Cast vinyl and over lam for long term signage?

[dypinc]

In the past when when doing flat signage I have used 3M IJ180CV3 and 8519 over-lam. I am always think that is a bit overkill in price but not quality.

So, I am just wondering if anyone has any recommendation on this kind of application that is just as durable but more cost effective?

 

[Gino]

What's your definition of long term.

It seems to have changed in the last decade or three. ​

 

[dypinc]

Same long term durability as 3M IJ180CV3 and 8519 over-lam.

 

[BigfishDM]

I think Avery is the most competitive on price for comparable specs. I do the Arlon brand and it's a little more cost effective than 3M.

 

[myront]

long term/vehicle wraps we use IJ180CV3 & 8518 over-lam
short term- pvc, coro, polymetal - IJ135C & 8509 over-lam
really short term - one day use coro or foamcore - golf tourney signs and such we use something else & without laminate (latex printer) Only because our rigid stock printer is down at the moment

 

[MikePro]

Might be worth looking into anything that boasts a 5year outdoor "intermediate-grade" calendared vinyl BUT continue laminating with your standard cast 7yr+ overlaminate, is a bit more budget-friendly without sacrificing much longevity....but saves you about $300+ per roll of print material, and helps ease the pain of misprints.

example: IJ35c-10 (cal) with 8518 (cast) overlam

other thing to consider, if you want to stick with cast/cast: get the heck away from 3M!!!!
Arlon & Orafol/Oracal are great high performance alternatives and don't jack their prices up every year.

 

[Modern Ink Signs]

Cast vinyl and lamination are going to give you the longest term outdoor.

EXCEPT if you are printing. Then you get let's say 3-5 years.

Depending on the type of signs you are doing, you can go to a calandred vinyl/lam. I've found that Oracal 3651RA/210G to be fairly dimensionally stable and easy to work with. Good life too. Lam gives you some added UV protection.

 

[rjssigns]

We've been using the Arlon 6000XRP/3220 combo for anything that has to last. Nice price too.