GLOSS VINYL or GLOSSY ADHESIVE VINYL ?

GLOSS VINYL, GLOSSY SELF ADHESIVE VINYL or GLOSS VINYL WRAP

When ordering Self Adhesive Vinyl for sign making, Craft or Wrapping there are three main choices of MATT VINYL, SATIN finish Vinyl or GLOSS SELF ADHESIVE VINYL, when selecting Vinyl for internal graphics to use as EXHIBITION GRAPHICS or WALL ART decals then MATT VINYL should be chosen, this will be the RITRAMA “M” Ri-Mark, AVERY 500 or the ORACAL 631 or 651 MATT FINISH VINYL, often referred to as dull or flat non-GLOSSY VINYL.

The Satin finish or SEMI-GLOSS VINYL sometimes called LOW SHEEN is a firm favourite for BANNER VINYL and subtle VEHICLE WRAPPING VINYL FILM. However, for standard graphics, VINYL decals and SIGN VINYL then the most popular choice is GLOSS VINYL ranging from the ECONOMICAL VINYL produced by RITRAMA with their Ri-Mark range progressing through to the AVERY500 GLOSS VINYL or the ubiquitous ORACAL 651 GLOSSY VINYL and then the SUPERIOR QUALITY CAST VINYL  and WRAPPING VINYL films. The HIGHER the GLOSS FINISH the Vinyl has the easier it is to clean,as an externally applied VEHICLE VINYL GRAPHIC or shop front VINYL LETTERED FASCIA, 

WHAT MAKES A SIGN VINYL A “GLOSS VINYL” OR A “GLOSSY VINYL?”

Let’s get scientific ( back to the Physics lab!) GLOSS is the optical property that shows how well a surface reflects light in a “SPECULAR DIRECTION” ( as a mirror does). The factors that affect the “GLOSS LEVEL” of the GLOSS VINYL are the refractive index of the material, the angle of incident light and the surface topography , or how smooth or rough the surface of the GLOSS VINYL is.So the apparent GLOSS VINYL level will depend on the amount of specular reflection
, which is the light reflected from the surface in a equal amount and the symmetrical angle to the one of incoming light, in comparison with diffuse reflection which is the amount of light scattered into other directions  . . . .still following? So the smoother the surface not having orange peel, blemishes or roughness can improve the GLOSS VINYL finish and the surface can therefore appear very shiny if it has a well defined specular reflectance at the specular angle.

HOW IS THE GLOSS LEVEL MEASURED?

Standardisation in GLOSS VINYL measurement, from SATIN VINYL to HIGH GLOSS WRAPPING VINYL FILM, was led by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) who produced the ASTM D523  standard test method for specular gloss , this was always measured at 60 degrees, then methods were developed to measure ULTRA HIGH GLOSS VINYL at 20 degrees and MATT VINYL or MATTE VINYL at the angle of 85 degrees.

GLOSS VINYL or GLOSSY ADHESIVE VINYL?

Whether you refer to SIGN VINYL as GLOSS VINYL or GLOSSY VINYL will depend on which country you are in, but more importantly which industry you align you SIGN VINYL to, so if you are producing photographic graphics, CRAFT VINYL, Scrap booking or a Graphic designer based SIGN MAKER then “GLOSSY VINYL” will be the term of choice, based on the GLOSSY PAPER, CRAFT and photo products available, whereas if you are from the SIGNWRITING, CAR GRAPHICS, VEHICLE WRAPPING  or screen printing  industry  then a GLOSS FINISH, as opposed to a SATIN or MATTE finish will be more likely to be used – So GLOSS VINYL or GLOSSY VINYL  can both be used THE VINYL CORPORATION  is the prime UK stockist for AVERY 500 GLOSS VINYL and the ORACAL 651 GLOSSY VINYL  backed by a team of well informed, helpful sales staff who are waiting to assist with ALL your VINYL SIGN MAKING requirements on 0115 930 1133 or dmtvc.march@btconnect.com or why not order online via the web site www.thevinylcorporation.co.uk