Masters of Interior Resurfacing | Greater Toronto Area
Adhesive and Heat-transfer vinyl are the two types of prominent vinyl film, the latter being a specialty film that may be used on fabrics.
1. Adhesive Vinyl
The more common type of vinyl film, used during most projects, adhesive vinyl film has a sticky (adhesive) side and a non-adhesive, colored face usually where designs are printed on.
The following are the main types of adhesive vinyl.
(1) Polyester: Polyester films are often marketed along side of true vinyl (PVC) films but have different properties and performance. If you've ever worked with a metallized chrome or diamond plate film that feels stiff and doesn't conform to curves, you've probably used a PET polyester film without even knowing it. These films are top coated for excellent print receptivity, and provide a strong tear resistant surface. They're an environmentally responsible alternative film compared to traditional self-adhesive PVC films. They are available in a range of colors and styles from clear to silver to confetti as well as many other colors or tints.
(2) Craft and Sign Film: Cast vinyl film is made through a process referred to as casting. In other words, the material that will eventually become a sheet or roll of cast vinyl starts out as a mixture that resembles a thick, viscous plastic paint. Plasticizers, PVC and pigments (dyes) are mixed together until a homogenous mix known as organosol is formed. The mix is the cast or measured out onto a moving matrix called the casting sheet where it is subsequently processed through a number of different
(3) Pressure Senitive Film: Cast vinyl film is made through a process referred to as casting. In other words, the material that will eventually become a sheet or roll of cast vinyl starts out as a mixture that resembles a thick, viscous plastic paint. Plasticizers, PVC and pigments (dyes) are mixed together until a homogenous mix known as organosol is formed. The mix is the cast or measured out onto a moving matrix called the casting sheet where it is subsequently processed through a number of different
(4) Overlaminates: Cast vinyl film is made through a process referred to as casting. In other words, the material that will eventually become a sheet or roll of cast vinyl starts out as a mixture that resembles a thick, viscous plastic paint. Plasticizers, PVC and pigments (dyes) are mixed together until a homogenous mix known as organosol is formed. The mix is the cast or measured out onto a moving matrix called the casting sheet where it is subsequently processed through a number of different
2. Heat-Transfer Vinyl
Heat-transfer vinyl (also commonly referred to as HTV). is a specialty vinyl that may be used on fabrics and other materials to create designs and promotional products. Generally sold in a roll or sheet form with a heat-activated adhesive backing so it can be cut, weeded, and placed on a substrate for heat application.