Understanding your Vinyl.
Simply put, some vinyl will lead to disappointing print results.
Outdoor applications should certainly be a high concern in this purchase process
The difference is all about the manufacturing process as the actual vinyl itself is the same makeup.
Cast Vinyl verses Calendered Vinyl.
Cast Vinyl
- Really the only vinyl that should be used outdoors when longevity is desired.
- Cast Vinyl is a made by pouring heated liquid so the film created is a more relaxed, dimensionally stable product when cooled.
- Cast Vinyl is more flexible and extremely conformable over rivets, corrugations and complex curves.
- A More expensive production process. Usually making a 1-2mil thick vinyl.
- A More UV and Heat stable product, so it is less likely to shrink and fade in the heat (UV) of the sun
- Usually rated for longer outdoor usage.
- Usually a thinner, smoother higher grade finished look.
- Superior long term product.
Calendered Vinyl
- Can be Indoor Fire Rated
- A Quality Calendered Vinyl stock will have a woven fabric within it to improve stability.
- An extruded, rolled and pressed production process. Usually making a 3-4mil thick vinyl. So there is some production memory.
- This Thicker Vinyl can also take on texture by choice during production for effects. Great for wall coverings.
- A Less UV and Heat stable Vinyl and not great for long term outdoor applications. (i.e. tends to shrink and often crack in the sun)
- A Calendered Vinyl tends to be more scratch resistant a benefit for indoor and wall coverings.
- Considered a Short term outdoor Vinyl. Less than a year so perfect for events avoiding additional material costs.
Adhesives are either clear, water based designed to be removable or clear, solvent based designed to be permanent.
Simply put, some vinyl will lead to disappointing print results.
Outdoor applications should certainly be a high concern in this purchase process
The difference is all about the manufacturing process as the actual vinyl itself is the same makeup.
Cast Vinyl verses Calendered Vinyl.
Cast Vinyl
- Really the only vinyl that should be used outdoors when longevity is desired.
- Cast Vinyl is a made by pouring heated liquid so the film created is a more relaxed, dimensionally stable product when cooled.
- Cast Vinyl is more flexible and extremely conformable over rivets, corrugations and complex curves.
- A More expensive production process. Usually making a 1-2mil thick vinyl.
- A More UV and Heat stable product, so it is less likely to shrink and fade in the heat (UV) of the sun
- Usually rated for longer outdoor usage.
- Usually a thinner, smoother higher grade finished look.
- Superior long term product.
Calendered Vinyl
- Can be Indoor Fire Rated
- A Quality Calendered Vinyl stock will have a woven fabric within it to improve stability.
- An extruded, rolled and pressed production process. Usually making a 3-4mil thick vinyl. So there is some production memory.
- This Thicker Vinyl can also take on texture by choice during production for effects. Great for wall coverings.
- A Less UV and Heat stable Vinyl and not great for long term outdoor applications. (i.e. tends to shrink and often crack in the sun)
- A Calendered Vinyl tends to be more scratch resistant a benefit for indoor and wall coverings.
- Considered a Short term outdoor Vinyl. Less than a year so perfect for events avoiding additional material costs.
Adhesives are either clear, water based designed to be removable or clear, solvent based designed to be permanent.