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Acceptable Vinyl for Vehicle Graphics
Was just wondering what types of materials everyone else uses for everyday vehicle lettering and outdoor signs. I have been using Oracal 651 but I’m unsure that this is acceptable as it is calendered, but still cannot justify using the high dollar cast films. Is the durability of Oracal 651 acceptable for vehicle lettering and general outdoor signs?
I have also been considering switching to Oracal 751 but I’m not sure if it is printable in my versacamm, as I know that the 651 is not. I would like to switch to one uniform vinyl that can both be printed and is available in a wide selection of colors when printing is not needed, but also provide the durability for all jobs, any suggestions?
I have made some mistakes in the past using cheap calendered films that claim to be “5 yr. Vinyl” and would like to find something of high quality and never use anything else.
Thanks
Doyle -
8 Replies
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alright mate i would leave oracal behind and switch to avery. use avery 700 series for every day applications and avery 800 series for vehicles. you can never go wrong with it.
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I can’t help you with the printing part,
but I use ONLY cast on vehicles.
Since Avery in the US had their shrinkage problem last year,
I will never use it again. (it used to be my fave)
I have used Calon II HP for 7 years with nary a failure,
on both signs and vehicles.
I only use Gerber brand white in HP.
I have also used FDC with no problems.
I never use Mac Tac.
For coro, I use the Oracal 651.
I just tried their new cast and I liked it a lot.
My theory…a car is a very valuable substrate.
It would be a sin to put cheap vinyl on it.
Use better products and charge more!
Love….jill -
quote david foster:alright mate i would leave oracal behind and switch to avery. use avery 700 series for every day applications and avery 800 series for vehicles. you can never go wrong with it.i am assuming you mean this from a purely self preference point of view mate or do you know something we don’t? 😀
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Do you keep a stock of every color in the avery cast? That stuff is so expensive I only buy it as I need it, as I would hate to let a roll sit on the shelf for a year and go bad. I just tried printing on oracal 651 and don’t think it will work unless I can find a good profile for it, also, as the vinyl was heated, it started to a buckle a little bit and I started to worry that the head might strike the material.
I appreciate the input, as I am ready to make a commitment to ONE vinyl that produces good results and never use anything else. I will give the avery a shot, but what is the 700 series? My supplier has A4, A6, A8, etc. maybe I should look somewhere else?
Thanks
Doyle -
the 700 series is a high performance calendered vinyl. 800 series is a cast vinyl and the 900 series is a super cast. you are better always sticking to one make of vinyl, that way if u ever have a problem you know which vinyl it was.
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hi David, i couldn’t agree more with you that it is always better to “try” and stick with one make of vinyl, but in all the years i have been a sign maker this has proved almost impossible. there are so many reasons why we sometimes are forced drift onto other makes…
as for the view of “push oracal aside” and use Avery?
well, again, i am sure this is just your personal preference… as in the years i have now been using oracal i cannot think of a reason why i would like to move completely over to Avery, or any make for that matter. again just my self preference I’m sure.in reply to your question dogers… “Is the durability of Oracal 651 acceptable for vehicle lettering and general outdoor signs?”
the ansewr to that is yes!
651 is a calendar vinyl, but has been created purposely for outdoor signage & vehicle signage. however i would not use it for the likes of applications in recessed areas or stretch it.
if you wanted a great all rounder at a great price ide take a look at oracal 751c this is what i use for day to day work and almost all, other than wrap vehicle signage.
as you are in the states you will now find the complete 751 range is now a cast vinyl, 751c.quote :Do you keep a stock of every color in the avery cast? That stuff is so expensive I only buy it as I need it, as I would hate to let a roll sit on the shelf for a year and go bad. I just tried printing on oracal 651 and don’t think it will work unless I can find a good profile for it, also, as the vinyl was heated, it started to a buckle a little bit and I started to worry that the head might strike the materialNo, never buy the full range of colours, as you said. buy as you need and in quantities you need, allowing for minimal stock unless you have a need for it.
buy your primary colours in about 20metres of each also black and white.
then maybe a few shades inbetween and some odd ones like pink, purples etc about 10mtrs each. the ones you use you just top up. ones your left with you know not to buy again until really needed.as for printing onto 651? oracal or avery or any for that matter, you “wont” be able to just plug and play with your printer. as you have said, you need a good profile. not sure how it works with avery etc but oracal have released a new digital print range of which you can download all the oracal profiles from their U.S. website.
hope this helps some…
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I generally use Mactac 9800, never had a problem with it.
Good to weed
Has a good “feel” to it
and I’ve not had any shrinkage problems that I know about.
Mactac have also just started to make this with a textured adhesive to help release the air so it should be even better.
I’ve also managed to bend it into recesses on occasion as well.I’ve tried other makes and non of them have been as good (apart from Avery), but at the end of the day find one that suits you, as long as it’s quality material you should have no problems.
Steve
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Thanks for all the great advice. I have always been partial to Oracal as far as weedability and performance goes. I have used a wide range of materials and also really like avery films.
Rob, just talked to some techs at my sign supply and they suggested oracal 3651 for printing in my versacamm, any experience with this material? If the material prints well with the available profiles, I would be very pleased to stick with oracal materials. I just bought a roll of the 751 but haven’t used it yet to see how it performs.
Thanks!
Doyle
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