There are many types of decals for a reason. Not all decals serve the same purpose. If you decide to use the wrong kinds of labels on a fleet of vehicles, a shopfront, or equipment for your business, the wrong choice can become an expensive problem. Before you purchase decals, it’s a good idea to understand the available options to save yourself time and money and prevent frustrations in the future.
What Functions Do You Need to Serve?
Before choosing a material or deciding on a print method, think about where you will use the decal. How much exposure to the weather will it get? Does it get sunlight? Where will the decal sit? Is it a flat surface, curved, or a textured surface?
For example, a decal for a reception desk serves different functions than a decal for a delivery vehicle. Consider the forces that will act on the decal. The weather and sun can all damage a material that’s not designed for those conditions.
Before choosing the material and specific finish of a decal, consider the environment that the decal will be placed.
More People Understand the Role of the Right Material
Vinyl is the primary material used for durable decals, and it is flexible for the most part, and it offers weather resistance, and it is less expensive when compared to many options. However, not all of the available vinyl is the same.
Cast vinyl is thinner, and more conformable, and adheres to irregular and curved surfaces better. It has a better outdoor lifespan, with higher grades of cast vinyl lasting five to seven years based on conditions. Calendered vinyl, on the other hand, is thicker and more economical, but can shrink and doesn’t hold as well on surfaces other than flat ones. Calendered vinyl is usually best for short term outdoor and indoor usage. Polyesters and Polycarbonates also serve a purpose for industrial labels as well as the use in environments where there are chemicals, solvents and extreme heat.
The type of adhesive can easily be overlooked but causes failure the most. Adhesives are what hold everything in place. Permanent adhesives are good for branding and equipment where things stay put for long periods of time, and the equipment is not meant to be removed cleanly. Removable adhesives allow for the sign to be removed without damaging the sign’s rest. For low energy surfaces like powder coated metals certain plastics are where a regular adhesive won’t stick.
If the material is to be used on the paintwork. It is also worthwhile to ask suppliers about the effect of the adhesive on automotive finishes.
Print Method and Finish
If you want decals that will last and retain their colour in the sun, UV resistant inks are essential. Solvent and latex printed decals hold up better in the elements than aqueous printed decals. Solvent and latex printed decals are better printed than aqueous printed decals. Solvent and latex printed decals hold better in the elements than aqueous printed decals.
Lamination is worth the extra expense for anything exposed to the elements. Printing and laminating it with UV resistant material extends the life of the print and adds physical scratch resistance. You can choose gloss, satin, or matte depending on the look you prefer, although gloss tends to show scratches more readily on surfaces that see regular contact.
Sizing, Quantities, and Lead Times
It may be obvious, but the correct size matters. Any durable decals that are even slightly oversized for its intended surface can lift, bubble at the edges, or simply look out of place. Always check the measurements before sending the finished artwork to print.
When it comes to quantity, good unit pricing is offered with higher quantities. However, balance that with the expired shelf life. Some adhesives and laminates degrade over time so bulk buying for years isn’t the best option.
Lead times should be accounted for before you get started. For the bespoke durable decals with custom shapes or special finishes, the time can be anywhere from 4-6 weeks. If you are working with a deadline, consider that heavily when getting started.
Finding a Supplier
For simple projects and smaller orders, a local print shop will likely meet your needs. For more complex jobs, such as fleet graphics or industrial labeling, then you want to go to the print supplier. They’ll also be able to advise on which materials will better suit your needs.
Before placing a large order, ask the supplier to confirm the quality of the work by providing examples. A good supplier will have plenty samples and be able to meet that request.
Durable decals can be complex, but the right questions can lead you to the answers. The misconception is that suppliers are a commodity, which is a mistake as durable decals are abusable for a long time, so you need to consider how resilient they need to be and the conditions they’ll encounter.