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Vinyl is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of applications, from vehicle wraps to signage to home décor. But with so many different types of vinyl available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your project. Two of the most common types of vinyl are cast vinyl and calendered vinyl.
But, which one is right for your project? Let's dive in.
Cast Vinyl
Made by pouring liquid PVC onto a mold and then curing it. This process creates a vinyl that is thin, flexible, and conformable. Cast vinyl is also highly durable and weather-resistant.
Calendered Vinyl
Made by heating PVC pellets and then pressing them through a series of rollers. This process creates a vinyl that is thicker and less flexible than cast vinyl. Calendered vinyl is also less durable and weather-resistant than cast vinyl. Calendered vinyl is also the least expensive of the two types of vinyl.
Applications for cast and calendered vinyl
Cast vinyl is the best choice for applications where durability and weather resistance are important, such as:
- Vehicle wraps
- Outdoor signage
- Marine graphics
- Architectural graphics
Calendered vinyl is a good choice for applications where cost is a primary concern, such as:
- Indoor signage
- Short-term promotional graphics
- Crafting projects
Which Type of Vinyl is Right for You?
When choosing between cast and calendered vinyl, it is important to consider the specific needs of your project. If durability and weather resistance are important, then cast vinyl is the best choice. If cost is a primary concern, then calendered vinyl is a good option.
Here are some additional tips for choosing the right type of vinyl for your project:
- Consider the surface you will be applying the vinyl to. If the surface is curved or uneven, you will need to use a flexible vinyl, such as cast vinyl.
- Consider the environment in which the vinyl will be exposed. If the vinyl will be exposed to the elements, you will need to use a weather-resistant vinyl, such as cast vinyl.
- Consider the budget for your project. Cast vinyl is more expensive than calendered vinyl, but it is also more durable and weather-resistant.
Hopefully, this post has demystified the terms cast and calendered for you and you're now able to know which vinyl to use for any project.
Are you more of a visual learner? Check out the video below if you'd like to see cast and calendered vinyl in action.
Check out our selection of Vinyl from Top Brands like 3M, Arlon, Avery Dennison, Gerber, Lumina by FDC, ContraVision, General Formulations, Mactac, Quick Sign Gold, RTape, and our most affordable offering, ALPHA.
