Vinyl is a natural choice for many types of signage, whether cut from solid color vinyl film, digitally printed in full color, or printed and contour cut. From simple lettering to full color vehicle graphics, vinyl is versatile and widely used. In this week’s article, we’ll present an array of specialty vinyl material less commonly known and where they might be used.
Paint Mask
Paint mask vinyl is similar to standard vinyl film, but has adhesive that leaves little or no residue when removed. Your pattern is cut from solid mask vinyl film in either a positive or negative pattern depending on what you are painting. The mask for painting the back side of Lexan for example would be different than a mask used for painting an exterior surface.
Sandblast Mask
Sandblast mask is the same concept as paint mask. The vinyl protects an area from the effect of sandblasting.
Glow In The Dark
Vinyl that glows in the dark has many potential uses. The vinyl is coated in a light sensitive film that retains a charge for a period of time. Economy glowing vinyl stays charged for 20 minutes and only requires 2 minutes to charge. Uses may be limited by its short glowing time. Safety glow in the dark lettering is 10 mil material that stays charged for 6-8 hours after only a two minute charge. These vinyls are primarily made for indoor and very limited outdoor use. These vinyls are not intended for self illuminating emergency signage as they do not meet the state or federal regulations for this application.
Frosted / Etched
Etched glass adds a look of elegance to windows and glass doors but etching is both expensive and permanent. As an alternative to sandblasting or etching glass, these specialty vinyls provide the appearance of etched glass without the associated expense.
Wallpaper / Wall Graphics
For decorating home interiors or the walls in your business, there are a number of types of vinyl that can be used including cut vinyl from solid color film, digitally printed vinyl and contour cut graphics in full color. In choosing the material to use, be aware that some adhesives are aggressive enough they may damage the wall when removed. Some material has an adhesive that is easily removable.
Floor Graphics
Digitally printable vinyls are available specifically for adding graphics to flooring. This type of graphic is adhesive and generally includes a non-slip surface. The type of flooring will limit the choices to some degree as the adhesive depends on the flooring type. Floor graphics can be applied to virtually any floor such as vinyl and ceramic tile, concrete, hardwood floors, recreation centers, industrial carpet and many more. Depending on location, graphics should include a laminate specifically designed for high traffic areas.
Reflective
There are a number of reflective vinyl materials, including some that can be digitally printed. The reflective properties vary among grades. Higher reflective properties mean higher cost. Engineering grade reflective films are premium quality, enclosed lens, retro-reflective films which meet or exceed the applicable requirements ASTM-D-4956-99 for reflectivity.
Solid color reflective vinyl is commonly used for lettering and striping on vehicles and equipment to increase visibility at night. Digitally printed reflective is more likely to be used as a novelty decoration than for safety and visibility. The reflective properties of digitally printed vinyls will be affected by ink applied. Adding vivid color requires ink that is fairly opaque, which will reduce the light that hits the reflective surface of the vinyl.
Carbon Fiber
There are a number of carbon fiber vinyl types available including film for simple lettering and high end vehicle wrap material. In addition to traditional black, vinyl with the appearance of carbon fiber is available in silver, red, blue and other colors.
Metallic
Many types of adhesive vinyl have a metallic appearance, a number of which are detailed below.
Most metallic vinyls are best used on flat surfaces as they are relatively thick, don’t stretch and won’t conform to curves as well as typical vinyl film.
Metallic vinyls come in a variety of designs, including metal flake, diamond plate, engine turn, mirrored, brushed, mosaic, and lens among others.
Diamond Plate
Diamond plate vinyl has the appearance of metal diamond plate and is commonly used for auto trim.
Engine Turn
Engine turn vinyl is commonly used on vintage vehicles, or where a retro look is desirable. The process of actually engine turning metal is very costly, whereas adhesive vinyl with a similar appearance is inexpensive, easy to work with and provides an attractive, unique appearance.
Brushed Aluminum
An alternative to a mirrored or chrome appearance, this vinyl has the appearance of brushed aluminum. This type of vinyl is used where the appearance of aluminum is desired, but where actual aluminum isn’t possible. Brushed aluminum lettering can be mirror cut and mounted to the back side of clear acrylic to create an elegant suite sign for example.
Holographic / Prismatic / Reflective Mosaic
This type of vinyl is commonly called mosaic or holographic. This vinyl is unique in the way it reflects light. With an effect similar to a prism, a rainbow of color can be reflected depending on the light and viewing angle.
If you are adding graphics to your home, office or vehicle that would benefit from incorporating specialty vinyl, contact Spectrum Signs for additional information.
About Spectrum Signs
Spectrum Signs is an independent, locally owned, full service sign manufacturing company located in south Orange County – Mission Viejo, California. We are affiliated with over 240 independent sign companies with access to resources nationwide. This affiliation provides significant discounts from sign suppliers, and allows us to offer competitive pricing without compromising in quality and service.
For more information, contact:
Spectrum Signs
23382 Madero Suite L
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 297-3800
