Spot On
We offer several different types of screen printed decals,
including spot color printing. The advantage of this method is
that we can match a specific color, either from a sample you
provide us or from a Pantone book. Pantone is the industry
standard color-matching system used by virtually all printers.
Each color is designated with a number and corresponding formula
to match that specific color..............with literally thousands
of choices! The major appeal of spot color printing is that you get true bright colors.
Vinyl
Just like ink colors and design, the material used for your decals
should also be considered. When choosing a substrate, there's
a lot more to think about than just the finished look. For
example, pressure-sensitive vinyls like a 4 mil white or clear are the most common
choices for several reasons. Since they are more economical to use then Mylar®
[polyester],
vinyls are better suited as a general purpose decal or sticker.
Additionally, they are more pliable than Mylar®. This means
they will conform to irregular surfaces like a motorcycle helmet or car bumper.
Mylar® [polyester]
So, why use Mylar®? The short answer...............they're
cool. With shiny chrome mirrored or brushed silver metallic finishes,
nothing else looks like a Mylar® decal. The caveat?
They'll cost you. Mylar® decals run about 2-4 times the
price of a standard vinyl sticker. Mylar® is also used for specific purposes;
for instance, decals that need to withstand up to 275 degree temperatures.
They are also thinner than vinyl decals at just 1-2 mil in
thickness. This produces a lower profile, giving a more "finished"
look than their vinyl counterparts. Lastly, it's important
to note that Mylar® decals are not very pliable. While they're great for flat surfaces or a single-curved surface
[like a metal tube on a bicycle frame], they won't conform to a compound surface.
Lamination
After your decal is printed, lamination will provide added
durability and enhance its finished look. We offer a wide variety
of laminates; polyesters, vinyls and polycarbonate. Polyester
laminates are best suited for protection against grease, oils and
mild solvents. Soft vinyl laminates maintain the flexibility of a
decal while protecting its ink from scratching.
When polycarbonate is laminated to a vinyl or Mylar® polyester decal, it performs much like a Lexan® label
[see our Lexan® label page for a complete description] at a reduced cost.
The most economical solution to add a little durability with a lot of punch is a high
gloss UV clear-coat that’s screen printed onto your decal.
Die Cutting + Packaging
To finish your decal we offer custom die cutting, sheer cutting for simple square corners and, for easy application, slit liners
[crack & peel]. Your decals are then conveniently packaged in poly bags.
