Digital and screen printing self-adhesive vinyl has become very popular for a wide range of applications. To make the best possible investment in your sticker and decal project, it is important to know how to choose the right type of adhesive vinyl for decals.

Before you select a vinyl for your job, ask yourself the following questions and allow your answers to direct you to the right product for your job:

What type of surface do you want to apply the decals to?

The basic selection rule is: if your surface is smooth and hard (like boxes, mirrors, picture frames, bottles, mugs, walls, etc.), then you should go for adhesive vinyl.

If you want to decorate a soft surface (like bags, tote, books, shoes, fabrics, etc.) that can take the heat, then go for the heat transfer vinyl.

How long do you want your stickers or decals to remain on that surface?

If you want your decal to last long then go for a permanent vinyl. Otherwise, a temporary or removable vinyl should be able to do the job.

Choose According to Applications

Various vinyl graphics are available for particular uses. Do you know how to choose the right vinyl for your decals project? Below are some suggestions.

Vehicle Graphics

Vinyl graphics for vehicle parts
A comparatively flat surface like car hoods, doors, trunk, or roof – a common adhesive vinyl film with 3~5 years warranty will be workable for producing small size graphics.

Car surfaces with curves such as bumpers, side panels, fenders, tailgate – Please do choose casting grade vinyl, which can better convert to curved surfaces.

Tips:
– If there are thin lines or letters on the vehicle decals, use clear vinyl. This will save you a lot of trouble during installation.
– Choose material with air-release channels and easy re-positioning functions if you plan to apply larger size decals.

Window Graphics

Option One – 3~5 Year lifespan clear vinyl window graphic

Material: Clear vinyl film
Apply: Inside or outside of the window. Inside application is preferred because it can protect the graphic from bad weather and scratch.
Printing: HP Latex or screen printing
Adhesive: Permanent or removable
Advantages: Clear window graphics can be applied to the inside of the window so as to protect the decals from vandalism and environmental damage.
Disadvantages: Graphics’ color may be affected if the window is tinted.

Option Two – 5~7 Year warranty vinyl lettering

Material: Solid color vinyl film
Apply: Outside of the window.
Adhesive: Permanent or removable
Advantages: Durable and low cost.
Disadvantages: Only letters or simple icons are available.

Option Three – 3~5 Year lifespan vinyl decals

Material: white vinyl with a clear gloss or matte overlaminate over the top to provide extra protection and UV resistance.
Apply: outside of the window
Printing: HP Latex or screen printing
Adhesive: Permanent or removable
Advantages: Excellent visibility
Disadvantages: Risk of being vandalized or affected by environmental conditions.

Option Four – Short term use one-way vision window graphics

Material: white polymeric perforated window vinyl.
Apply: outside of the window
Printing: HP Latex
Adhesive: Permanent
Advantages: provide a high-quality graphic image on the outside of the window while retaining the ability to see out of the window from inside.
Disadvantages: Risk of being vandalized or affected by environmental conditions.

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