Printable vinyls are an essential media for any print company. Designed to be compatible with solvent, UV and latex printers, they have a coating which enables ink to adhere properly, producing high-quality, durable prints. Metamark’s vinyls are highly regarded in the printing and signage industry thanks to their quality, longevity, variety and ease of use.
In this article we look at the benefits of using Metamark printable vinyl in your print business.
Understanding Vinyl Types
Printable vinyl is an adhesive vinyl with a removable backing paper before it is placed on a window, wall or other surface. Vinyl in large format printing works in much the same way, it’s just bigger.
While vinyl is the generic term, there are three different subtypes which boast particular qualities and undergo different manufacturing processes.
Monomeric Vinyl
This type of vinyl is the least expensive option and is ideal for short-term applications and flat panels. It is made by melting and mixing PVC with plasticisers and colour pigments.
Typically lasting three to five years depending on usage and environmental conditions, this type of vinyl offers value for money. It’s great for short-term promotional displays, event signage, labels and stickers, interior graphics and vehicle decals that aren’t intended to last forever.
Polymeric Vinyl
This type of vinyl, also known as intermediate vinyl, is enhanced with polymeric plasticisers, which give it greater flexibility and durability compared to monomeric vinyl. It’s suitable for medium- to long-term applications such as vehicle wraps, outdoor signage, floor graphics in high traffic areas and window graphics that need to last around five to seven years.
Compared to monomeric vinyl it also has reduced shrinkage which helps it maintain integrity and appearance over time.
Cast Vinyl
Cast vinyl is considered top tier vinyl because of its superior quality and longevity. It is manufactured through a casting process where liquid PVC is spread onto a carrier sheet and allowed to cure. This multi-step process results in a vinyl which offers high quality, flexibility and stability.
It’s the most conformable and stable of the three vinyls with minimal shrinkage and is suitable for use in harsh environments where durability is crucial. As well as being ideal for complex and curved surfaces due its flexibility, it’s also resistant to UV rays, temperature fluctuations and a range of weather conditions.
Cast vinyl is particularly suited to full and partial vehicle wraps, long-term signs, architectural graphics, boat decals, wall murals and floor graphics.
Choosing The Right Vinyl
Metamark’s range of printable vinyls offers a solution for every project, from short-term promotional displays to long-term vehicle wraps and architectural graphics. Understanding the differences between monomeric, polymeric, and cast vinyls is key to selecting the right material that meets your specific needs and delivers high-quality, durable results.
Ultimately the type of vinyl you use will be dictated by usage and cost but it’s still important to consider the environmental conditions, the project requirements, particularly the surface type, the usage life and the budget.
Download Signmaster’s Introduction to Metamark Media today to explore the full range of Metamark vinyls and find the perfect match for your next project. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in making the best choice for your business, ensuring that every application meets the highest standards of quality and performance! Get in touch today.
