Types of Vinyl for Printing
There are several types of commercial vinyl that are commonly used in commercial printing signage applications. Some of the most popular types for signs include:
- Calendered Vinyl: This type of vinyl is made by layering a PVC film on top of a fabric or paper backing. Calendered vinyl is known for its flexibility and is often used for creating banners, murals, and other types of signs that need to be rolled or folded for storage or transport. It is also a cost-effective option, making it a popular choice for short-term or temporary signs and graphics.
- Cast Vinyl: Cast vinyl is made by pouring liquid PVC onto a cast sheet. This type of vinyl is known for its durability and resistance to fading and peeling. Cast vinyl is often used for creating vehicle graphics, window graphics, and other types of signs that need to withstand harsh weather conditions and long-term exposure to the sun.
- Solvent-Printable Vinyl: This type of vinyl is specially designed to be printed on using solvent-based inks. It is often used for creating large-format graphics, such as billboards and building wraps, and is known for its ability to produce vibrant colors and high-resolution images.
- Eco-Solvent Vinyl: This type of vinyl is similar to solvent-printable vinyl, but it uses eco-solvent inks which are less toxic and more environmentally friendly. It is also used for large-format graphics and is known for its ability to produce vibrant colors and high-resolution images.
- UV-Printable Vinyl: This type of vinyl is specially designed to be printed on using UV-curable inks. It is often used for creating indoor signs and graphics, such as wall murals and trade show displays, and is known for its ability to produce high-quality images with a wide color gamut.
- Adhesive Vinyl: This type of vinyl is specially designed to be applied to a variety of surfaces using an adhesive backing. It is often used for creating window graphics, vehicle graphics, and other types of signs that need to be applied to a smooth surface.
- Reflective Vinyl: This type of vinyl is specially designed to reflect light and is often used for creating signs and graphics that need to be visible at night or in low-light conditions.
Businesses should consider the specific needs of their sign project when choosing a type of commercial vinyl. Factors such as the intended use, location, and duration of the sign or graphic, as well as the specific features of each type of vinyl should be taken into account when making a decision.
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