What is Vinyl?
When there’s need for indoor or outdoor printing, Vinyl emerges as the most popular substrate to print on. Vinyl is a plastic adhesive that can be both printed directly onto and cut to shape if required. There are two main types of Vinyl, Monomeric Vinyl and Polymeric Vinyl, but what sets them apart from each other, and most importantly, which one is the better choice?
Monomeric Vinyl
What is Monomeric Vinyl?
Let’s start with Monomeric Vinyl. Monomeric Vinyl is a PVC based Vinyl, which is mixed with Plasticisers during production to make the vinyl material pliable an reduce brittleness.
What is the difference compared to Polymeric Vinyl?
The key difference between the two choices of Vinyl is all within the chemical makeup of the Vinyl. Monomeric Vinyl’s chemical makeup is made out of monomers, which is a small molecule. The implications of this are that there are monomers can encourage chemical movement, which can give the Monomeric Vinyl the tendency to shrink over time. Due to the shrinkage of the Vinyl Monomeric Vinyl is more suited to flatter surfaces like walls and floors rather than surfaces with bends and curves.
What are the positives of Monomeric Vinyl?
However, there are benefits to the use of Monomeric Vinyl. Due to potential implications such as shrinkage, Monomeric Vinyl is a very cost-effective material to use. It also has a lifespan of roughly 2-5 years, when treated well and looked after. This allows Monomeric Vinyl to be a great solution for short-term use for things such as signs and floor stickers.
Polymeric Vinyl
What is Polymeric Vinyl?
Polymeric Vinyl is generally a better, more durable Vinyl compared to Monomeric Vinyl. It is a Vinyl, similar to Monomeric Vinyl, that is made of PVC and Plasticisers. However, there are differences, which is why Polymeric is considered the better option of Vinyl.
What is the difference compared to Monomeric Vinyl?
The difference is in the chemical makeup. Polymeric Vinyl contains Polymers rather than Monomers. But what does this mean for the material? Well polymers are long-chain monomers, meaning that the chemical makeup of Polymeric Vinyl is stronger and more durable than Monomeric Vinyl. Because Polymeric Vinyl is a stronger material, it doesn’t shrink and maintains its shape throughout its lifetime. However, due to the material being stronger than that of Monomeric Vinyl, Polymeric Vinyl comes with premium pricing, making it a less cost-effective option.
What are the positives of Polymeric Vinyl?
Because of its chemical properties, Polymeric being a stronger material works in its favour. It has a longer lifespan of 5-7 years, compared to Monomeric Vinyl’s 2-5 years. This means that Polymeric Vinyl is a better choice for long term usage. It also weathers better, making it a better choice for outdoor use. Polymeric Vinyl also takes kinder to bends and curves, meaning it can be utilised for covering uneven surfaces.
So, what comes out on top?
The answer to this is…neither! Each Vinyl has its own positives and negatives.
Ultimately is depends on your businesses needs and/or budget. If you’re in need of Vinyl for short term use or a cost-effective solution, then Monomeric Vinyl is the clear frontrunner. However, if you require a vinyl for long term use and that boasts a more premium quality than Monomeric Vinyl, then Polymeric Vinyl is the one for you.
If you would like to discuss which avenue of Vinyl is more fitted for your business or project, then please do contact our team of specialists.
