Laminate or apply a solvent print too soon and trapped gases cause bubbles, lifting and a ruined job. This explains what outgassing is, how long to leave prints to cure, and how to avoid the problem altogether.
Outgassing: Why It Matters in Solvent and Eco-Solvent Printing
Laminate or apply a solvent print too soon and trapped gases cause bubbles, lifting and a ruined job. This explains what outgassing is, how long to leave pri...
Categories: Digital Print
Published by Tom Greaves on 11/12/2025
What Is Outgassing?
Outgassing is the release of solvent vapours from a print as the ink dries. If the print is sealed or applied too soon, that gas gets trapped and damages the finish.
During printing, solvent-based inks soften the vinyl and sit beneath the surface layer. If they are not given time to evaporate:
• The vinyl’s surface texture changes
• Adhesive performance is weakened
• The film becomes softer and less stable
• Long-term durability is compromised
This makes proper outgassing essential for professional, long-lasting results.
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Why Outgassing Is Critical for Adhesion
Solvent left inside the material creates a barrier between the adhesive and the substrate. The bond becomes weaker, especially when the film is stretched into recesses or exposed to heat. Think of it as trying to stick tape onto a slightly oily surface — it won’t bond as well.
Common Outgassing Mistakes
Many print shops unintentionally trap solvents by:
• Rolling prints up too quickly
• Leaving them stacked in corners
• Not providing airflow
• Not allowing enough dry time based on ink load
Solvent is heavier than air, so prints need space and airflow to release it.
A helpful way to understand outgassing is to compare it to drying a wet T-shirt. It would dry faster with warm air, low humidity and good airflow. Vinyl behaves the same way. Warm, ventilated drying racks deliver the most consistent results — not a cold, stagnant corner of the workshop.
How to Determine Your Shop’s Correct Outgassing Time
Every print environment is different. Temperature, humidity, ink load and print speed all change dry times.
A simple testing method:
1. Print a solid black panel.
2. Let it outgas as you normally would for 24 hours.
3. Compare its smell and tack to an unprinted piece of the same media.
4. If they feel different, increase the drying time and test again.
Once the printed sample behaves like the unprinted one, you’ve found your ideal outgassing time.
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What Happens If You Skip Proper Outgassing?
Incorrect outgassing is one of the biggest contributors to material failure.
Common symptoms include:
• Recess failures (lifting and bubbling)
• Delamination
• Edges shrinking or curling
• Reduced longevity of the installation
These issues are expensive to fix — but easy to avoid.
Why outgassing ruins a laminated print
Solvent and eco-solvent inks release small amounts of gas as they cure. Laminate or apply the print before that gas has escaped and it gets trapped, showing up as bubbles, silvering and lifting weeks later. The fix is simple: give prints time to cure before you laminate or apply.
How long should solvent prints cure?
As a rule of thumb, allow 24 to 48 hours in a warm, ventilated space before laminating or applying, though times vary by ink, media and coverage. Always follow the ink maker's guidance.
Why do my laminated prints bubble?
The most common cause is laminating before the ink has fully outgassed. Trapped vapour forms bubbles and silvering. Allowing proper cure time prevents it.
Outgassing isn’t a minor step; it’s a foundational part of producing high-quality printed graphics. With the right environment, a little airflow, and a shop-specific testing routine, you’ll avoid costly failures and ensure every installation performs the way it should.
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