When it comes to getting your brand seen, commercial graphics are essential. However, not all applications are the same. At HEX Graphics, we utilise various materials, giving our customers a wide choice over the final finish. This blog outlines our primary vinyl options and explains what each material might offer your brand.

Cast vs Calendared – What's the difference?

When discussing the basics of vinyl, a good place to start is cast vs calendar.

Calendar vinyl starts as a solid, made from polymeric or monomeric material and goes through a series of rollers to flatten it out. Usually, between 2mm and 4mm thick, calendar vinyl can is not conformable and doesn't stretch well, so it is best applied to flat, simple surfaces such as signs and banners. These films are typically less durable, lasting between 3 and 6 years.

Cast vinyl, on the other hand, starts as a liquid and is poured into a cast mould to dry. Approximately 2mm thick, cast vinyl is far more conformable and stretchy reactive to heating and can sit in recess for complete coverage. This makes it ideal for complex surfaces with curves and rivets, ideal for our fleet graphic solutions. Moreover, these types of vinyl are available as colour sheets or as digital print media, allowing for creative graphic design to make your brand stand out. Furthermore, these films are designed with durability in mind and typically last up to 10 years outdoors.

The most important thing to consider when determining which type of vinyl is best for your project is to consider the application you are using it for. For longer-term vehicle graphics, cast film is undoubtedly best, more weather resistant, durable and malleable to the unique contours of a vehicle. For short-term signs and banners, calendar film is the economical choice, perfect for ever-changing applications. 

White Reflective – Stand Out from the Crowd

If you want your vehicle graphics to really stand out, then white reflective is the choice for you. A bespoke engineering vinyl, this allows for a brand logo to be printed directly onto white reflective paper, reflecting when light hits it. This ensures your graphics are always visible, even in the dark.