What makes Standard & Premium vinyls different?
Both vinyls are quite different and suit different purposes.
Intermediate vinyl and high performance vinyl both have individual qualities that make them better suited for specific projects. And your lettering or decal needs specifically dictate which would be the better vinyl choice. High performance vinyl is thinner than intermediate vinyl and has a longer life span and better color retention but is more expensive and harder to work with. Intermediate vinyl is thicker, easier to work with and is more economical but may fade or shrink after time because of the way the vinyl is made.
Nine times out of ten, intermediate vinyl, is really all that is necessary for most any decal or vinyl lettering project. Intermediate vinyl will last for at least 3 to 5 years usually without fading or cracking depending on how much direct sunlight it receives. Intermediate vinyl carries more thickness than high performance vinyl, but this particular characteristic makes it easier to work with and more abrasion resistant. Intermediate vinyl (also called calendered vinyl) is typically cheaper than high performance vinyl making it affordable and economical for all sorts of projects like wall graphics, window graphics, do-it-yourself lettering and much more.
High performance vinyl, also known as cast vinyl, is the vinyl of choices when you have application surfaces that are contoured. Since high performance vinyl is thinner it can conform easier to rivets, concaves, textured surfaces, etc. much better than intermediate vinyl. Manufacturing high performance vinyl is also more in-depth, causing the price to be higher than intermediate vinyl, but this process reduces the vinyl shrink factor and the vinyl will retain it's color longer than intermediate vinyl. Extremely durable and available in more colors, high performance vinyl, is typically used for vehicle graphics or instances where the decal will need to conform to a specific shape, a textured surface or endure the elements on a more long-term basis.
Here are two basic questions that will help you determine which vinyl choice is best for you:
Question: What kind of surface will the lettering and/or decal be a applied to?
Answer: Smooth flat surfaces = Intermediate Vinyl
Answer: Textured or contoured surfaces = High Performance Vinyl.
Question: How long does the vinyl need to last outdoors?
Answer: Short term 3 to 5 years - Intermediate Vinyl;
Answer: Long term 5 to 7 years - High Performance Vinyl.
Still unsure of what type of vinyl is best for your vinyl lettering or decal needs...don't be afraid to pick up the phone and put in a call so that a vinyl expert can answer your questions and guide you in the right direction that will fit your needs and your budget.