PVC Self Adhesive Vinyl
Self adhesive vinyl can be used on a variety of surfaces. Some materials like glass, stone or sealed woods have low surface energy and can cause the vinyl to curl up or even fall off so it’s important that you choose a suitable product for these surfaces.
PP, PET and polyester are better alternatives to PVC. These polymers consume less energy and emit lower levels of toxic gases when produced. They also have no internal tension and are flexible enough to be applied to deep 3D curves.
Characteristics
PVC self adhesive vinyl is a flexible material used to create signs and display advertising. It can also be used to create stickers, decals and other types of PVC self adhesive vinyl decorative accessories. It is available in a variety of colors and finishes, including clear, frosted, digitally printed and matte. It can be cut to any shape, and it can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including metals, wood, glass, and concrete.
The material is manufactured using full colour digital printing and can be laminated for long term outdoor use. It is soft, flexible and resistant to sunlight. It can be stretched around curves for car wraps and is strong enough to withstand high temperatures and water. It is compatible with UV, Eco/solvent and Latex inks.
There are many grades of self adhesive vinyl and terminology can get confusing. Some films will be referred to as Cast and others calendered, polymeric or monomeric. The main difference between these films is that a polymeric film will have plasticisers added to the vinyl to make it flexible, monomeric will not and as such will be much less suited to external, long-term applications.
Specialty films are available such as one-way or blackout vinyl and holographic vinyl. They are usually top coated to ensure good print receptiveness and offer very similar performance characteristics as standard vinyls.
Colours
Self-adhesive vinyl films come in a wide variety of colours. However not all films are created equal and it is important to consider the technical features of the adhesives and liners used as well as the PVC itself. Bargain vinyls often use cheap adhesives and liners to achieve their low price point which has an impact on ease of application, longevity and durability.
Grafitack 100 series vinyl is soft cadmium-free monomeric calendered PVC film with pressure sensitive permanent acrylic adhesive, protected by paper to extract silicone. It has an excellent durability in indoor environments up to 5 years and is resistant to common cleaning products. It is flame-retardant and does not contain phosphorus or lead and is also non toxic to the environment.
Aoli Holographic Printable Vinyl is a flexible laminated PVC composite material with a photo-luminescent layer thermally welded to a white reflective surface. It has a thickness of 0.6mm and is ideal for use in office or home applications. It is easy to cut and works with popular home craft machines like Cricut, Brother, Silhouette and more. It is waterproof and can be used in a range of indoor applications such as sign making, decor, and vehicle markings.
Adhesives
There is a wide selection of adhesives available to help you get the best results when laying PVC self adhesive vinyl. Choosing the right adhesive for your specific needs will make the project easier and quicker to complete. The type of glue you choose will also have an impact on the longevity and strength of your finished product.
For example, if you want a strong, long-lasting bond then the Loctite PL Fast Grab Premium is a good choice. This adhesive can be used on a range of different surfaces and is moisture-, mold- and mildew-resistant. It’s also non-staining and comes with a low VOC content, meaning it won’t leave toxic fumes behind.
Another option is a polyurethane glue. These work well for gluing thinner, more flexible vinyl together as well as adhering it to other materials like plastic or wood. It’s important to use an abrasion method in preparation for these types of glue as this will create a surface texture that the glue can bite into.
Lastly, there is always the option of using superglue. This is great for repairing small tears in vinyl but it is not ideal for larger areas of the floor as it has a very short working time. When using this, it’s a good idea to clean the nozzle of the glue tube after each application to prevent clogging.
Application
The application surface should be clean and dry, any dust or particles will catch under the vinyl and create an uneven graphic. The vinyl can be used on a wide variety of flat surfaces however most curved or corrugated substrates will require the use of a conformable film such as a cast vinyl.
Choosing which type of self adhesive vinyl to use will depend on the end goal. For permanent signage such as a company logo or full window graphics then go for a high-performance permanent vinyl. However, if you’re adding a name to a sand bucket or monogramming a coffee mug then removable is the choice for you.
Using PVC free vinyl can also be very beneficial for your eco-credentials, not only does it reduce energy consumption and PVC self adhesive vinyl CO2 gas emissions but it will eliminate any chance of harmful plastic waste ending up in landfill or the environment. Innotech offer a number of different PVC free vinyls for every application including holographic and clear gloss. If you’re looking for the ultimate quality then try our ImagePerfect SuperGrip or Comply and Controltac technologies which provide a premium feature of having very low initial grab so the vinyl can be aligned precisely on the surface before applying any pressure to fix it into place. It also helps eliminate the need for wet application.