When it comes to choosing the right vinyl for your next project, it can be challenging to determine which option is best. The market offers a multitude of choices depending on price, properties, and intended use. Among the top options, Metamark's vinyl products stand out for their exceptional quality in the world of commercial printing. However, even within the Metamark range, there are differences that are crucial to understand in order to select the right vinyl for your specific needs.
Metamark Vinyls
Metamark's vinyls are well-regarded in the printing industry for their quality and durability. Available in a wide array of colours, widths, and finishes, these vinyls not only deliver excellent results but also offer the variety needed to tackle a wide range of project requirements. Two key products in their range are the Metamark M4 and M7 vinyls.
The M4 vinyl is a high-quality calendered signmaking vinyl featuring a 70-micron intermediate-grade soft handle face film. It's well-suited for intermediate-term projects and can be applied to flat or slightly curved surfaces. The M4 comes in gloss, matt, and frost effect finishes, offering flexibility for different visual styles.
The M7 vinyl is a premium-grade polymeric calendered coloured vinyl designed for both flat and curved surfaces. It's ideal for long-term and outdoor applications, with options that include the MetaScape adhesive system, which facilitates faster, bubble-free application. The M7 also has a high-tack version, M7H, which is perfect for applying decals and graphic designs to low-energy and difficult-to-adhere-to surfaces, expanding the versatility of this product.
Durability
For short-term signage (up to four years), the M4 is a reliable choice, whereas the M7 is better suited for longer-term applications (up to seven years). The M4 is particularly advantageous for temporary promotional graphics such as retail window displays, event branding, and point-of-sale materials.
The M7, with its superior durability, is ideal for permanent outdoor signage, vehicle graphics, and other long-term uses. The M7's extended outdoor lifespan also makes it suitable for environments with fluctuating weather conditions or frequent exposure to UV light.
Surface Compatibility
The M4 vinyl is a monomeric vinyl, making it ideal for flat or slightly curved surfaces. This is suitable for projects that do not require extensive moulding or wrapping, such as window graphics and flat panel signage. On the other hand, the M7 vinyl is a polymeric vinyl, giving it enhanced flexibility and durability.
The polymeric composition makes M7 an optimal choice for more complex surfaces, including vehicles and highly contoured areas. Its versatility also extends to computer-cut graphics for window decals, fleet branding, lettering, billboards, and shopfront signage.
Cost Efficiency
Cost is often an important factor in material selection. If your project demands the highest level of quality, the M7 is the optimal choice for durability and performance. However, for projects where budget constraints are a consideration, the M4 provides a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality for short-term applications.
While the M4 offers an excellent balance of quality and affordability, the M7 provides a better long-term investment, with its superior durability offering better value over time, especially for permanent installations.
Environmental Resistance
The conditions where the vinyl will be used are a critical consideration. The M7 outperforms the M4 when it comes to outdoor projects, boasting greater longevity and resistance to elements. It offers a range of specific durability timelines: black and white options have an outdoor durability of up to eight years, coloured versions last up to seven years, and metallic finishes last up to five years.
This resistance to shrinking, cracking, or peeling over time makes M7 a dependable option for projects that will face prolonged exposure to the elements, including rain, wind, UV light, and temperature fluctuations.
Aesthetic Versatility
Both vinyls offer impressive colour reproduction, but the M7 has an edge when it comes to versatility in finish. While the M4 provides vibrant colours that are ideal for impactful short-term applications, the M7 comes in 89 gloss colours and three matt finishes, providing an extensive range of options for tailored design aesthetics.
The added variety in finishes allows for greater creativity and flexibility in design, catering to diverse branding and visual identity needs.
Choosing The Right Vinyl For You
Both Metamark M4 and M7 vinyls are excellent options, each with its own strengths depending on your specific project requirements. For short-term, temporary applications, the M4 offers a cost-effective solution that maintains a high standard of quality. In contrast, for longer-term applications or projects involving complex shapes and surfaces, the M7 is the superior choice, providing excellent longevity, adhesion strength, and resistance to challenging conditions.
Whether you're searching for a budget-friendly short-term solution or a long-lasting vinyl for more demanding applications, Signmaster Systems has the right product to meet your needs. Contact our team today to discuss your next project and find the perfect Metamark vinyl for you.
Image Source: Metamark
