Transparent ID Card Overlays
Application Recommendations
Overlays can be applied manually without any special tools. The overlay is slightly smaller in size compared to the ID card to allow for some mis-alignment. However, it is an acquired skill to apply without trapping air bubbles, which can result in wasted overlays and wasted ID cards.
To minimize trapped air bubbles and reduce wasted materials, we recommend the use of "application fluid" and a rubber roller.
Some overlays are designed to be tamper evident construction, i.e. the hologram will self-destruct if removed after the initial application. If using tamper evident overlays, we strongly recommend the use of "application fluid" and a hand-held rubber roller (brayer). Using the procedure outlined below allows time for repositioning the overlay before it set in position and the tamper evident feature takes effect.
The following procedure assumes you use "application fluid" and a hand-held rubber roller.
1. Position the printed ID card on a flat surface in "landscape" configuration.
2. Lightly spray the "application fluid" over the printed ID card.
3. Remove an overlay from the film liner (backer); discard the film liner.
4. Using both hands, hold the overlay from each end allowing the middle of the overlay to be at the lowest position, which will be the first point of contact with the ID card.
5. Position the bottom edge of the overlay slightly above (1/16") the bottom edge of the ID card; the overlay should be placed in the middle of the card and then smoothed outward.
6. After applying the overlay, use the rubber roller to smooth out any trapped air bubbles. Start in the middle of the card and work out to both edges.
7. Using a soft, dry, clean cloth, wipe the finished card to remove any excess application fluid.
8. SUMMARY -- The application fluid and ruber roller make the affixing of overlays more fool-proof. However, after applying 25 to 50 overlays, an experienced person may develop the manual techniques to flawlessly apply overlays without the need for these tools.
Application Tools
| Application Fluid (4 oz bottle) Code: AF4 |
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$15.00 / bottle |
| Rubber Roller (brayer / 4" wide) Code: RR4 |
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$19.00 / each |