Have you ever wondered what the difference is between vinyl and adhesive vinyl? You’re not alone – this is a question many of us have pondered.
What Is Vinyl?
Vinyl is a type of plastic that comes in sheets or rolls. It is often used as a decorative material for craft and home décor projects, as well as various industrial applications. It can be either calendered (for short-term uses, like car wraps and sign graphics) or cast (for longer-term, indoor/outdoor applications).
What Is Adhesive Vinyl?
Adhesive vinyl is a type of plastic material with a paper backing that has an adhesive on one side. It is used for a wide variety of crafts, signs, and wall graphics. It is most commonly used to produce car graphics, window decals, logotypes, and other decorations. The advantage is that it can be applied to virtually any hard surface. It is available in sheets or rolls, so you can select the size that best fits your project needs.
How to Choose the Right Material for Your Project
Choosing the best vinyl for your project is essential in order to achieve high-quality results with lasting durability. Understanding the differences between traditional and adhesive vinyl can help you decide which is best for your needs.
Traditional vinyl consists of a base material, such as PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC), along with a protective coating on the top and bottom layers. The base material is typically either calendered or cast, with calendered being the most economical option. Also known as sign vinyl, this type of material works great for printable graphics and works especially well for flat signs or banners.
Adhesive type, also referred to as pressure-sensitive or self-adhesive, is used mainly on hard surfaces like walls and glasses. The top layer consists of a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) that allows it to stick securely to compatible surfaces.
This PSA also has a removable backing that makes it user-friendly and allows it to be repositioned if needed during installation. It usually comes in thinner gauges than regular sign vinyl, making it great for easier cutting and handling.
Both types of outdoor durable materials have various advantages depending on your project needs: Sign grade works better when applied flat against surfaces whereas adhesive works better when applied in deeply curved applications like mugs or similar objects where space is limited because it will not crack when bent too much as other materials would do under stress.
If you have enjoyed this article so far, please follow this link where we question: Vinyl Decals or Paint Job?
Conclusion
Whether you are looking to protect your furniture from everyday wear and tear, or want to add some extra flair to your home décor, adhesive vinyl can be a great choice for you.
We hope our article has helped you learn about the different types of adhesive vinyl available on the market and given you some ideas on how to use them best in your own home. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below!
