Printable Vinyl

Printable vinyl is the everyday workhorse of a sign shop: white, adhesive-backed film you print, laminate if needed, and apply to signs, walls, windows, floors and flat vehicle panels. Everything in this category is a calendered film, which is less expensive than cast wrap film and performs well on flat and simple-curve surfaces. Start by choosing the adhesive. Removable films such as ORAJET 3621 and 3M Controltac 40C are for promotions and graphics that must come off cleanly. Permanent films such as ORAJET 3164, 3640 and 3651, 3M IJ35C, Avery MPI 2903, GF 203 and Briteline eSeries are for signs that should stay put. Next, look at installation. Air-release (air-egress) adhesives such as ORAFOL RapidAir (3165RA, 3651RA, 3551RA), 3M Comply, Avery Easy Apply and Briteline Duration X push out bubbles and make large panels much faster to install. Gray adhesives block out what is underneath; clear adhesives are less expensive. Then match durability to the job. Film ratings range from about 4 years for economy films to 7 years for high-performance films like ORAJET 3551RA and 3M 40C. Pair each film with the laminate its maker recommends; ORAGUARD 210 and 215 are stocked here for the ORAJET range. Every film listed shows latex among its compatible inks, and the 54" rolls fit the HP Latex 570 and other 64" printers. For full vehicle wraps over compound curves, go to Wrap Vinyl instead.