V-MARK™ Reflective Material – Vehicle Conspicuity Markings #RT-UG31008 is a durable enclosed lens retroreflective tape with a peel-off backing and permanent adhesive. This tape is ideal for hazard warning barriers, road-end reflective barricades, and any equipment requiring high visibility warning. This reflective tape bounces back light from headlights, torches etc. to provide a highly visual hazard marking. And helps to enhance visibility in nighttime or low-light conditions when illuminated by a light source such as headlights.

RT-UG310018 is made strictly according to ASTM D4956, and similar standards.

Item No. - RT-UG310018

RT-UG -  Utility Grade Retro-Reflective Brightness

3100 - Approved ASTM D4956 Type I (U.S.A)

18 - 7" White + 11" Red in Continuous Alternating Pattern

ADHESION (ASTM D4956) 

• Test Method: 90°C Hanging Weight

• FMVSS 108 Requirements: < 2 Inch (55 mm) Movement   Shrinkage (ASTM D4956)

• Test Method: 9x9 Inch Panel

• FMVSS 108 Requirements: < 1/8 Inch change on

FLEXIBILITY

• Test Method: Wrap around a 1/8” mandrel @ 32°F (0°C)

• FMVSS 108 Requirements: No Cracking Impact Resistance                 

• Test Method: 100 In-Lb, 5/8 Inch Tip

• FMVSS 108 Requirements: No Damage Outside Impact

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE

• Test Method: (SAE J1967)              

• Test Result: Not Affected by toluene, #2 diesel fuel, gasoline (Leaded) Kerosene, TSP Detergent, Xylene, Dilute Metal Brighteners

CORROSION RESISTANCE 

• Test Method: (ASTM B-117 Salt Spray)

• Test Result: No Effect 1000 Hours

• Minimum Application Temp. :  60°F (150°C)

HIGH PRESSURE WASH

• Test Method: 45° Angle, 1200 psi, 8 Inch Away

• Test Result: No Peeling Off

The values in Table A and B are minimum coefficients of retroreflection expressed in candelas per lux per square meter (cd/lux/m2).

Coefficients of Retro reflection (Required by North American Market)

Conformance to coefficient of retro reflection requirements shall be determined by instrumental method in accordance with ASTM E-810 “Test Method for Coefficient of Retroreflection of Retroreflective Sheeting”.

Table A - Coefficient of Retroreflection R_A for new reflective sheeting (cd/lux/m2) per ASTM D4956 Type I

Coefficients of Retro reflection (Required by European Market)

Measured in accordance with the procedure specified in CIE 54.2, using CIE standard illuminant A, the minimum initial coefficient of retroreflection R_A (cd/lux/m2) of retroreflective material, shall meet or exceed the values in Table B.

Table B - Coefficient of retroreflection R_A Class RA1 per EN 12899-1: 2007

While use V-MARK™ Reflective Material – Vehicle Conspicuity Markings enhances visibility, no reflective material can guarantee absolute visibility, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Performance will vary depending upon actual use, exposure conditions and maintenance. Users should test reflective material to satisfy conformance to their own requirements.

Daytime Color (x,y,Y)

The chromaticity coordinates and total luminance factor of the Vehicle Conspicuity Markings conform to Table A Daytime Color Specifications Limit (see Note 1).

Color Test – Ordinary Colored Sheeting Conformance to standard chromaticity (x, y) and luminance factor (Y %) requirements shall be determined by instrumental method in accordance with ASTM E 1164 on sheeting applied to smooth aluminum test panels.

The values shall be determined on a spectrophotometer.

Computations shall be done for CIE Illuminant D65 and the 2° standard observer (see Note 2)

Table C

Note 1 : The four pairs of chromaticity coordinates determine the acceptable color in terms of the CIE 1931 Standard Colormetric System. 

Note 2 : The instrumentally determined color values of retroreflective sheeting can vary significantly depending on the make and model of colorimetric spectrophotometer as well as the color and retro reflective optics of the sheeting.

Tools Required 

• Clean cloths 

• Craft knife 

• Squeegee covered with a clean cloth to avoid scratching the material 

• Old vehicles only: Abrasive pad 

• Solvent Cleaner: Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) 

V-MARK™ Reflective Material – Vehicle Conspicuity Markings can be applied to new and used trucks and trailers with painted rigid sides, as well as  unpainted surfaces e.g. stainless steel 

Application temperature 

• To ensure proper adhesion between the tape and the cleaned substrate, bonding materials must be applied when both the substrate and tape temperature is between 15° C and 38° C. The temperature needs to be consistent for at least one hour after application.

• It is recommended that vehicle conspicuity markings are stored at temperatures between 18° C and 28° C. 

Where to apply 

• Use the guidelines provided in Regulations ( such as: ECE 104, DOT FMVSS 108 ) to ensure that the markings (tapes) is in general positioned correctly on the vehicle. 

• The user is responsible for determining whether the V-MARK™ product is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for the user’s application.

• Users are urged to carefully evaluate substrates for material adhesion and compatibility.

Listed below are guidelines for selected substrates. Material failures caused by the substrate or improper surface preparations are not the responsibility of manufacturer or its distributors.

Two-part polyurethane paints 

• Two-part polyurethane paints must be cured before applying V-MARK™ markings (tape). If the paint is not properly cured, outgassing will cause bubbles to form under the applied material and the adhesive will not adhere adequately. 

• V-MARK™ recommends testing for outgassing prior to applying vehicle conspicuity markings (tape). 

• For drying times, paint manufacturers’ guidelines are to be followed in all instances. While most paints are usually touch-dry within a few hours, dependent upon the primer, paint mixture and thickness, proper curing may make significantly longer, up to one week.  

GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastics) and/or gelcoated surfaces 

• Similar guidelines to the above will apply for composite materials such as GRP substrates and/or gelcoated surfaces, in that the substrate must be properly and fully cured before applying, otherwise outgassing may result. 

Outgassing Plastics 

• Polycarbonates, Polyprenes and other plastics can interact with the environment absorbing or outgassing moisture, or outgassing processing aids and solvent carriers for additives, which might cause the formation of bubbles on the film. Preliminary tests are essential to ensure that no adverse effects arise from this interaction. 

Stainless Steel 

• The same application guidelines and warranty as the standard product apply. 

Surface cleaning 

• The purpose of cleaning the substrate is to remove any dirt or contamination.

• It is very important that the surface is free of dust and grease, and ideally the surface should be smooth.

• Use a clean cloth with isopropyl alcohol to wipe the surface in one direction only to avoid spreading contamination. With a dry clean cloth wipe away the cleaner before evaporation.

• Repeat this process until the surface is clean, i.e. when there is no visual dirt or contamination transfer onto the cloth. Ensure the surface is dry and the isopropyl alcohol has completely evaporated before commencing application. 

Used Vehicles 

Survey the vehicle for suitability of application. Avoid application of the tape over holes, rivets, rust and flaking paint. The tape should be applied to a flat, clean, uniform surface. 

An additional step is required for used vehicles: After completing the above cleaning process, lightly abrade the area with an abrasive pad to remove dirt residue without scratching the paint work. Afterwards clean again with isopropyl alcohol and a clean cloth. 

Upon inspection of the application there should be no visual air bubbles. If air bubbles occur, use a pin to puncture the bubble and a squeegee to push the air towards the pin hole. 

If the liner needs to be quickly removed, the following tip might help: 

Concave surfaces and contours

Bi-directionally bent surfaces: 

• The film should not be applied to surfaces bending in two directions. 

• If the surface is slightly concave in one direction only (e.g. tanker sides), make sure that the squeegee is bending in such a way as to provide the correct contact and enough pressure between the film and the substrate. 

Doors with contours: 

• When applying vehicle conspicuity markings on sides or doors with contours, ensure that the markings (tape) is applied without tension, especially on the areas where the surface bends (see drawings). 

Application to Corners / Edges 

• Thev ehicle conspicuity markings should not be applied around corners or edges. Instead it should be cut back 6 mm (1/4”) from the edge. 

Application on panels 

• When applying vehicle conspicuity markings on doors or sides with panels which might move and / or expand during use

• It is recommended that the tape is cut and applied as separate pieces on the panels. 

Application of reflective sheeting over vinyl 

• V-MARK™ does not recommend applying vehicle conspicuity markings over vinyl sheeting.

• This practice violates the warranty. 

Heat application 

• Do not use any source of heat when applying vehicle conspicuity markings

Removal 

• When the need arises to remove vehicle conspicuity markings from the vehicle, keep the angle of removal perpendicular (90°) to the surface and pull at a moderate speed.

• A heat gun may be used to gently warm the adhesive and make it less aggressive.

• Be careful not to leave the heat source in one spot for too long, as it could melt the adhesive causing it to release from the sheeting, or worse, damage the painted finish below.

• Leftover adhesive residue may be removed with clean-up solvents and adhesive removers. Before use, always review the manufacturer’s MSDS and test the surface in an inconspicuous area for compatibility. 

V-MARK™ Reflective Material – High Intensity Grade Vehicle Conspicuity Markings will provide maximum durability when:

• Recommended procedures are followed.

• Marking is applied to vertical surfaces.

Actual durability will be based on actual customer use, field testing, exterior exposed testing and artificial weathering testing.

Durability can be reduced if recommended techniques are not followed:

• Failure to cut markings around rivets, seams and body are panels.

• Improper use of high pressure cleaning.

• Spillage of chemicals or solvents.

• Improper application or surface preparation.

Storage

• Cool, dry area out of direct sunlight.

• Temperature 65-82°F (18-28°C) humidity 30-50%.

• Store rolls horizontally, in carton or in original packaging.

Shelf Life

• Apply V-MARK™ Reflective Material – Vehicle Conspicuity Markings within two years of receipt of material.

Routine washing is recommended for maximum performance. The following cleaning methods are recommended.

• Wash with sponge, cloth or soft brush using water and detergent.

• Automatic truck/car wash or standard high-pressure hand spray:

Maximum pressure-1200 PSI/ 80 bar.

Maximum water/wash solution temperature- 140°F/ 60°C.

Minimum of 12 inches/ 30cm distance of cleaning jet(s) from markings.

• Cleaning wand or jets to be at no greater angle than 45 degrees from perpendicular to the marking surface.

When using metal brighteners, follow manufacturer’s recommendations for dilution.

When using cleaners/degreasers, make sure the product is suitable for vehicles and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for dilution. Thoroughly rinse after soaking vehicle. Prolonged exposure to cleaners/degreasers can in some circumstances affect the material negatively. Prolonged exposure in combination with sunlight can reinforce cleaners/degreasers negative effect. 

Do not use solvents to clean the film, as they can adversely affect the product. If soap or detergent does not sufficiently clean the markings, vehicle conspicuity markings ( tapes ) can be gently rubbed with a cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol to remove the stains. 

Important:

• The suitability of the intended care process must be determined by the end user.