Gold

[Colin]

I feel like I should know this, but what would be the best option for longevity for a regular "gold" coloured vinyl? The hi-performance metallics (Avery) and their intermediate gold vinyl only have a 3 yr rating. I'd like to use the traditional gold colour as opposed to using the longer-lasting "Imitation Gold" which would be too yellow for this application.

 

[Pat Whatley]

The Avery Supercast 900 Metallics look really similar to regular gold vinyl. They've got a 7 year life span.

NEVERMIND....Gold only has a 3 year life. My bad.

 

[J Hill Designs]

scotchcal 220-131 is showing 5years exterior

 

[HulkSmash]

I've used Avery Supercast 900 on moving trucks that are used heavily daily. Did one 6 years ago... just now it's starting to fade the same color the truck is. Did one 2 years ago, still looks brand new

 

[Colin]

Thanks. This is going to be used on a couple of signs which will be in the full sun quite a bit. It will be placed on top of h/p Oracal black (for the outline).

 

[Colin]

I'm now looking at the Oracal chart and they don't downgrade the life-span of their golds in the 851 cast (10 yr) or their 651 cal (6 yr). They also keep their metallic gold (851M) at 7 yr. Maybe the 851 is the best option?

Edit: Dang, just realized that my Oracal chart is old. They do rate it at about 3 yr according to my dealer.

 

[Colin]

So what do y'all think about covering the Avery 900 Supercast Gold Metallic vinyl with a clear lam (print lam or Clear Shield)?

The print lam I have is LG 3810 which may have a UV block in it. (?)

 

[MikeD]

lam with a material you're sure has wide spectrum U.V. inhibitors in it

 

[Wiggum PI]

that LG stuff is polymeric I believe, so I wouldn't use that, but clearshield or, I think the 900 series has a clear, or any cast O/L would be fine.

 

[Colin]

Thanks, ya, I think I'll hit it with Clear Shield. My only worry is that the CS would yellow or flake years down the road. Any experience with that?

 

[Wiggum PI]

not used it much except for banners, so not really, but going with a higher mix of water like 50/50 might be better. In a perfect world i'd probably go with an optically clear cast if you have some though.

 

[Patentagosse]

As a long time user of cast metallic films, I would suggest to go with 3M Scotchcal film or Oracal's premium cast for the film itself. To extend longevity, the very best stuff I use for my big rig clients is Premium Urethane Automotive Clearcoat. I've done tons of airbrushed graphics for vehicles since '95 and those still on the road are in very decent condition. Sure I did this by the time I was in the spray booth but you probably have a bodyshop in your neighborhood so maybe you can ask 'em to lay down a coat on your vinyl. Usually spray booth are about 20ft long so you can prepare few sheets of 24" x ???" knowing what lenght you need to cut your nested letters / graphics.

Just a regular coat is more than enough. You will easily double the durability

* before you ask, any brand can do the job as long as it's premium stuff (DuPont, PPG, Sherwin-William, Sikkens...)

** no special preparation needed. I always just wipe down vinyl with alcohol or PrepSol and spray but if you want to spend a li'l elbow grease, use 3M grey pad and wipe the dust off carefully.