When speaking to potential clients, who have never worked with a sign company, we often receive quite a few questions about how we plan and complete specific custom projects. (Don't worry, we enjoy answering each question because hey, we get it! ) One of the most common questions potential clients ask us is, "Which material do you recommend for my custom signage project?"

Each custom project is unique based on the type of signage, design, fabrication, and installation method. Therefore, each project requires different materials specific to that type of sign. Let's take a look at our top three materials we commonly use to create the amazing projects you see on our Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest! 

Our phones have been busy this month with inquiries about our vehicle wrap services. If we saw amazing mobile graphics like this one for GraceWorks Ministries, we would be calling too! 

Cast Vinyl

We recommend using cast vinyl for projects such as textured surface applications and vehicle advertising wraps. Cast vinyl is a thin film with excellent conforming properties. In other words, it can be stretched and molded to surfaces that are rough, rounded, or asymmetrical.  

Cast vinyl looks amazing on textured surfaces like this one for HopDoddy. It looks similar to a painted mural!

Cast vinyl is a smart investment because of the durability it offers for textured surfaces and mobile advertising projects. When an applied high-performance, protective UV laminate is applied, the artwork is protected from sunlight and the colors remain vibrant. (Disclaimer: Proper care is required to ensure the material remains in good condition. Ask us for more details!) With proper maintenance, the material can last for up to five years!

Wall graphics are perfect for any company looking to enhance the interior of their workplace. Check out these wall graphics we completed for Family Leisure - Franklin location.

Calendered Vinyl

Calendered vinyl is not as conforming as cast vinyl. If we applied calendered vinyl on textured surfaces, it would quickly "snap back" to its original form. We can't easily manipulate the material to mold into another shape or form.

Calendered vinyl is perfect for smooth or slightly curved surfaces such as floors, walls, windows, or as temporary graphics. 

Take a look at these simple, yet eye-catching temporary graphics we completed for Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management elevators. Can you guess what material we used?

We always advise our clients to SAY NO TO CALENDERED VINYL FOR VEHICLE WRAPS! Although calendered vinyl is more cost-efficient than cast vinyl, it will only shorten the lifespan of your vehicle wrap by cracking, peeling, or bubbling around the edges.  (Not a good look to promote your business.)

Window Vinyl 

Are you looking for an extra touch of WOW on your windows to match your office design or to enhance your vehicle graphics? Window graphics are the perfect choice! Check out the examples below for an idea of how they can benefit your brand.

Privacy window vinyl (etched glass, etched, or frosted vinyl) is perfect in any office space. The transparency of the material provides privacy (obviously) and sleek decor. We can customize it with graphics or style it to fit the mood of your work environment.

Perforated window vinyl, also known as one-way vision film, is adhesive-backed PVC vinyl that consists of tiny holes that allow the driver & passengers to see through the graphics on the outside.

For examples of how window vinyl can either help transform the look of your workplace or your mobile advertising, check out these past articles: 

1. How to Select Privacy Window Vinyl for Your Work Space. 
2. 4 Reasons Why You Need Custom Window Graphics for your Storefront.

By using the right materials, you can expect the right results every time! Take a look at how we used several different materials to complete these branding graphics for several Chartway Federal Credit Union branches in Utah and Virginia.

In the words of Uncle Ben, "With great power comes great responsibility." 

As experts in the signage industry, it’s our responsibility to provide our clients with the best design and fabrication options for their custom projects. We might not save people from collapsing buildings like Spider-Man, buuuut we can provide you with the right tools and materials for directional signage for any escape plan! 

If you have any additional questions about a custom project idea you can't get out of your head, contact us at 615-595-6564 or click the link below. We look forward to turning those ideas into reality!