Mirror chrome - pricing & type for vehicle application

[toucan_graphics]

I have a customer who wants large decals done in mirror chrome for his car.....

1. What is the best choice for both myself and my customer for mirror chrome vinyl?
I don't want to cut corners on quality to undercut the price, but I know my customer won't pay top dollar for the best vinyl out there either. I guess I'm looking for an intermediate vinyl that won't fall off or peel up in 6 months.
I've used Avery chrome in the past but it is thick and doesn't do well in tight corners - or should I say I didn't do well with it in tight corners

I've heard good things about Oracal Polyester chrome vinyl for weeding, stretch and tack for tight corners and heard it is outdoor durable for 3-5 years.

2. What are your recommendations for pricing this job?
Each side consumes approximately 10 square feet (5 linear feet x 24")

Thanks

 

[john1]

Pretty much all Chrome vinyl that's NOT a wrap film is going to be really thick. Aside from the Oracal poly stuff that is good for indoors but not outdoors.

Only option would be the Avery chrome wrap film but your going to pay a pretty penny for it. Give them a price for that along with silver metallic. Almost always changes to the silver with the cost difference.

It is what it is, Don't feel bad for giving a "high" price on something that's the correct material. I have dealt with a lot of car guys like this and know how they usually pan out.

Good luck!

 

[westpointsigns]

I've used this from SW with good results. I've also printed on it with no complaints from customers.

http://www.signwarehouse.com/p-VC-2410-PPP-SIL.html

Up to 5 year ODL.

 

[4R Graphics]

If you want something that will last outdoors and is true chrome you are going to have to use any of the wrap chrome films (even they dont have a very long outdoor life just so you know).

Avery makes a pretty good one Hexis is pretty good as well.

As for pricing it figure out your cost add your profit margin then add your usual over head expenses (even if you dont have any you should be charging for overhead especially if you want overhead one day).

Then and this is very important with the chrome bump the price by 1.5 or so as it is difficult to put down and you need to charge for the extra PITA that it causes you.

DO NOT stretch the chrome stuff to much or it losses its chrome appearance.

 

[jfiscus]

Whenever we use any specialty materials here (like chrome, engine turn, etc) we print and cut the vinyl, and weed it (but leave the registration marks on!), THEN laminate it and cut the laminate 1/4" larger all the way around the image. This allows the materials to have a much longer outdoor lifespan being sealed from the elements. You will need 1 print file and 2 cut files with the reg marks in exactly the same place, but otherwise it's not too hard.