Current Trends In Niche Vinyls

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Marketers always want to grab consumers' attention while business owners may want to differentiate their company's fleet. Cars are used as form of self-expression, and some individuals will pay a small fortune to make their wheels unique. All of this can be achieved with speciality vinyls, which allow a range of attention-grabbing special effects.

Robbie Fuchs from World Signs says that these unique effects are sought after and that matt black finishes are popular, and are being used in some campaigns to tone down shiny chrome. Popular requests include partial wraps for select sections of cars, such as: mirrors, stripes on the sides of vehicles, bonnets and high gloss black vinyl on roofs, which gives a panoramic look and feel. 'There are a handful of people who will spend a lot of money on a car and then spend more money on making it look fancy,' he says.

Fuchs says that vinyls for home owners and private use is a niche market. 'We have also had requests to wrap toilet seat covers, fridges and kitchen cupboards. '

Below, various industry players give their input on available products, trends and aftercare.

AVERY DENNISON

WHICH SPECIALITY VINYLS DO YOU STOCK?

We supply Decorative Architectural Films used as an interior fi lm in the architectural and design industry. The effects of this product range from wood finish to marble and anti -bacterial marble finishes.

Avery Dennison Quick Erase Film with easy write on/wipe off does not leave the ghost marks of previous text or drawings. By simple application onto walls or partitions, you can create a whiteboard surface of virtually any size, giving flexibility around a variety of indoor applications.
Supreme Wrap is a highly conformable speciality material specifically designed to do vehicle wraps with ease, with several finishes, including five chrome finishes. Supreme Wrap also offers a Diamond Supreme wrapping film that combines brilliant shine and glimmer in six distinctive colours.

We have also added three new digital textured wall films in the MPI 2600 portfolio. The new graphic films, Pure Canvas, Crushed Stone and Natural Stucco, provide quick, customisable and creative wall decoration and come in both permanent hi tack (MPI 2630) and removable (MPI 2631) adhesives.

Another exciting product coming soon to South Africa is Transparent Coloured Overlaminates for Conform Chrome and are available in three distinct colours to combine with existing Conform Chrome colours for new creative possibilities. Transparent Coloured Overlaminates add multi -layer functionality to Conform Chrome and protect it from being scratched or damaged.

WHAT ARE THE TRENDS IN SPECIALITY VINYLS?

Speciality products are not used extensively on a daily basis, and are typically created for niche markets and seasonal demand.

COLOURED VINYL FOR WRAPS: IS THIS ON THE DECREASE?

The demand for a variety of colour is on the increase and due to the durability of pre-pigmented products and paint protection qualities, provides the base for fleet branding.

IS A SPECIALITY VINYL MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN REGULAR VINYL?

This is not necessarily the norm, however, this would on the type of product and application.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE THE FILM LAST LONGER?

Understanding the application would allow the converter to choose the correct material for the customer's need and end result. To prolong the life span of each application, the angle and direction of exposure to the elements and/or UV Radiation is important, as well as correct preparation of the surface and adding protection to a printed product or even a pre-pigmented product.

Cleaning your vinyl should not be done with harsh solvents and chemicals as this could increase degradation of the product and cause premature failure. In short, choosing the correct materials for the application, protecting the material and finally maintaining the end product will prolong life-span.

WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WITH VINYLS FOR WRAPPING?

Wrapping will form part of a complete corporate identification solution for companies. The development of the materials will provide longer durability, more conformability and ease of application with an environmentally friendly footprint. A variety of new technologies will be combined to create distinctive properties and finishes.

www.averydennison.com

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MAIZEY PLASTICS

WHICH SPECIALITY VINYLS DO YOU STOCK?

Printable VinylEfx® Special Effects: these films are eye-catching and glittering vinyls set graphics apart from other printed images. For demanding applications such as truck and boat graphics, Durable Series VinylEfx® films are a superior alternative to the expensive simulated gold leaf films. Decorative Series VinylEfx® films are perfect for extended indoor applications, such as POP graphics and for use in window displays.

Print’nGo®- ASLAN DFP 43 (White) is a self-adhesive digital printing film for floor graphic indoor applications. The 140 μm thick PVC film is directly printable, especially slip and scratch resistant and has a low reflective surface. Print’nGo®- ASLAN DFP 44 (Transparent) is a self-adhesive digital printing film for floor graphic indoor applications. The 140 μm thick PVC film is directly printable, especially slip and scratch resistant and has a low reflective surface.

WrapTheStreet – ASLAN DFP 46 is an outdoor digital printing fi lm ideal for floor graphics used as temporary advertising on rough surfaces such as asphalt. Equipped with a special adhesive, it can be applied perfectly to rough outdoor surfaces and is easily removable after usage.

Grafityp Automotive and Deco Films: the films are smooth, cast self-adhesive films that embellish vehicles and decor surfaces to give them an exclusive look and touch. Imagine mirrors in carbon, a matt black boot lid, a leather or carbon-look interior, the complete body in brushed aluminium and stripes that change colour depending on the viewing angle. Decorators now have the option to transform appliances and work surfaces into creative masterpieces.

WHAT EFFECTS ARE POSSIBLE WITH SPECIALITY VINYLS?

Different textures such as chrome, wood grain, carbon fibre and a variety of metallic effects. Glitter, ultra matt finishes and 'sandpaper-like' non-slip surface finishes are also available. One can also create pearlescent effects and even velvet. Colour changing vinyls are also providing really unique wraps.

WHAT ARE THE TRENDS IN SPECIALITY VINYLS?

Speciality films are becoming easier to apply with a wider applications scope. The range of products offered are also on the increase. These products are also no longer just used for vehicle wraps. As a result of increased versatility, speciality films are becoming popular for accents or even full wraps for in store advertising, point-of-purchase and window displays and interior design and decor applications.

COLOURED VINYL FOR WRAPS: IS THIS ON THE DECREASE?

No, customers are creating more combination wraps with the use of print and traditional cut vinyls. Using a coloured 'cut' vinyl, you save on print costs and with all the textured options available, the creative scope of wraps are also on the rise.

IS A SPECIALITY VINYL MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN REGULAR VINYL?

In most cases, the special effect products are more pricey, but it depends on the type of product, lifespan and application it has been designed for.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE THE FILM LAST LONGER?

Ensure that you use the correct application methods and that surface areas are prepared. Application surfaces have to be clean, with no residue from cleaning agents, dust or dirt. Also take care not to over-stretch vinyl when applying.

WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WITH VINYLS FOR WRAPPING?

Vinyls are becoming thinner and the range of product options wider. With the versatility of products on the increase, application areas will also see an increase.

www.maizey.co.za

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MIDCOMP

WHICH SPECIALITY VINYL’S DO YOU STOCK?

We stock a variety of unique speciality vinyls into our market space and they are as follows:

Drytac Retac Wall Vinyl: it is forever repositionable for as long as the adhesive is kept clean, can be applied onto any existing wallpaper and then removed at any stage with no damage to the original wallpaper. Retac can also be applied to any flat painted surface such as vehicles and fridges which can then be removed without any harm caused to the paintwork.

Drytac Wall Coverings: a self-adhesive wallpaper that is pressure sensitive and is available in three different finishes such as Dust, Deep Textured and canvas finish

Drytac Vizziprint: an Optically Clear polyester Film that acts like static film but has an acrylic adhesive coating. The film makes it seem as though that the image is printed on the glass. It is also repositionable.

Drytac Higrab Vinyl: an aggressive substrate for surfaces that normal vinyl cannot bond to, used for applying to surfaces such as carpets, concrete, tar, etc.

Wipe-Out: once laminated onto a substrate such as paper, vinyl or PVC, it creates an instant erase board with no ghosting.

Bubble free vinyl: a pressure-sensitive vinyl that can easily eradicate any bubbles or creases by simply wiping them away with your hands. The bubble-free pattern is on the adhesive, allowing the print to have a smooth finish.

WHAT ARE THE TRENDS IN SPECIALITY VINYLS?

We have seen a major influx of new laminates, wrapping films and textured substrates in the last year. These products and finishes are creative tools for designers and applicators to add different elements to their graphic creations that grab the attention of consumers.

IS A SPECIALITY VINYL MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN REGULAR VINYL?

Speciality vinyls have a more robust and unique application, and in certain instances will be more expensive depending on the client's application.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE THE FILM LAST LONGER?

Using the right substrate for the right application would definitely help with the lifespan of the product.

WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WITH VINYLS FOR WRAPPING?

Vehicle advertising is good for any business size, and some small-business owners feel it legitimizes their company by getting their brand and logo out where potential customers can see them. When smaller businesses use vehicle wraps, it puts them on the same playing field as franchises and companies that are large enough to maintain vehicle fleets. Vehicle vinyl wrapping is definitely on the increase in South Africa and will continue to grow.

www.midcomp.co.za

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ORAFOL

WHAT SPECIALITY VINYLS DO YOU STOCK?

The most popular ranges we have are ORACAL® 975 Premium Structure Cast and ORACAL 970 Premium Shift Effect Cast. In addition, we have most recently launched the ORACAL® 970 Premium Wrapping Cast in a new special Super Matt version in black.

WHAT EFFECTS ARE POSSIBLE WITH SPECIALITY VINYLS?

With the Oracal 975, we offer seven different cool textures, including Carbon. These films are typically used for design refinement, so it is ideal for details such as the rear mirrors, door handles, bumpers or details within the interior of the car.

The Oracal 970 Shift Effect films are shade shifter films, which can be used either for full wraps or for details. These films will change colour depending on the angle they are viewed from and are available both in glossy and in matt.

WHAT ARE THE TRENDS IN SPECIALITY VINYLS?

The demand for speciality vinyls is definitely increasing, and we will be seeing more exciting variations of these in the future.

COLOURED VINYL FOR WRAPS: IS THIS ON THE DECREASE?

Not at all. We are seeing an increase for all types of wrapping films, indicating that tuning your car is a trend that is here to stay.

IS A SPECIALITY VINYL MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN REGULAR VINYL?

These are premium films, and as such are sold at a higher price than regular films.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE THE FILM LAST LONGER?

We have developed special aftercare products for cars wrapped with the films from Orafol, and these are of course recommended to use. The range includes shampoo, intensive cleaner, fast care agent and a long lasting seal, and different versions are available for glossy and matt films. Other than that, we recommend to always follow our care instructions carefully.

WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WITH VINYLS FOR WRAPPING?

We expect to see a general increase in the demand for wrapping films, not only from the car market, but also when we talk about wrapping other types of units. This could for instance be aircrafts and helicopters, where there is a great cost saving in using wrap films compared to relacquering, and also a benefits in less weight compared to the weight of the paint. Relacquering an aircraft will typically add 400kg of weight, and removing the old paint is too time-consuming. The trend we are seeing is therefore to add a wrap, which will cause far less weight, and this can easily be removed when needed.

www.seldenrod.co.za and www.falconsa.com

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RED HOT MEDIA

WHAT SPECIALITY VINYLS DO YOU STOCK?

Avery Dennison Supreme Wrap and the Ritrama Ri-Wrap range.

WHAT EFFECTS ARE POSSIBLE WITH SPECIALITY VINYLS?

The effects that are possible with the products stated above are enormous. In the signage industry, we are seeing a mixture of matte and gloss and the use of cyber chrome to create lovely effects, such as the mirror effect, which is made possible by using different colours and embossing (creating a 3D look). Ri-Wrap has looks such as snake skin, ostrich skin and denim jean.

WHAT ARE THE TRENDS IN SPECIALITY VINYLS?

Like with most trends, the signage industry is no exception to change. At the moment, we have been seeing a lot of gloss black on car roofs, which creates a panoramic effect. We have also experienced a lot of brushed colours being used and a large amount of stone chip – used as a protective skin for covering vehicles.

COLOURED VINYL FOR WRAPS: IS THIS ON THE DECREASE?

Absolutely not! All ranges are increasing and forever evolving to meet the demand of customers.

IS A SPECIALITY VINYL MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN REGULAR VINYL?

Yes, and with good reason. Much more technology goes into this media. The technology improves the effects the media is capable of and the durability, as well as the adaptability of the media for when it is being applied onto the vehicles.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE THE FILM LAST LONGER?

The most important tip is to keep the vehicle maintained so that the media will last longer. The maintenance of the vehicle determines how long the media lasts for. Avery Dennison recently launched an aftercare kit which we are very excited about. The kit includes power cleaner; ordinary washing cleaner and sealant, which protects the vinyl between washes.

WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WITH VINYLS FOR WRAPPING?

Things change so often if I knew the answer I would be very wealthy in five years.

www.redhotmedia.co.za

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UNIFOL

WHAT SPECIALITY VINYLS DO YOU STOCK?

Almost all kinds, such as the digital printing series (Monormeric, Polymeric and CAST), Plotter series, Glass Etch, Transparent, Translucent, Carbon, CAST and Floor Graphic series.

WHAT EFFECTS ARE POSSIBLE WITH SPECIALITY VINYLS?

We have several vinyls that give twinkle and shiny effects to the surfaces.

WHAT ARE THE TRENDS IN SPECIALITY VINYLS?

The trend is now colour-changing films, to modify cars.

COLOURED VINYL FOR WRAPS: IS THIS ON THE DECREASE?

No, colour-changing vinyl is on the increase, especially for cars.

IS A SPECIALITY VINYL MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN REGULAR VINYL?

Our 9600 double cast metallic series are much more expensive than regular vinyl.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE THE FILM LAST LONGER?

A correct installation definitely makes the film last longer

WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WITH VINYLS FOR WRAPPING?

Vinyls for car wrapping will be much more common and trendy.

www.gsw.co.za

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