Vinyl

Vinyl foil is a printing technique that sign companies use for various advertising expressions. With a cutting plotter, we cut the desired shape precisely from the foil. We then provide the sticker with application tape, so that it can be easily applied to the desired surface. Think, for example, of eye-catching car lettering or professional facade advertising.

Vinyl foil, also known as sticker foil, is a thin adhesive foil that is specially designed to apply designs to windows, signs, etc. It consists of a carrier, an adhesive layer and is transferred with an application tape.

Vinyl foil is a versatile material that is suitable for both private and professional use. Whether you want to create a unique wall sticker or a professional advertising message, vinyl foil offers countless possibilities.

We discuss the following topics

  1. Who is vinyl foil suitable for
  2. What do you need to work with vinyl foil
  3. What should I pay attention to with vinyl foil
  4. What vinyl foils are there
  5. Advantages and disadvantages of vinyl films
  6. What do the different vinyl films cost
  7. Customer FAQs about vinyl film

Who is vinyl wrap suitable for?

In general, vinyl wrap is suitable for:

  • Flat surfaces: Vinyl wrap adheres best to smooth, clean surfaces such as glass, metal, plastic, and wood.
  • Indoor and outdoor use: There are different types of vinyl wrap available, some are specifically designed for outdoor use and are weatherproof.
  • Temporary and permanent applications: You can choose removable vinyl wrap for temporary decorations or permanent solutions.

In short, vinyl wrap is a versatile material that can be used for countless applications. Whether you are a hobbyist, a business owner, or just looking for a way to brighten up your home, vinyl wrap offers endless possibilities.

What do you need to work with vinyl foil?

To work with vinyl foil, you need a number of basic materials and tools. Below is an overview:

Essential materials:

  • Cutting plotters: A cutting plotter cuts the desired shape from the vinyl foil. There are different brands and models available, from hobby plotters for home use to professional machines.
  • Vinyl foil: This is the material you will be working with. There are different types of vinyl foil available, such as matte, glossy, holographic and even velvety soft vinyl. Choose the type that best suits your project.
  • Application tape: This is a transparent tape that you use to transfer the cut pieces of vinyl film to the substrate. It ensures that the pieces stay in place during application.
  • Cutting mat: This mat protects the cutting plotter and ensures that the vinyl film stays in place during cutting.
  • Squeegee: With a squeegee you remove air bubbles and ensure that the vinyl film adheres well to the substrate.
  • Degreaser: Before applying vinyl film, it is important to degrease the substrate thoroughly. This ensures better adhesion.
  • Peel hook: Use a peel hook to remove excess vinyl from the backing.

Optional materials:

  • Cutting knife: Useful for peeling small pieces of vinyl.
  • Scissors: To cut the application tape to size.
Apple Green
Aqua Green
Azure
Black
Bordeaux
Bright Red
+22
(26) From 1,88

Hexis Ecotac Plus 3000 series: Easy-to-weed and cut monomeric vinyl for indoor and outdoor use on flat surfaces like signs, windows, and displays, even for smaller lettering.

Application tape

RTape Clear Choice

(13) From 12,95

Transparent, plastic application tape. Application tape is needed to stick all parts of a cut and peeled sticker.

Accessories

Squeegee

A squeegee is often used, for instance, to smooth out vinyl when applying it to windows, cars or other hard and flat surfaces.

(3) 21,95

Boost peeling speed with theMagiCut LED weeding tool equipped with integrated LED Light for enhanced cut line visibility.

What should I pay attention to with vinyl film?

If you are planning to work with vinyl film, there are a few important things you should pay attention to:

1. Surface:

Clean and free of grease: Make sure that the surface on which you apply the vinyl film is clean, dry and free of grease. Any remaining dirt or grease can prevent the film from adhering properly.
Flat and smooth: Vinyl film adheres best to flat and smooth surfaces. Rough or uneven surfaces can affect the adhesion.
Suitable materials: Vinyl film is suitable for many materials, such as glass, metal, plastic and wood. However, some types of vinyl are better suited to certain materials than others.

2. Type of vinyl film:

Permanent or removable: Vinyl film is available in permanent and removable varieties. Choose the right type depending on your project.
Indoor or outdoor use: For outdoor use, special, weather-resistant vinyl film is required.
Gloss or matte: Vinyl film is available in different finishes, such as gloss, matte or even with special effects.

3. Application:

Cutting: Make sure you cut the vinyl film precisely according to your design. Use a cutting plotter or a sharp knife.
Peeling: Carefully remove the excess film from your design.
Applying: Slowly and carefully apply the vinyl film to the surface. Use a squeegee to remove air bubbles.
Temperature: The ambient temperature can affect the adhesion of the vinyl film. It is best to apply vinyl film at room temperature.

4. Care:

Cleaning: Vinyl film can usually be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild detergent.
Heat and sunlight: Try to avoid direct sunlight and extreme heat, as this can shorten the life of the film.

5. Safety:

  • Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation when working with vinyl film, especially in small spaces.
  • Skin contact: Wear gloves to prevent skin contact with the adhesive.
    General tips:
  • Practice first: If you have never worked with vinyl film before, practice on a small area before starting your project.
  • Quality: Choose high-quality vinyl film from a reputable supplier.
  • Instructions: Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before starting.

What types of vinyl films are there?

Apple Green
Aqua Green
Azure
Black
Bordeaux
Bright Red
+22
(26) From 1,88

Hexis Ecotac Plus 3000 series: Easy-to-weed and cut monomeric vinyl for indoor and outdoor use on flat surfaces like signs, windows, and displays, even for smaller lettering.

Baby Pink
Beige
Flamingo
Light Brown
Mint Green
Olive Green
+2

Hexis Suptac C5000 is an Easy-to-weed and cut polymere vinyl  ideal for paneling, pillars (both indoor and outdoor), signage, and vehicle graphics. Applicable to flat to lightly curved surfaces.

Aluminium
Bronze
Gold
Silver
(4) From 5,99

Hexis Metallic Polyester P6000 is a self-adhesive metallic vinyl film that offers an eye-catching and metallic appearance, perfect for decorative markings on both indoor and outdoor applications.

(7) From 3,69

The Hexis Etched Glass Silver is thin, translucent vinyl and often used to provide privacy while still allowing natural light to pass through.

(4) From 5,99

The Hexis Suptac S5000 Black Carbon is a self-adhesive vinyl film with a carbon effect, ideal for printing on motorsports and automotive applications, among others.

Hexis Blackboard Black is a chalkboard vinyl and offers the convenience of being writable with chalk, allowing you to effortlessly write, draw, erase, and update information as required.

Black
Fuchsia
Gold
Light Pink
Orange
Purple
+3

The HEXIS Skintac HX20000 series is a self-adhesive glitter vinyl film that is perfect for adding a touch of glitter to your  window and wall stickers.

Pros and cons with vinyl film

Vinyl film is a versatile material that is used for various purposes, from decoration to advertising. It has both advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look:

Advantages of Vinyl Film:

  • Versatility: Vinyl film comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures, giving you endless creative possibilities.
  • Durability: Vinyl film is water-resistant and weatherproof, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
  • Easy to Apply: With the right tools and techniques, vinyl film is relatively easy to apply to a variety of surfaces.
  • Removable: While vinyl film adheres well, it is usually removable, giving you the option to change up your decor.
  • Relatively Inexpensive: Compared to other decor materials, vinyl film is often a more affordable option.
  • Protective: Vinyl film can protect surfaces from scratches and wear.

Disadvantages of vinyl film:

  • Quality differences: The quality of vinyl film can vary greatly, which affects its lifespan and adhesion. Cheap vinyl film can discolour or peel off more quickly.
  • Difficult to remove: Although vinyl film is basically removable, it can sometimes be difficult to remove adhesive residue, especially if it has been on a surface for a long time.
  • Not suitable for all surfaces: Vinyl film adheres best to smooth, clean surfaces. Rough or porous surfaces can make application more difficult.
  • Environmental impact: The production of vinyl film has a certain impact on the environment. While there are more and more eco-friendly options available, this is something to keep in mind.
  • Shrinkage: Some types of vinyl film can shrink, especially over large areas or with temperature changes.

What do the different vinyl films cost?

 

 

Vinyl film Price per meter* (purchase of 1 meter) Logo A4* (including cutting/peeling loss) Application tape Total
Hexis Ecotac E3000 Matt/Gloss width 61 cm €3.49 €0.40 €0.15 €0.55
Hexis Suptac S5000, width 61 cm €2.89 €0.33 €0.15 €0.48
Hexis Blackboard, width 61 cm €2.89 €0.33 €0.15 €0.48
Hexis Blackboard, width 61 cm €3.99 €0.46 €0.15 €0.61
Hexis Chrome, width 61 cm €11.89 €1.37 €0.15 €1.52
Hexis Carbon, width 61 cm €11.89 €1.38 €0.15 €1.53
Hexis Glitter, width 61 cm €5.99 €1.36 €0.15 €1.51
Hexis Glass etching film, width 61 cm €7.38 €0.85 €0.15 €1.00
Molco Penstick Gloss, width 61 cm €2.69 €0.610.85 €0.15 €0.76
Molco Penstick Matt, width 61 cm €2.69 €0.610.85 €0.15 €0.76

* The prices mentioned are indicative and may vary per project. When calculating the price for an A4 logo, we have maintained a margin to take into account cutting loss and any additional material use. The meter price for vinyl foil is based on a purchase of one full meter.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vinyl Film

Vinyl film is a flexible, self-adhesive plastic material that is widely used for decorative and functional purposes. It consists of a backing with an adhesive layer and a top layer of vinyl.

Choosing the right vinyl for glass depends on several factors, such as the location, the durability you want, and the type of design.

Vinyl types suitable for glass:

  • Monomeric vinyl: This is a good choice for flat glass surfaces such as windows and doors. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to apply.
  • Polymeric vinyl: This type of vinyl is more flexible and resistant to shrinkage. It is suitable for both flat and slightly curved surfaces.
  • Cast vinyl: This is the most durable option, with a long lifespan and excellent color fastness. It is ideal for applications where the decal will be exposed to the elements for long periods of time.

A vinyl sticker is a sticker made of vinyl foil. Vinyl foil is a type of plastic that is flexible, durable and water-resistant. This makes vinyl stickers suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Calendered vinyl film is a type of self-adhesive film that is widely used for a variety of applications, from decoration to advertising. It is one of the most common types of vinyl film that you will encounter.

How is it made?

The name ‘calendered’ refers to the production process. In this process, a thick layer of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is pressed between heavy rollers. The high pressure and heat flatten the PVC into a thin, flexible film.

On average, you can expect a lifespan of 3 to 5 years for calendered vinyl installed outdoors. Indoors, it can last much longer, sometimes 7 years or more.

Vinyl, while a durable material, does have some weaknesses. Here are a few things that vinyl can’t handle well:

  • Extreme heat: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures can cause vinyl to warp, discolor, or become brittle.
  • Sharp objects: Vinyl can easily be damaged by sharp objects such as knives or fingernails.
  • Chemicals: Strong detergents, solvents, and certain chemicals can damage the surface of vinyl.
  • Scratches: Even though vinyl has a durable surface, it can still scratch when scraped with sharp objects.
  • Stains: Some stains, such as ink or certain types of paint, can be difficult to remove from vinyl.

A vinyl sticker is a sticker made of vinyl foil. Vinyl foil is a type of plastic that is flexible, durable and water-resistant. This makes vinyl stickers suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.