Protective Masking Storage Conditions

1. Storage of roll stock inventory - Walco protective masking:
	A. Roll stock should be rotated within a six-month period from the date of manufacture.
	B. Storage conditions should be:
		1) Within a closed building.
		2) Kept in the original packaging/shipping carton.
		3) Maintained within a temperature range of 45° - 90° F.
		4) Maintained within a range of 20% - 80% relative humidity.
		5) Stored vertically (on end) to eliminate flat spots along the roll's circumference.
		6) Suspended on horizontal racks (a shaft through the core) with a suitable 
		     protective outer wrapper.
		7) Kept away from water, oils, and other contaminants.
		8) Kept away from direct UV exposure.
		
2. Storage of end-use materials with protective masking applied to the surface should be:
	A. Less than six months with masking applied.  Adhesion will increase after four months 
	     and can cause removal problems after 6 months.
	B. Stored within an enclosed building or holding facility.
	C. Wrapped/packaged to prevent exposure to direct UV, water, oils, or other contaminants.
	D. Maintained in an environment within a temperature range of 45° - 90° F and 20% - 80% 
	     relative humidity.
	     
3. Special precautions should be noted regarding processes which include:
	A. Fabrication with oils, lubricants, and other processing aids.
	B. Extreme heat and/or pressure; i.e.: laminating, heat curing/bonding procedures.
	C. Contact with reactive (non-stable) surfaces, coating or inks which are still undergoing a 
	     post-cure process after the point of masking application.
	D. Contact with surfaces or coatings containing  "fugitive"  (migratory) components: i.e.: 
	     plasticizers, residual volatiles/solvents, silicone based compounds, oil/fat based 
	     polishing or cleaning compounds.

These conditions generally dictate that the protective masking be removed as soon as possible following 
the completion of the process, and that the masked surface not be subjected to prolonged storage.