optimal adhesion because high humidity can prolong drying times, while low humidity may cause the adhesive to set too quickly—so, fans could be the solution here.
- Precision tools: Our installers employ laser levels, measuring tapes, and alignment tools to ensure that graphics are applied accurately and symmetrically, especially in high-stakes commercial environments where visual precision is paramount. After applying the main graphic, we meticulously trim excess vinyl using sharp utility knives or plotter cutters.
Some problems may appear during installation. Despite the bubble-free technology, minor air bubbles can occasionally form. We use soft squeegees or hands to gently press out any trapped air, working from the center outward to maintain a smooth finish. In environments where temperature fluctuates, we adjust some techniques. For example, in cooler settings, we allow the film to acclimate to room temperature before application to prevent brittleness and ensure better adhesion. If a section of the graphic is misaligned, our installers carefully peel back the film, reposition it accurately, and press it down again. The repositionable adhesive allows for multiple adjustments without compromising the film’s integrity. A final inspection is a must after installation to ensure there are no imperfections, such as bubbles, wrinkles, or misalignments. Any minor issues are addressed immediately to uphold the highest quality standards.
Potential challenges
While SpotOn films work exceptionally well on smooth surfaces, textured or porous surfaces can pose adhesion challenges. Our team, as professional installers, addresses this by selecting appropriate surfaces or using surface primers to enhance adhesion where necessary. Indoor environments with fluctuating temperatures or humidity can affect film performance, so we mitigate these issues by scheduling installations during optimal weather conditions and using climate-controlled environments when possible. Intricate or highly detailed graphics require meticulous handling to prevent distortion. Our experienced installers use high-precision tools and techniques to maintain the integrity of complex designs during application. Large-scale or multiple installations within tight deadlines can be challenging. We streamline our workflow by dividing tasks and utilizing efficient installation methods to meet client deadlines without compromising quality.
The Drytac SpotOn series offers a practical, efficient solution for seasonal, short-term indoor graphics. At V. Creative Graphics, our professional installers in the Greater Toronto Area have chosen these materials for their ease of use, repositionability, and versatility across a wide range of applications, ensuring visually impressive results for retail, promotional, and commercial spaces. With our extensive installation experience, we enhance the effectiveness of SpotOn films, delivering seamless, high-quality applications that meet the dynamic needs of today’s businesses. By leveraging our team’s expertise and the advanced features of the SpotOn series, we make sure that each installation not only meets but exceeds our clients’ expectations, creating stunning visuals that engage audiences and elevate brand presence.