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Vehicles + Vinyl

In Search of the Perfect Material

Larry gives a pop quiz for vinyl substrates

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How would you choose the perfect substrate for vinyl applications? What qualities do you prefer? The average shop is not run by an 86-year-old great-grandmother, nor by ex-linebackers with electrical engineering degrees. Not many vinyl shops are equipped with a complete line of metal and woodworking tools, but most probably have a selection of simple equipment. To assist in your substrate selection, I’ve compiled a list of criteria and questions. Use them to rate your substrate options. For this exercise, use a 1-10 rating system, awarding 10 points for the highest score and one for the lowest.

Purchasing and storage

Availability: Can the material be easily purchased? Are freight charges expensive? Does your supplier consistently have it in stock in the sizes you need?

Ease of Storage: Is the product expensive to keep stocked? Does one size work for a variety of applications? Is the product fragile? Can the substrate withstand exposure to humidity, UV rays and temperature variations?

Handling: Does the material require special equipment to move? Can the product be easily damaged if a mishap occurs when it is moved? Is substrate weight a concern?

Application Preparation: Does the material require expensive chemicals or tools to clean? Is a great deal of physical work required, such as sanding or priming? Does the substrate require bonding or adhesion agents?

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Shaping: Are expensive tools required to shape the material? Does the substrate cut, drill, rout and mold well?

Painting: Can painting the product be simply done, or will expensive paints and tools be necessary? Are primer, clearcoating or overlaminates necessary?

Vinyl Application: Will wet or dry application be necessary? Does the surface bond well? Is the material smooth or textured? Flat or curved? Is it nonporous, translucent or opaque?

Versatility: Can the substrates work in any environmental conditions? Does the material have a broad range of dimension, texture and color possibilities? Can the substrate be easily removed and reapplied if the client needs to make changes? Does it require special finishing, trim or hanging hardware?

Durability Lifespan: Will the substrate last, or is it strictly for short-term usage? Will it fade, warp, split or rot? Does it require special trim or sealant? Maintenance: Is the material low, moderate or high maintenance? Are chemicals, tools or expensive procedures required to maintain its appearance? Can the client maintain the finished product with basic cleaning?

Profitability: Can you and your shop make a healthy profit and impress your clientele with this material? Does it require a small or substantial investment of time, materials and space?

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The final analysis

Ask the above questions about your substrate options. As you rate each substrate criterion, it becomes apparent that your opinion is based on your experience and you and your clients’ needs. Rarely, if ever, will you find a substrate that earns perfect scores across the board. This is why so many substrate choices exist.

The reality is that all substrates are perfect when they excel in a specific application. What matters most is serving the needs of your client, although factors such as durability, appearance and cost-effectiveness also merit consideration. It’s nice to know that there are many substrates that work well when careful consideration is given to their use.

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