Self-adhesive vinyl films
Self-adhesive vinyl films
Self-adhesive films are made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). They are often called vinyls for short, but in Bulgaria they are popular as PVC films. They are used as a surface material in most printed advertisements or signs, carrying the main message, text, color or image.
Self-adhesive vinyls as a structure can be built from 3 main layers:
1. The first layer is the so-called printable layer, which in most cases is made of a vinyl with a thickness of 50-90 microns (0.5-0.9mm). The flexibility and surface, on which it can be applied depends on this layer. It can be white, colored, transparent, matte or glossy. According to the characteristics of this layer, vinyls are divided into many varieties, the most used being:
• cast – it is characterized by high plasticity and is suitable for surfaces with large irregularities.
• polymeric – with high plasticity but of a lower class compared to the previous type. Suitable for cars with uneven surface and showcases for outdoor conditions.
• for application on banners- used for its flexibility, which makes it suitable for mounting on banners, tarpaulins, trampolines, etc. flexible surfaces.
• translucent – suitable for internally illuminated signs made of glass, acrylic, etc.
• transparent – colored or clear vinyl with UV stabilizer, ensuring transparency of the pasted surfaces. Suitable for internally illuminated signs, graphics on stained glass and tinting of transparent surfaces – glass, acrylic, polycarbonate, etc.
• reflective – suitable for street signs and billboards, sticking on specialized vehicles, etc.
• frosted vinyl – suitable for showcases, offices and shops. Available in different colors. The film tints and transmits the corresponding effect to the glass while at the same time letting light through. It is often used for opening times computer-cut stickers.
• Films for floor graphics – for outdoor and indoor application. For advertisements or messages on floor surfaces in public buildings, production premises, offices, warehouses, sports halls, commercial establishments, cultural events and other events. They are distinguished by increased strength, durability and resistance to atmospheric conditions and mechanical wear.
• Monomeric – with a layer thickness of 75 microns suitable for almost any flat surface.
• One way vision – for application on windows and showcases.
2. The second layer is the adhesive layer, which, depending on the method of laying and its chemical composition, also determines the method of mounting, the strength, the longevity, the materials on which it can be mounted and many other conditions, important during the installation. According to the strength of the adhesive layer, the vinyls are of the following varieties:
• Permanent – after applying the film, the material starts to hold in 20 minutes, and it reaches its maximum adhesive strength in 24 hours, after which peeling off the film is very difficult without additional heating and sticker-removal chemicals;
Removable – after applying the film, the material starts to hold in 40 minutes, and reaches its maximum adhesive strength in 30-40 hours, after which peeling off the film is easy up to about 2 years from the moment of mounting, depending on the material of which is applied and atmospheric conditions;
• Easy mount – the method of applying of the adhesive layer is specific, which allows for easy expulsion of air. A novelty in this field is capillary technology. The structure is of micro capillaries in the adhesive coating, which allows free removal of air, without wrinkling the media;
• Easy-adhesive with adjustment – specific application of the adhesive, which in turn leads to easy peeling and sticking of the vinyl and its easy movement for easier application.
• Long-lasting peelable, special surfaces, superior adhesive strength and more.
• The temperature of the environment and the media carrier are also characteristic of the adhesive surface, namely what is the temperature range in which the vinyl should be applied to the media carrier. The minimum temperature is 10°C, and the maximum is 60°C.
The adhesive layer can also vary in color to suit specific needs and applications. It is most often white, gray, black and colorless.
For some specific applications, easily peelable films without an adhesive layer (Self Cling) are also used, fixing the graphics on the corresponding surface thanks to static electricity. When dismantling the film, no traces of glue remain on the surface.
3. The third layer protects the film itself and the adhesive, and is made to be easy to peel off, so that the film can be easily handled during installation.
At Fresh Print, we carry out high-quality large-format printing and plotter cutting of all types of vinyls for decorations, advertising, messages and instructions. Graphics printed on self-adhesive vinyl can be used in commercial establishments, in public and administrative buildings, in cinemas, theaters, concert and sports halls, food establishments, etc. They can be applied to walls, floors, windows and showcases, on vehicles and signs, public transport stops, railway stations and airports, and others.
We will help you choose the right material for your needs, with the best price/quality ratio. You can provide an artwork of your design for printing, or we can offer our design team to turn your ideas into print-ready computer graphics. Thanks to our vast experience in the design and printing of advertising products, and knowledge of all the subtleties, we will help you achieve maximum effect at a reasonable price. We can also assist with installation.