Cost effective printable reflective for general outdoor signs.

[Gary1]

Hello everyone.

I used to use a 3M 3200 reflective to make outdoor reflective signs. It was inexpensive and worked fine even if it wasn't meant
for inkjet printing. Now this has gone thru the roof in pricing and heard it was heading to be discontinued???
I tried another product, METAMARK MD-RF7 REFLECTIVE 48X54Y pricing was fair but paper liner was too thin and made it very difficult for cutting labels. The slightest increase on blade pressure
would cause the paper backing to be scored and it would split the paper making it difficult to remove the label and a mess to deal with. I currently have been using Oralite 5650RA when doing rescue
vehicles because it works well, 54" (matches my laminate size) and is priced well. Between $400 to $500 higher cost than the METEMARK, but no headaches. But I feel this material is overkill for outdoor signs and labels. I did try an Avery V2000 reflective and took a chance but
it's definitely not printable. What do you recommend that works well for printing and cutting and is reasonably priced? Looking for up to
5 yrs outdoor life for signage is fine.

 

[wes70]

https://www.nikkalite.com/

 

[Elwood "Woody" Smith]

Agree with above comment. We use Nikkalite daily.

 

[MarkSnelling]

Catalina has an inexpensive 6mil reflective. You can get it from Treck Hall

 

[crgraphics]

I've used Vector Graphics reflective for signs and cut lettering, prints great with eco-solvent...

Beacon Graphics, LLC - VECTOR WHITE ENG REFLECT.UNP 24"x10YDS

VECTOR WHITE ENG REFLECT.UNP 24"x10YDS

www.beacongraphics.com

 

[signheremd]

We switched from Oralite5650RA to 3M 680CR for fire trucks and police vehicles - not inexpensive but better for wraps. For flat signs, we use Nikkalite. The Nikkalite is inexpensive and prints pretty well, but worst stuff to peel up ever.

 

[ToneCustomSigns]

I use the 3M5100R. It works great for reflective signs. I have eco-solvent printers and haven't had any issues printing on it.

 

[Gary1]

https://www.nikkalite.com/

Hi Wes70. Is Nikkalite 4800 printable with digital printers? It only says screen printing. 1. INTRODUCTION Nikkalite™ Brand 48000 Series Flexible Engineering Grade (ELG) retroreflective sheeting is a product manufactured for use as fleet marking, vehicle markings, stickers, decals, etc. which can be screened with multicolored inks. ELG is coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive protected with an easily removable liner. This sheeting is easy to handle due to its high flexibility. In addition ELG retains its high retroflectivity, even when totally wet.

 

[Gary1]

We switched from Oralite5650RA to 3M 680CR for fire trucks and police vehicles - not inexpensive but better for wraps. For flat signs, we use Nikkalite. The Nikkalite is inexpensive and prints pretty well, but worst stuff to peel up ever.

Hi. I did try the 3MIJ680CR, but largest width is 48". Yes it installs well but very pricey. I like the Oralite 5650RA because of the width of 54" keeping me to only stock one width of laminate and it prints very well. Installs well also and never
had any issues using it on emergency vehicles. Been working on EMS vehicle for 26 years. Don't remember when exactly I started using oralite. It's been awhile.

 

[Gary1]

I use the 3M5100R. It works great for reflective signs. I have eco-solvent printers and haven't had any issues printing on it.

Is this the regular 3M 5100 series or the IJ version you are talking about? The IJ version was just over $1800 a roll.