carwash 47 Posted March 12, 2014 I needed some chrome vinyl for a job, and my searching rendered everyone apparently preferring a different brand and style. I went ahead and purchased Oracal 352-901. It arrived today, directly from Oracal as US Cutter didn't have it in stock. It's a 2 mil, and the peeps at oracal told me it was the closest to the 651 that I can get in a vinyl.. I will let you guys know how well it cuts, weeds, and adheres after I try it out. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dawn's Design 403 Posted March 12, 2014 I've been wanting to try this but a little scared. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay2703 704 Posted March 12, 2014 I've used it and it's ok to work with. It tears really easy and no give to it like 651. More like a mylar than vinyl. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
security802 686 Posted March 12, 2014 I bought the Creative Films, from USCUTTER. It is shiny and after the correction of the bad roll it is a nice vinyl. Think I will look at the oracal for next time Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted March 12, 2014 I needed some chrome vinyl for a job, and my searching rendered everyone apparently preferring a different brand and style. I went ahead and purchased Oracal 352-901. It arrived today, directly from Oracal as US Cutter didn't have it in stock. It's a 2 mil, and the peeps at oracal told me it was the closest to the 651 that I can get in a vinyl.. I will let you guys know how well it cuts, weeds, and adheres after I try it out. I have it here and like it for the most part. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MadHatterGraphix 1,258 Posted March 12, 2014 Jay is that the stuff I got when we traded? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carwash 47 Posted March 12, 2014 Ok, i just did my first job with it, and it's decent to work with, but not as forgiving as 651. Does tear easy, etc... and I could definitely have increased my cut pressure for it, but it cut fine with the current 651 settings. Also, the backing is slick... paper transfer tape has a hard time even sticking to it... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wildgoose 4,200 Posted March 12, 2014 I'd say you jumped in in a big way with a full 50yd roll. Maybe they only sell 50 at a time directly? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay2703 704 Posted March 12, 2014 I bought 10 yards from USCutter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dakotagrafx 7,297 Posted March 12, 2014 It will eat blades also - any metallic or reflective will - that is why I have a second holder and blade just for those materials Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,708 Posted March 12, 2014 I'd say you jumped in in a big way with a full 50yd roll. Maybe they only sell 50 at a time directly? It looks like they sell 10 yd http://www.uscutter.com/ORACAL-352-Print-Polyester-24-x-10-Yard-Roll Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carwash 47 Posted March 12, 2014 I only buy 50 yard rolls... it makes monetary sense... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wildgoose 4,200 Posted March 12, 2014 I only buy 50 yard rolls... it makes monetary sense... It does if you use it up. If you don't it gets old and stale. Vinyl has a shelf life. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carwash 47 Posted March 12, 2014 What would you say is the shelf life? How fresh from the factory do we assume our vinyl is? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wildgoose 4,200 Posted March 13, 2014 Who knows with the factory and that's always my worry that I am already getting an old roll! I think it's a year or two shelf life. Probably better if you keep them in the plastic bag sleeves. I have some stuff that is three years and still seems to work but I have been able to tell the difference when I used up a roll I had for a while and opened the new stuff I had just gotten. Cut easier and weeded better (the new). I have never thrown any out but I bet the stuff that you see on discount sale or to ebay is getting up there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carwash 47 Posted March 13, 2014 I've got a roll or two I've been using for three years without issue. But my stuff is always kept cool and non humid. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wildgoose 4,200 Posted March 13, 2014 I didn't mean to make you panic and I doubt it's going to all of a sudden start falling off peoples cars but I limit the size of most of what I buy to what I need so I keep things rotated best as I can. Price is a little more per foot but I also don't have to outlay quite as much at any given time and I price my jobs accordingly to cover it. White and Black are always safe as I'm sure you have found same as I have. Most used by far. The reds and blues are heavy users too but often different shades so I don't pre-order. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carwash 47 Posted March 13, 2014 Good tactics. Thx for the input. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted March 13, 2014 I order 10 yds. of most colors but the reason is the shear number of colors I stock makes 50 yds. cost prohibitive. As for age I've only had 1 roll ever age out and I bought it on clearance from my supplier and it wouldn't even stick to a banner. I have a few odd colors over 3 years old with no marked degradation and I believe 2 years shelf is listed on Oracal's site and you know they are covering their butts so I always assume at least 3-4 years. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mb20music 760 Posted March 14, 2014 You could have requested a free sample from the Oracal.com website. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carwash 47 Posted March 14, 2014 How large are their free samples? Also, since i was making money on the job, I hate to take something for free.... The whole roll of 50 yards was only 220 shipped, not too hateful. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pshawny 410 Posted March 21, 2014 The samples are 8"x10". Creat an account on oracal.com > login > go to promotinoal catalog > plotter film cut samples I just ordered a sample of 351 to compare it to the Creative Films chrome that I've been using. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
