Avery 502 gloss black or Oracal 651 gloss black?

[Robert Lambie]

I haven’t tried "that" series of Avery vinyl, but if its in the same line/series as oracal there wont be a great deal in it. obviously like most vinyls they will have their own application characteristics that can only be found by trying, self preference etc… but both reputable film manufacturers.
personally though, i tend not to drop below a 5 year film regardless to what its for. but that’s maybe just me.

[Ian Johnston]

I’m a great fan of avery, BUT 500 series in MY Opinion is not a 5 year vinyl, it’s a 3-5yr vinyl, nearer the 3 than the 5!!
it shrinks on the roll after a few weeks, never mind on a panel.

Avery 600 is a 5 year vinyl. good all round.

700 is the DOGS BOLLOCKS, my weapon of choice.

Ian

[Steve McAdie]

I’d use Oracle 551 the 651 is horrible stuff and only black & white is 5 yr colours are 4yr

Steve

[Cheryl Smith]

Ive only just started using the Avery….so this is a very interesting read.
Interesting to note what Ian said about colours being more of a 3year than five………….that is a big difference in lifespan..! I wouldnt use any material under a 5 year unless it was for a short term display. After reading this post I wont be using the 500 red and yellow ive just bought on longer term vans and cars.

[Gary Birch]

quote Steve McAdie:

I’d use Oracle 551 the 651 is horrible stuff and only black & white is 5 yr colours are 4yr

Steve

I’m with Steve on this. We use predominantly 551 and never had a single issue. For the difference in price it is a no brainer to me. Having said that the Avery 700 is a very nice vinyl too

Cheers

Gary

[Gwaredd Steele]

I agree with what the others have said.

Bizarrely, Oracal have the most confusing vinyl nameset, with the 551 being far superior (5-7 year) than the 651 (5 year intermediate)

So it goes:

Oracal 651 (4/5 year inter)

Oracal 551 (5/7 year High Performance)

Oracal 751 (High Performance Cast)

Oracal 951 (Premium Cast)

Avery’s system is much clearer:

Avery 500 series (5 year economy grade)

Avery 600 series (5/7 year High Performance)

Avery 700 series (7/8 year High Performance)

Avery 900 series (High Performance Cast)

Having used Oracal 551 when JAC vinyl was unavailable a few years back, I found it super sticky & ultimately not very forgiving when weeding or applying, especially when windy & on your own. Each to their own, but I just didn’t get on with it at all! I found the 751 no better.

I now exclusively use Avery products & use the 600 series for 95% of my jobs unless a 700 colour is required & have never had 1 seconds worth of trouble, even when using it outside its limitations such as severe indentations & curves etc. It also has a lower grab than the Oracal, so is easier & more forgiving to use. Good for things like floodcoating etc on your tod.

Also worth mentioning that Avery white comes on a blue backing paper, so is really easy to see when weeding. I also found removing vinyl from the same vehicle, the Avery came off far better than the Oracal & left less glue behind. Every little helps!

Overall I think the Avery 600 series is a far better product than the Oracal 551 – & I can get it cheaper too 😉

[Cheryl Smith]

ive found the E3000 ecotac range from Hexis to be good………….not had any bother at all..upto 5 year life and much cheaper than the mid range Avery and Oracle mid ranges