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Vinyl or print, advice needed please?
Hi, I have only ever cut graphics in vinyl, I don’t have a printer.
Occasionally I’ve paid for things to be printed when the logo contains gradients. But on the whole I avoid it as it means I lose out financially.
I usually only do boats and cars but for some things like a signboard – it would probably be cheaper for the client just getting it printed, but I would basically lose the job. Does a vinyl stay brighter and last longer? Or is that me and self preservation?
I’ve been signwriting 20 years, perhaps I am dragging my heels by not printing?
Your opinions would be much appreciated.
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5 Replies
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Hi Suzie
Plotter vinyls tend to stay more vibrant for longer than printed media. Inks tend to have a around 4 year life, and that depends on the colours used (reds fade the quickest) and the location of the prints i.e a south facing print that is mainly red may last 2 years maybe add an extra year with a laminate, most manufactures of media specify the life of the film without the print on it, so that will give you an idea of what guarantees are involved. Avery for instance offer a printed and unprinted life of their data sheets as long as all the correct inks and profiles are used.
As you know Plotter vinyls offer life expectancies Of 2 to 3 year monomeric / 4 to 5 year Monomeric and 5 to 7 year polymeric and cast
most vinyl manufacturers have machines that accelerate weather conditions. So 1 month in the accelerator exposing vinyl to UV light and humidity and temperature can equate to 1 year in the real world
Having said that printed vinyls have been acceptable for many years now without much kick back from the end user so don’t be afraid to take the plunge and it’s still profitable to print in house, especially with the offers that are around at the moment or even a second user machine would help you dip your toe in the water
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Printed vinyl would allow more flexibility in the design. May be worth getting prices from a trade printer in your area. If you can make the margins work, it would be one way of doing it without buying a printer.
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I’ve always swayed towards cut vinyl due to vibrancy, however our new Roland with orange & green ink can produce some impressive colours, so will be printing & cutting more.
Cut vinyl Offers more consistency, especially if you upgrade printer.
Shop around for a better price on your print, but don’t sacrifice the quality to save a few quid, or if you can get a machine in house.
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thanks everyone for your useful replies:)
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Hi Suzie
I would certainly agree that plotter vinyls stay vibrant much than printed stuff. However, check this picture out. I recently replaced this for a customer as it had started to peel, not fade. I originally printed and fitted that in 2005. It lasted 15 years!
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