Choosing the right type of vinyl is crucial for professionals in the signage and wide format printing industries whether you're an importer, distributor or a reseller. In this guide, we break down the key distinctions between these two vinyls and how they impact different applications.
Understanding Permanent Vinyl
Permanent vinyl is designed for long-term applications and features a strong adhesive that creates a durable bond with surfaces. It is ideal for projects requiring longevity and resilience.
Characteristics
- Durability: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, capable of withstanding various weather conditions.
- Adhesive Strength: Features a robust adhesive that ensures longevity but may not allow repositioning.
Common Applications
- Outdoor signage
- Vehicle graphics
- Long-term window displays
- Product labeling
Understanding Removable Vinyl
Removable vinyl features a less aggressive adhesive that allows for repositioning and easy removal, this makes it ideal for temporary applications.
Characteristics
- Durability: Best suited for indoor use; may not endure prolonged outdoor exposure.
- Adhesive Strength: Allows for clean removal and repositioning.
Common Applications
- Temporary promotional graphics
- Wall decals
- Event signage
- Seasonal window decorations
Choosing the Right Vinyl for Your Application
Factors to consider:
- Project Duration: Is the application temporary or long-term?
- Substrate type: Will the vinyl adhere well without causing damage upon removal?
- Environmental Factors: Consider exposure to sunlight, moisture, and temperature changes.
Recommendations
- Use permanent vinyl for projects requiring durability and long-term adhesion, especially in outdoor settings.
- Opt for removable vinyl for temporary installations or when you need an easy removal process or need for repositioning.
At Graphictac, our various types of permanent and removable adhesives are all non-residue, meaning when the vinyl is peeled off, there is no glue residue on the substrate. Permanent vinyl requires over 1.3~1.5kgs peel strength to remove the vinyl after 24 hours of installation, the adhesive will form a strong bond to the substrate to last for a long time, and able to withstand harsh weather conditions, but removing the vinyl could result in damaging the vinyl due to stretch, therefore it’s suitable for medium to long term use (depending on the type of film chosen) in both indoor and outdoor environment that do not require vinyl repositioning after installation.
Removable vinyl on the other hand only required 0.3~0.5kgs peel strength to remove the vinyl after 24 hours, it’s easily removed without damage to the vinyl, but it cannot withstand outdoor weather condition, therefore it’s suitable for indoor use / temporary projects/ promotional signs / application that requires frequent repositioning (i.e. craft projects).