We use vinyl films from the following four main American manufacturers: 3M, Avery, Orafol, and Arlon.

Click on the icons below for more information on these manufacturers...

The type of vinyl films we use are Cast 2mil (50 micron), High Performance vinyl films, and have an expected lifetime durability rating of seven to twelve years. By looking at the color charts, using the Color Chart Menu, there is information on each respective manufacturer, and the material we use from each manufacturer.
The vinyl films we use are the highest quality, longest durability vinyl films available for vehicle use, and are the same films used by many OEM Auto Makers. This ensures that the graphics will continue to look amazing on your vehicle for many years to come.

Almost all of the vinyl films we use are 2 mil (50 micron) thick. Although this is very thin, it allows for the best (paint like) look, and durability (up to 12 years).
Although it may seem that thinner vinyl would be less durable than thicker vinyl films, this IS NOT the case at all. This is an incorrect understanding of the vinyl manufacturing process, which is explained in detail HERE. Please feel free to research this fact so that you are comfortable, in the knowledge that you are receiving the best graphics kit, using the best materials available.

No! Although it may seem that thicker material is going to be more durable, this is not the case where vinyl graphics films are concerned.
The thicker vinyl graphics films (3 mil and thicker), are usually calendered vinyl films which are produced by extruding the material through rollers to make them into a usable film. Having gone through the extrusion process, they are susceptible to shrinking, and cracking because they are trying to return to their pre-extruded state. And usually have durability ratings below 5 years.
Thinner vinyl graphics films (usually 2 mil), are usually cast vinyl films which are produced by casting the vinyl on the casting sheet in a relaxed state, this material offers very good dimensional stability. This process also allows the film to be very thin, which helps with the conformability of the product. Material manufacturers recommend the use of cast films on substrates such as fleets, vehicles, recreational vehicles or boats where the customer wants a "paint-like" finish that will last a long time, usually six to twelve years.

The high performance cast vinyl films that we use have a durability rating of seven to twelve years depending on the color chosen. This means under ideal conditions they will last up to twelve years.
However, we have no possible way of knowing what environmental conditions you may encounter. Just as the environment effects the paint on your vehicle, this is also true for vinyl graphics! Things like tree sap, petroleum products, acidic drinks, liquid spills, dirt, road debris, etc., will all effect the lifetime of the vinyl graphics.

Yes, you can clearcoat over the vinyl graphics. This is frequently done by our customers who purchase graphics for their motorcycle gas tanks.
There are a small percentage of clearcoat products that may damage the vinyl, this being the case we recommend testing the clearcoat on a sample of the vinyl first.

The basic principle is to treat the vinyl graphics as you would the paint on your vehicle:

• Wash regularly. Do NOT use Petroleum or Solvent based products...
  • Petroleum or Solvent based Cleaners.
  • Petroleum or Solvent based Waxes.
  • Petroleum or Solvent based Polishes.
  • Petroleum or Solvent based Clay Bars.
  We recommend using synthetic cleaners, waxes, and polishes such as the Turtle Wax ICE line of products.
• Do not use automated car washes.
• Be cautious of contaminants and fuel spills, including acidic substances.
• Store indoors or under cover whenever possible.

We recommend printing out the 3M Recommended Care Sheet.

Because we use high performance cast vinyl, and not calendered vinyl material, this will not be an issue unless the the vinyl becomes damaged in some way.

Unlike printed graphics, or print-cut graphics supplied by some other companies, the graphics we supply are precision cut from solid color vinyl material. This being the case, fading should be minimal if cared for correctly.

The environment does have an effect on the vinyl graphics, just as it has an effect on the vehicle paint, tires, interior, etc., if not cared for correctly!

The best way to counter and minimize those effects is to care for the vinyl graphics correctly, by doing the following:

• Wash regularly. Do NOT use Petroleum or Solvent based products...
  • Petroleum or Solvent based Cleaners.
  • Petroleum or Solvent based Waxes.
  • Petroleum or Solvent based Polishes.
  • Petroleum or Solvent based Clay Bars.
  We recommend using synthetic cleaners, waxes, and polishes such as the Turtle Wax ICE line of products.
• Do not use automated car washes.
• Be cautious of contaminants and fuel spills, including acidic substances.
• Store indoors or under cover whenever possible.

We recommend printing out the 3M Recommended Care Sheet.