Which vinyl for your contour-cut graphics?
The question is one of lifespan and surface. Monomeric vinyls with a clear adhesive, from 204 to 214 g/m², suit short- and medium-term work on a flat surface: a shopfront, a door, a seasonal campaign. They come in gloss, matt and satin, three finishes that change the way the artwork reads under a spotlight; a gloss monomeric at 80 micron completes the family. The matt hybrid polymeric at 204 g/m² and the 75 micron polymerics last longer and follow relief better, a ribbed body panel or an extruded profile. One case deserves attention, the gloss 75 micron polymeric with a grey adhesive: its opaque glue hides what is underneath, so it earns its place on a coloured surface, on one already printed, or on one carrying an old decal. Over a light, plain background the matt polymeric with a clear adhesive is enough. These vinyls come from HEXIS, Grafiprint and Avery Dennison, in 1310 and 1370 mm widths.
Do you need a laminate?
Laminating is an option, not a requirement. It adds a film over the print and protects it from two things: abrasion — washing, foot traffic, brushing — and ultraviolet light. A graphic set behind a shop window, sheltered, does without it. Vehicle lettering or signage facing due south justifies it. Eight films are available, all 1370 mm wide: gloss and matt PVC-free from 175 to 248 g/m², a gloss cast at 50 micron and a clear cast up to 263 g/m², a gloss monomeric at 80 micron, gloss and matt polymerics at 75 micron. Match the family of the film to the family of the vinyl: a cast over a polymeric for a long, curved installation, a monomeric over a monomeric for a short campaign.
Preparing your file
You enter the width and the height in millimetres, you choose the material, and the price is calculated straight away. A PDF template at the dimensions shown can be downloaded: compose your artwork inside it and the scale will be right. Then export a PDF at 300 DPI in CMYK, and outline your fonts. The cut follows the outline of the artwork, so keep shapes clean and details in one piece: a hairline letter or a sharp point is hard to apply and lifts early. Allow for the roll width as well, since the widest single piece is limited to 1310 or 1370 mm.
2M Numérique alongside you
Your contour-cut graphics are made at our workshop in Manciet, in the Gers: 100 % Made In Occitanie, the local manufacturing described in our responsible approach. Tell us what surface the vinyl goes on and how long it has to last, and we will come back with a tailored quotation.