What is Self Adhesive Vinyl?
Self adhesive vinyl is a pressure-sensitive adhesive is a flexible PVC material with an adhesive covering that can be used on smooth surfaces without an extra adhesive. This multi-purpose material is used in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria by businesses and the DIY enthusiasts in turning signage, wall graphics, vehicle wraps and creative applications across South Africa.
The material will be composed of three layers; the face film that is made of vinyl, adhesive layer, and release liner that covers the adhesive till the time of application. This will make it possible to do anything, including temporary stickers as well as permanently outdoor signs with a life cycle of 5-7 years.
Permanent or Removable: Which is better?
Vinyl Permanent Adhesive (3-7 years):
Car wrapping, exterior signage, windows of stores.
Lasting labels, warning signs, equipment labels.
Business branding in Sandton, Rosebank, Midrand in the long run.
Uses violent acrylic glue that resists weather and UV light.
Removable Adhesive Vinyl (1-3 years):
Wall paintings, decoration of rental properties, seasonal paintings.
Point-of-sale displays, trade show graphics, branding of event.
Lifts without being damaged- ideal in Cape Town and Durban retailers.
It is best suited in cases of temporary installations where flexibility is needed.
Self adhesive Vinyl Durability?
Lifespan by Type:
5-7+ years old Permanent Vinyl Indoors.
Permanent Vinyl Outdoors: 3-5 years.
Removable Vinyl: 1-3 years
Premium Cast Vinyl: 7-10 years of outdoor use.
The following are critical factors that influence longevity:
Surface Preparation -Most important factor. Wipe using isopropyl alcohol, dry thoroughly and remove dust. This is the number one success determinant to professional installers in Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Material Quality- Higher quality brands (3M, Oracal, Avery) have better UV inhibitors and contains more durable adhesives and are generally 2-3 times longer lasting than economy vinyl.
Environmental Exposure - Extreme heat, humidity and direct sunlight are lethal to lifespan. Horizontal installations are deteriorated more as compared to vertical because of UV exposure and heat.
Self Adhesive Vinyl in Explained Terms.
Monomeric Vinyl (Economy)
2-3 years outdoors Thick, stiff and flat surfaces only.
Good in the short-term indoor signage, promotion displays.
Uses: Retail graphics in temporary use Soweto, East London.
Polymeric Vinyl (Mid-Grade)
5-7 years in the field | Less shrinkage, more flexible.
Medium term signage, flat panel vehicle graphics.
Based in Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Nelspruit Storefront signs
Cast Vinyl (Premium)
7-10 years outdoor, thinnest, most pliable, does not shrink.
Vehicle wraps, elaborate curves, long term outdoor design graphics.
Uses: Full wraps, Centurion, Polokwane, architectural graphics.
Specialty Types: Reflective vinyl (safety signs), frosted vinyl (privacy film), textured vinyl (carbon fiber, wood grain), fluorescent vinyl (high impact displays).
What Are Self adhesive Vinyl Uses?
Commercial Applications:
Storefront windows, building wraps, wall murals.
Company branding on fleet vehicles.
Point-of-sale signs, caution signs, floor markings.
Directional signs in Johannesburg companies.
Interior Decoration:
Wall decals, which are an alternative to wallpaper.
Refinishing of furniture, veneers to the cabinets, decoration of glass.
Kitchen backplashes, bathroom privacy film.
Bespoke home decor Randburg and Cape Town homes.
Vehicle Graphics:
Complete and partial vehicle wraps, racing stripes.
Perforated film on the windows, motorcycles, boat decals.
DIY & Crafting:
Custom phone skins, laptop decals, custom stickers.
Scrapbooking, customized gifts, decorations of events.
Application of Self adhesive Vinyl.
Surface Preparation (Critical):
Wash with soap and water, thoroughly dry.
Wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol
Wait 10-15 minutes for full drying
Surface temperature 15-35degC.
Application Steps:
Indicating location without taking support, mark matching.
Peel backing 5-10cm at time
Apply with firm squeegee (45 degree angle)
Move outwards, push bubbles to corners.
Wet application should be used in large graphics with the use of soap solution.
Avoid These Mistakes:
Painting on new paint (wait 30-40 days)
Installation in high or low temperature (less than 10 deg C and more than 40 deg C)
Elongation of the vinyl in use.
Omission of isopropyl alcohol washing of step.
Where to Buy in South Africa
Allrich SA is the distributor of high quality self adhesive vinyl in all the nine provinces Johannesburg to Pretoria, Cape Town to Durban.
Get access to professional quality products such as permanent and removable vinyl.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions about our company.
Metal, glass, smooth wood, wood, painted walls. Do not use porous or textured materials.
Permanent vinyl is not very sensitive to rain and sunshine. Do not be dry as it might be exposed to the elements before it dries.
Vinyl can be peeled off easily. Vinyl is permanent and can be heated, which is likely to raise weak paint--test it.
Bubbles:pin, flatten. Big: blot on vinyl, rub again with squeegee to the centre.
Vehicle-rated cast vinyl. Polymeric to use on flat panels; cast needed to use on curves and bumpers.