Macon Innovations 228 Posted June 21, 2015 A customer asked me today about making some custom decals.....They want them full color of course....I've seen some printable vinyl that you can use with a ink jet printer....My question is, Is it decent material or is it garbage? It will be 2 different designs....1 will be exposed to alot of sunlight and the other will not....And pretty small in size maybe 1" × 3" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wildgoose 4,200 Posted June 21, 2015 I have use the Papilo (spelling?) stuff but it's not going to like UV rays. Possibly protect it with a cold laminate Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Macon Innovations 228 Posted June 21, 2015 That's the one all my digging is turning up.....I've been seeing alot of people spraying it with a type of flexible top coat UV protectant and getting decent results.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sue2 920 Posted June 21, 2015 I use a 3 mil cold laminate over my printed signs & decals to protect from sun, weather & fingers. It's called Lamex UV. It has good UV protection. I get it from Fellers. Downside for you is it comes on a 3' x 150' roll.... a bit more than what you need. Sue2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Macon Innovations 228 Posted June 21, 2015 Only by about 147' lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sue2 920 Posted June 21, 2015 Only by about 147' lol For the small size you need, I can stick some scrap pieces in an envelope and you can try it. Sue2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pshawny 410 Posted June 21, 2015 Does clear Oracal 651 offer any UV protection? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PointOfExpression 53 Posted June 21, 2015 I use the papilio with 2.5 mil laminate all the time with great results Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
knucklehead 530 Posted June 21, 2015 Does clear Oracal 651 offer any UV protection? Nope Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TauntDevil 19 Posted June 21, 2015 Nope This makes me wonder. Does the 651 colors even last the full 5 years outside in direct sun and heat? I know the glitter vinyl says 3 - 5 years but only lasts a few months Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,709 Posted June 21, 2015 This makes me wonder. Does the 651 colors even last the full 5 years outside in direct sun and heat? I know the glitter vinyl says 3 - 5 years but only lasts a few months Well I know that General Formulations does, and it is house brand, for a lot of companies. so a little bit less than Oracal.. I did my brothers DOT numbers and info, on his truck 6 years ago, and they still look like new.. 3mil calendered. Silver and cranberry ... And his truck sits out in the weather, He drives all over the U.S. pulling 5th wheel campers. That truck has a million miles on it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Command 97 Posted June 21, 2015 This makes me wonder. Does the 651 colors even last the full 5 years outside in direct sun and heat? I know the glitter vinyl says 3 - 5 years but only lasts a few months I've had 651 on things for a long time. I would say black, white, and most colors easily last the 5 year rating outdoors. I've noticed that my lavender roll does not last as long though. On my friends metallic blue car the decal got sunburned within 2 years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MadHatterGraphix 1,258 Posted October 20, 2015 I use the papilio with 2.5 mil laminate all the time with great results What laminate are you using? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dakotagrafx 7,297 Posted October 20, 2015 What laminate are you using? where it will fail is the coating to accept aqueous ink will come loose taking the laminate with it - seen it firsthand 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MadHatterGraphix 1,258 Posted October 21, 2015 where it will fail is the coating to accept aqueous ink will come loose taking the laminate with it - seen it firsthand whats the basic lifespan? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dakotagrafx 7,297 Posted October 21, 2015 by someone using it they said about 9 months as I recall Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MadHatterGraphix 1,258 Posted October 21, 2015 by someone using it they said about 9 months as I recall I wonder if the spray coat is better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dakotagrafx 7,297 Posted October 21, 2015 You still have that weak link of the coating that allows it to accept water based ink as it won't bite into the vinyl like solvent. That is the reason that solvent, latex and thermo resin stay for printing on vinyl - longevity Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MadHatterGraphix 1,258 Posted October 21, 2015 You still have that weak link of the coating that allows it to accept water based ink as it won't bite into the vinyl like solvent. That is the reason that solvent, latex and thermo resin stay for printing on vinyl - longevity I had an ALPS printer that thing was great for a small thermal printer, of course it was a desktop printer. Unfortunately they cartridges got to expensive and had to sell it. Well I will try printing this anyway and see what happens. I already did the water test on a none laminated versions and no issues there so I have to worry about the separation issues and maybe it was just bad coating who knows but I take your advice very seriously. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sue2 920 Posted October 21, 2015 Hatter, I don't know if this will work for you or not... http://tinyurl.com/p4x228x I have an HP 5500 aqueous printer an make outdoor yard signs frequently....for UV protection I laminate them with clear UV laminate. It works for me without coming apart & separating. Sue2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MadHatterGraphix 1,258 Posted October 21, 2015 Hatter, I don't know if this will work for you or not... http://tinyurl.com/p4x228x I have an HP 5500 aqueous printer an make outdoor yard signs frequently....for UV protection I laminate them with clear UV laminate. It works for me without coming apart & separating. Sue2 Thanks for the tip. I'm still debating on this Papilio Waterproof contouring vinyl for inkjet printers. I just bought 5 sheets to test I it is waterproof, and does contour nicely still Dakota has be thinking naw and you gave me some hope. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sue2 920 Posted October 21, 2015 That sign was printed on adhesive vinyl, stuck on a coroplast sheet then laminated with the UV clear laminate. It worked with that combination without peeling. If you want to try a few sheets (or rookie scraps) of the Lamex... just let me know. Sue2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MadHatterGraphix 1,258 Posted October 21, 2015 That sign was printed on adhesive vinyl, stuck on acoroplast sheet then laminated with the UV clear laminate. It worked with that combination without peeling. If you want to try a few sheets (or rookie scraps) of the Lamex... just let me know. Sue2 That impressive more on the 75% bandwagon. Well I will say greatly appreciated offering rookie scraps Sue2 how would I go about this ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
