One of the most important factors for professional signage, vehicle wraps, and outdoor graphics is material selection. With so many types of vinyl films available today, many designers and installers choose cast vinyl for premium applications.
Use on everything from fleet graphics to architectural signs, cast vinyl is the industry standard when it comes to high-quality digital graphics and durable outdoor materials.
What is Cast Vinyl?
Cast vinyl is a self adhesive material that is created by pouring liquid PVC on a casting sheet and allowing it to cure, unlike calendered vinyl which is processed through large rollers. The liquid vinyl casts onto the sheet forming a thin, flexible material with little to no shrinkage or stress.
Due to this revolutionary process, cast vinyl has incredible flexibility and conformability when it comes to curved surfaces, and other textured surfaces. Learn more about cast vinyl.
Benefits of Cast Vinyl Material
Ability to stretch
Materials that are applied to complex surfaces benefit greatly from cast vinyl’s ability to stretch. Applied to vehicle body panels, motorcycle tanks, fairings and helmets, architectural wraps and more, cast vinyl smoothly lays down with very little shrinkage. This allows sign makers to retain smooth taut edges while minimizing lifting or delamination.
Long-Lasting Outdoor Durability
Cast vinyl was designed from the start for long-lasting outdoor applications. Cast vinyl resists UV-rays, moisture, heat, cold, and environmental pollutants. Colors, gloss, and adhesion are retained long after application even in the harshest of environments.
Dimensionally Stable
Cast vinyl will not shrink after application. Many cheaper vinyl materials tend to shrink after a set amount of time, causing graphics to not lay as tight and create unwanted gaps along edges. When looking for a material that will provide a long service life, you want something that will retain its size and shape.
Printability
Cast vinyl works with a wide range of digital printing technologies such as eco solvent, solvent, UV, and latex. The smooth coating allows for great ink absorption and produces sharp vibrant graphics. Cast vinyl has become one of the most popular materials for digital printing.
Applications for Cast Vinyl
Cast vinyl has the ability to be used on many different surfaces for a wide variety of uses. Some of the most popular applications for cast vinyl are:
- Full Vehicle Wraps
- Commercial Graphics
- Motorcycle Wraps
- Commercial Fleet Graphics
- Bus/Truck Graphics
- Window Graphics
- Architectural Graphics
- Outdoor Advertising
- Retail and Trade Show Graphics
- Commercial Branding
Due to cast vinyl’s ability to stretch, it is recommended for use on surfaces with deep curves.
Cast Vinyl vs. Calendered Vinyl
Buyers often debate what type of vinyl to buy. Cast vinyl and calendered vinyl are the two most common kinds.
- Cast vinyl offers customers a thinner, more flexible material with zero shrink. Material like cast vinyl conforms very well to curves and provides a longer outdoor lifespan.
- Calendered vinyl is rolled through massive rollers when heating. This vinyl tends to be thicker and cheaper. But lacks flexibility and long-term outdoor durability of cast vinyl.
When looking to get the best material for vehicle wraps and long-term outdoor graphics, go with cast vinyl.
Printable Cast Vinyl Increasing in Usage
With more personalized graphics being used today, printable cast vinyl has become more widely used. Due to high resolution digital printing, custom graphics, graphics for promotions, racing stripes, designs, and full color graphics can be applied to printable cast vinyl.
Once laminated the graphics are protected from scratches, UV-rays, and the elements prolonging the life of the graphics while keeping them looking great.
Installation Tips
Proper installation is key when it comes to cast vinyl. Make sure the surface you are applying graphics to is cleaned properly and free of dust, grease, and other contaminants. Apply graphics in the recommended temperature range and work in a dust free environment.
By using a heat gun you can mold the material around curves and tucked areas. A professional squeegee is key when it comes to applying cast vinyl and removing air bubbles. After graphics have been applied, go over any critical areas with a heat gun to help with long term adhesion.
Picking the Right Cast Vinyl Supplier
When it comes to picking the right cast vinyl supplier, not all vinyl films are created equal. Professional manufacturers use the latest in production technology, detailed quality control procedures, and advanced adhesive systems to create the highest quality products.
Things to look for when picking the right cast vinyl are print compatibility, outdoor durability, dimensional stability, adhesive strengths, and applications and technical support.
By working with a professional vinyl manufacturer, sign companies and dealers can provide better quality graphics to customers while minimizing installation time and future maintenance.
So
Cast vinyl continues to be the top choice for vehicle wraps, commercial graphics, and long-term outdoor applications due to its stretch, dimension stability, print compatibility, and superior weatherability. Used for commercial graphics, vehicle wraps, motorcycle wraps, architectural applications, and high-quality graphics you can trust cast vinyl to give you professional looking results that will last.
Printable cast vinyl gives you customizable graphics that are easy to install and produce amazing results that your customers will love.