Vinyl Recommendation

[Mattyt]

Hi,

I have a real estate client who has asked me to do full printed window vinyl for some of their units. I would like to offer them an affordable solution that will still stand up against the elements.

These window coverings could be up for a month or a few years. This is is Canada so they will need to resist the strong summer sun and cold winter days. I would like to apply first surface so that they get a good visual from people driving by.

I am looking for a vinyl that will be fairly easy to apply and won't fade or burn under the hot sun. If it is possible to avoid laminate that would be great but not necessary.

Does anyone have a recommendation on a good vinyl to use?

Thanks for your help!

 

[davideagles]

You might consider Avery Dennison SC 950 Series.

 

[visual800]

digtal print 3M ij80 VINYL ORACAL 751

 

[signheremd]

Any good cast vinyl. If printing I would recommend: Avery MPI1105, OraFol 3951RA, or any other air release cast vinyl with strong initial tack. Laminate it with a good UV cast laminate and you are good.

 

[MarkSnelling]

Any good cast vinyl. If printing I would recommend: Avery MPI1105, OraFol 3951RA, or any other air release cast vinyl with strong initial tack. Laminate it with a good UV cast laminate and you are good.

I can't entirely disagree with you, but I see people run right to cast films when concerned about adhesion or durability. While you can't go wrong with using a cast vinyl and laminate on a window, you are also spending hundreds more (at least double) than needed. A good polymeric vinyl will last as long as a cast on a window and when married with a polymeric laminate, the total cost will be in the $550 range (air-egress liner, cold-apply adhesive, + UV lam for 54"x150') vs $1200 for a cast solution? These polymeric films are rated for 5-7 years outdoors and sticking to glass isn't something I lose sleep over (outside of someone installing it over the gasket, dirty windows, using windex, etc.).

The same is true when people wonder "will it stick??". A cool example was a company that extrudes plastic barrels. There was a lot of outgassing of the plastic making the surface very difficult for an adhesive vinyl to grab hold and stay. They tested IJ180 and got suitable results. I used Drytac's Polar Grip high-tack, high coat-weight adhesive vinyl and it outperformed the cast and only cost $300 for a 54"x150'.

I get the warm and fuzzy feeling of using 3M cast products, but a lot of times it is comparable to putting premium gas in a Pinto. This is where I believe my team brings a lot of value...we can help with strong recommendations for great products which aren't saving a few bucks....they are saving hundreds and hundreds of dollars that you can keep in your product and still charge the same to your clients.

Hit me up! I'd love any opportunity to earn some new business!

 

[MarkSnelling]

Matt was nice enough to email me about this.

Drytac's Polar Smooth 150 Air is a 6mil semi-rigid (no stretch) with a clear removable adhesive and an air-egress release liner. This is why I recommended it:
- 54"x150' is around $400
- The adhesive can be applied in temperatures down to -5 degrees Fahrenheit
- The adhesive is clear so it looks nicer from the inside when compared to a gray adhesive
- The thickness paired with an air-egress release liner means you can install this film with a ruler, not a squeegee. You can still charge the same for installation but cut your install time drastically
- The adhesive will have no problem performing for multiple years, but the removability means it will remove cleanly if pulled off the glass up to about a year after initial installation. The longer it stays on the glass, the more adhesive residue will be left after removal.
- The film is rated for 3 years outdoors.
- I do not recommend laminating it...the inks should be good for 2-3 years outdoors before they fade and the film is rated for 3 years. This will just save time and money. Sell the graphics for 3 year performance and they they must have 5 years, then go with a 3.2mil polymeric with a 5 year laminate.

We did a national job where accountants across the continent installed this film by hand in the winter. If an accountant can install these graphics by hand, you guys can do it in your sleep.

 

[Precision]

70/30 perforated window vinyl. About a 2-3 year product. Advertisement on the outside and gives you full view of outside, looks like tinted windows on the inside. Applies first surface outside. Spray lam or not. 3 year ink on 2 year vinyl? Any solid vinyl will block your view.

Hope this helps.

 

[Mattyt]

Thank you all for taking the time to respond and the advice. I now have a few options to research and provide my client with a solution that fits their needs. I appreciate this community and will definitely be back for more advice in the future!

 

[Hoze]

Substance 2755 + GF 402 lamination, I have installed a few outdoor signs with this combo and is holding good so far.

 

[GraphixGirl79]

Hi,

I have a real estate client who has asked me to do full printed window vinyl for some of their units. I would like to offer them an affordable solution that will still stand up against the elements.

These window coverings could be up for a month or a few years. This is is Canada so they will need to resist the strong summer sun and cold winter days. I would like to apply first surface so that they get a good visual from people driving by.

I am looking for a vinyl that will be fairly easy to apply and won't fade or burn under the hot sun. If it is possible to avoid laminate that would be great but not necessary.

Does anyone have a recommendation on a good vinyl to use?

Thanks for your help!

Hello fellow canadian! If they do not want one hundred precent blocked out window, we use Graphcal window perf 60/40 with a 290 GF laminate. Then because they recommend it, edge tape around all for extra durability (just using oracal 215 lam strips). You could also do a window mesh from the inside of the window if they're not concerned with the visuality of the ad/image and more concerned with blocking out the window space for privacy on the inside. Otherwise for complete block out from exterior view, we use a Orajet 3628M media with 215 laminate and edge taping to avoid the sun curling the graphics after long sun exposure, i guess it depends on the direction the window is facing.?

 

[McNeil]

Hi,

I have a real estate client who has asked me to do full printed window vinyl for some of their units. I would like to offer them an affordable solution that will still stand up against the elements.

These window coverings could be up for a month or a few years. This is is Canada so they will need to resist the strong summer sun and cold winter days. I would like to apply first surface so that they get a good visual from people driving by.

I am looking for a vinyl that will be fairly easy to apply and won't fade or burn under the hot sun. If it is possible to avoid laminate that would be great but not necessary.

Does anyone have a recommendation on a good vinyl to use?

Thanks for your help!

Hello fellow canadian! If they do not want one hundred precent blocked out window, we use Graphcal window perf 60/40 with a 290 GF laminate. Then because they recommend it, edge tape around all for extra durability (just using oracal 215 lam strips). You could also do a window mesh from the inside of the window if they're not concerned with the visuality of the ad/image and more concerned with blocking out the window space for privacy on the inside. Otherwise for complete block out from exterior view, we use a Orajet 3628M media with 215 laminate and edge taping to avoid the sun curling the graphics after long sun exposure, i guess it depends on the direction the window is facing.?

I would use DryTac Polar Grip vinyl. They make it with or without air egress. It can hold up to the heat and the cold, I would recommend a laminate for extra protection and easier installation.

 

[MarkSnelling]

I would use DryTac Polar Grip vinyl. They make it with or without air egress. It can hold up to the heat and the cold, I would recommend a laminate for extra protection and easier installation.

I love Polar Grip, but that would be an absolute bitch to remove after several months. That adhesive is, simply, angry. If you want to do window graphics that are going to stay there forever, this would be an option, but if you want to remove, and remove cleanly, I'd go in a different direction.