Liezle Barrie, National Sales Manager Consumables, Intamarket Graphics, says one of the hottest topics in the signage industry is vinyl durability. It’s a term that gets thrown around a lot, but not many people truly understand what it means. It’s important to remember that durability is not the same as warranty, and durability does not mean ‘forever’. Also, no vinyl will last 10 years in South Africa.
The Difference Between Durability And Warranty
Durability is what you’ll see on a Product Data Sheet (PDS). It’s helpful for comparing products across different brands. But those figures are based on:
– Central European conditions (Zone 1).
– Vertical exposure only.
– Unprinted media.
– Specific colours: black and white often last longer than metallics or brights.
In signage, durability refers to how long the vinyl stays functional and visually acceptable after application. But that lifespan is influenced by far more than just the material itself, it also includes:
– The vinyl type (monomeric, polymeric, or cast).
– Where it’s applied (flat vs. rivets/curves).
– Orientation (horizontal surfaces take more sun than vertical ones).
– Climate and UV intensity.
– Ink, printer type, and laminate pairing.
– Substrate preparation and surface cleanliness.
In comparison, a warranty is a formal commitment from the supplier or manufacturer. It’s based on:
– The exact product and colour used.
– The environment where it’s applied.
– The printer, ink, and laminate used.
– Actual application conditions, not just lab tests.
It’s not a blanket promise, it’s a specific assurance for a specific setup.
Vertical Vs. Horizontal Applications
One of the biggest misconceptions is around exposure angle. A product might be rated for 7 years, but that’s usually for vertical applications only. Use it on a horizontal or angled surface, and the UV exposure can triple, cutting lifespan drastically.
For example, a cast vinyl may last 7 years on a vertical wall but the same product may drop to 2–3 years on a horizontal sign.
Climate Zones Matter
Vinyl durability is also region-specific. Manufacturers use these climate zones: Zone 1 (cool and mild): e.g. Scandinavia; Zone 2 (temperate): e.g. Central Europe; and Zone 3 (hot and sunny): e.g. South Africa.
Here in Zone 3, conditions are harsher. That 7-year vinyl in Germany? You’ll be lucky to get 4–5 years in Johannesburg under the same conditions.
Ink, Printer And Laminate Pairings
This is where it gets even more technical, and important. The type of printer, ink, and laminate used all impact durability. That’s why certain brands publish detailed durability matrices under their ICS Performance Guarantee Programme. These documents break it down by: printing method, ink type, laminate compatibility, application angle and climate zone.
For example, a 7-year vertical warranty might drop to 3 years horizontally, and that same product may perform differently in South Africa than in Europe. If you use the wrong ink or laminate, durability claims go out the window.
Understanding all this isn’t just technical trivia. It helps you: choose the right product for the job; set proper expectations with your customer; prevent premature failures (and angry calls); and back up your quotes with real data.
Tips When Quoting Or Planning A Job
– Ask about application location and direction.
– Check climate and sun exposure.
– Use matching systems (media, ink, and laminate).
– Don’t assume durability = warranty.
– Print the PDS and warranty, and read them.
Vinyl doesn’t live in a lab. It lives in the real world. So when a customer says, ‘I want it to last 10 years,’ the first question should be: ‘Where? On what? And in what conditions?’
Signage is about being fit for purpose, and that means understanding everything that affects durability. When you get it right, your signage lasts. And your customer keeps coming back.
C1W Initiative
Change 1 Woman (C1W) aims to empower women in the branding, print and signage industries. As part of this initiative, Sign Africa Journal would like to spotlight women-authored content like this piece. If you have any trend/business articles related to the signage, branding and printing industries, please email content to: meggan@practicalmedia.co.za
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