While there are many different substrates to choose from for sign-making, vinyl is one of the most popular and versatile options.
What is a Substrate?
A substrate is a material used as a base or support for an attached object. In sign making, substrates are the base materials we use to make signs. Vinyl is one of the most versatile substrate options. Other include aluminum, PVC, wood and many more.
What is Vinyl?
Vinyl is a plastic material made from ethylene and chlorine. It’s strong and durable yet flexible enough to conform to almost any surface. That’s why it’s used for everything from car wraps to banners and wall graphics.
But vinyl’s real strength lies in its printability. Modern vinyl printing technology has made it possible to produce super high-quality prints with vivid imagery which last for a long time.
Why is Vinyl Ideal for Signs?
- Weather-resistant: Vinyl is an extremely durable material made to withstand even the harshest weather conditions.
- Versatile: Vinyl can be applied to almost any smooth, flat surface, making it one of the most versatile sign substrates.
- Durability: Vinyl signs will last for years with proper care and maintenance.
- Flexibility: Vinyl can be applied to curved or irregular surfaces, making it ideal for signs which need to conform to a certain shape.
Popular Signs Made with Vinyl
- Car wraps are one of the most popular uses for vinyl. Vinyl is printed with custom designs, logos, and text; then, it is applied to the surface of a vehicle. Vehicle wraps transform company vehicles including employee cars, delivery vans, and service trucks into rolling billboards.
- Banners are another popular use for vinyl. They are typically made from heavy-duty vinyl to withstand harsh weather.
- Wall graphics are a popular way to add visual interest to any room or empty wall space and are made by printing images on to thin vinyl sheets which are affixed to a wall with adhesive.
How to Care for Vinyl Signs
Vinyl signs are durable and long-lasting but require care and maintenance to keep them looking their best. Here are a few tips for caring for your vinyl signs:
- Keep them clean: Vinyl signs will accumulate dirt, dust, and other debris over time. To keep your signs looking their best, clean them regularly.
- Remove stains promptly: If your vinyl sign becomes stained, be sure to clean it as soon as possible. The longer a stain is allowed to set, the harder it will be to remove.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: When cleaning a vinyl sign, avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. These will damage the vinyl and shorten its lifespan.
- Keep them out of direct sunlight: Exposure to direct sunlight will cause vinyl signs to fade over time. To help prevent this, be sure to keep the sign out of direct sunlight when possible.
Trust us, FASTSIGNS® of Sacramento/Natomas Airport Area, CA, your local sign experts, with your next sign project. Give us a call or stop by our sign shop today to see some examples.
