Is there any significant major differences between the different brands of High Performance cast vinyl? I would like to use one brand and stick with it. I'm not looking for lengthy details or negative product comments, just a simple response or comments on any major differences. 99% of the usage will be on autos and motorcycles. All comments and suggestions appreciated - Thanks - DB
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
This may be half an answer for you. There will be differences in the chemical composition of the vinyl or the adhesive most likely, BUT.....
I like 3M with its plastic backing/release liner- it's more gentle on the blades I feel. Plus I've found with lots and lots of very small fine lettering to weed, it weeds more easily than the paper backed vinyls.
Then you get an order for a colour that 3M doesn't have, so you switch to another brand, say Avery, which does, then another order for a specific colour that the other two don't quite have.... and soon you have the variety you were trying to avoid!
The different companies are each trying to go one better than the other, so you'll get a new product here that's more strechy and conformable than before, then the others catch up, then they overtake with a more easily repositionable adhesive, and the others catch up, all in the name of trying to be 'The Best' , but you need to work out which is best for You specifically, which depends on supply, end use, experience, and substrate.
Short term Real Estate signs, some cheaper banners and some corflute signs just don't warrant the cost of the premium vinyls, and some charity jobs don't either. Good luck.
(edited since I thought I pressed the spacebar, and it was submitted incomplete, then i forgot to add a bit more)
[ September 03, 2003, 09:22 AM: Message edited by: Ian Stewart-Koster ]
Posted by Terry Whynott (Member # 1622) on :
Dennis, I've always used Avery and some 3M. I've never seen a real difference in longevity between the two.
It seems everyone has preferences of which one they like the feel of, or which cuts/weeds better, but that's something you'll have to experience.
I'd pick one of the major brands and go with it. Just remember to always use high performance on any type of vehicle.
Also, if you have the option, shop around. I've found big differences in the price one supplier will charge than another for the exact same product.
Hope this helps.
Posted by Kissymatina (Member # 2028) on :
A lot of it comes down to personal preferance. I prefer Avery. I like the feel of it. I've seen 1 vinyl that felt like brittle suran wrap to me.
Talk to your suppliers about what is available then order a small roll (or a few yards if you can) of the different brands easiest available. Try cutting, play with sticking it on stuff. Just make sure it is CAST HP. I seem to remember a thread here a while ago about a brand of HP that was actually calendared. Maybe try a search on that.
Posted by ScooterX (Member # 2023) on :
Dennis, I don't have a lot of vinyl experience, so I can't tell you which brand, but I CAN offer this advice. Choose your brand based on your supplier. There are probably more complaints on this board based on suppliers than than are about the products being supplied. If you have a good local distributor, go with the brand they keep fully stocked. If you have to go hunting around and paying for extra shipping just to get a few feet of vinyl you'll be annoyed every time you do it.
Some brands have more colors than other, so part of your decision might be based on the kinds of colors you think you might need.
Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
It really IS a preference of suppliers. My supplier is a Gerber/Avery?Oracal dist. They always have what I need. If I need an odd color not made by one of them, I go to Wensco. They carry Calon/FDC. So, between them, I can always find it. But, my loyalty is to Gerber/Avery because I have an Edge
Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
It really IS a preference of suppliers. My supplier is a Gerber/Avery/Oracal dist. They always have what I need. If I need an odd color not made by one of them, I go to Wensco. They carry Calon/FDC. So, between them, I can always find it. But, my loyalty is to Gerber/Avery because I have an Edge
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
i use avery mostly HP & intermediate. i offer the customer both. i got tree service/roofing trucks i do and to put HP vinyl on them is dumb. also if price is an issue...then use intermediate. 1.they are driven not by the owner. 2. most of these trucks are older and wont be in service in 3-4 years. 3.most have had 2-4 different colors of paint on them. 4. most vinyl get destroyed by tree limbs and debre being rubbed against the truck.new trucks that the owners are gong to keep 5-10 years....now these i do HP vinyl on them. i have a mobile shop and i need to have vinyl stock on the truck so intermediate is mostly what i carry. and for windows, coro signs and banners...thats all you need.
Posted by Tim Doyle (Member # 3548) on :
Hi Dennis,
My name is Tim Doyle and I am the Avery Technical Service Manager. As you can tell by all the posts, it really is a personal preference. I may be a little biased, but I also know Avery is a high quality product. As a “newby” to the business, check out application classes and videos, check out the Avery website www.signage.averygraphics.com, work with your vinyl distributor and listen to the experience from this board. I check out this board every few days, but rarely chime in, because the “how to” questions are already answered. Listen and learn.
Good luck with your new business and let me know if there is anything I can do.
Tim
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
ok....heres one for the rep....avery A-5....is now A-6 YES/NO, and why? A-4 is good for what? and can i get a small piece of this new NO BUBBLES VINYL? now you got some work to do....hehehehehehe
Posted by D. Brooker (Member # 1970) on :
Thanks for all of the input - good advice from everyone - Dennis Brooker
