What substrates are most vinyl-friendly?

-Experts say glass is very vinyl-friendly, but you may find bubbles cropping up underneath the surface due to outgassing, or the vaporization of a solid or liquid. Outgassing can occur in glass, some plastics, and insufficiently dried paints, resulting in adhesive failure of films applied over them. (For more information on applying window graphics read “Applying Vinyl to Glass.”) Vinyl banners, canopies and flags are also good candidates for vinyl application. Metals and fiberglass are suitable substrates so long as they are painted with glossy enamel.

What substrates are completely unsuitable for vinyl application?

-There are a few substrates to which you should never attempt to apply. Cement and bricks, for example, are too porous and rough to accept adhesion. Leather, on the other hand, tends to absorb the adhesive deep into itself, leaving nothing on the surface to hold the film. You should also stay away from oxidized, faded or peeling paint, and raw metals because you cannot get a good bond on these surfaces.

Vinyl Decals may not stick to painted surfaces that have “Teflon”, “silicone” or similar additives to them. These paints have been designed for things not to stick to them to make them easy to clean. Paints marketed as Zero VOC or VOC Free including but not limited to the following paints;  Yolo Colorhouse, Sherwin Williams paints including GreenGuard Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex, Harmony, Pro Industrial Zero VOC Waterborne Catalyzed Epoxy, Behr Premium Plus Zero VOC, Benjamin Moore’s Natura® paint, and Glidden Spred®. Pro Industrial Zero VOC Acrylic Coating, and ProMAR 200 & 400 Interior Latex paint.

What about other painted surfaces?

-There are many different varieties of paint, so, like plastic, it is important to understand the properties of the paint that you are dealing with. Experts say most factory paint jobs on vehicles are ideal for vinyl application according to film manufacturer guidelines. The paint should be allowed to dry for three weeks before applying vinyl. Regardless of the paint type, the surface must be clean and all of the cleaning agent residue must be wiped away.

While this is not an exhaustive list of every possible surface, these are among the most common substrates you will encounter. If you run into something not on this list, then don’t panic. Just keep a few basic vinyl truths at hand and you can make proper decisions no matter what a customer throws at you. And don’t be afraid to contact the vinyl manufacturer.

As a general rule of thumb, you should never apply to rough, dull, porous or dirty surfaces. The object is always to apply to smooth, clean substrates for long-term adhesion and fewer bubbles. 

Can I apply to wood?

-Most experts agree that you can apply to wood, with an added “if.” You can apply to wood if it has been smooth. i.e. sanded and painted or stained. Vinyl will not adhere to wood that is raw or has a rough surface.  ALWAYS wait at least 2 weeks before installing on freshly painted surfaces.

Can I apply vinyl to rubber?

-MACTac doesn’t recommend it. Look no further than vehicle wrapping for your answer. Most installers do not apply vinyl to vehicle bumpers that are made of rubber or plastic. Rubber is a very low energy surface that makes long-term adhesion unlikely. However, new paints are coming to market for vehicle bumpers that could make bumper application more realistic.

Can I apply to lacquered surfaces?

-Oracal doesn’t recommend it. It is important to understand the compatibility between the adhesive and the lacquer. To be on the safe side, contact the lacquer manufacturer to make sure the lacquer won’t attack the adhesive and cause it to peel up before attempting to apply to this substrate.

THIS IS NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL SURFACE TYPES. IF YOU'RE UNSURE ABOUT YOUR SURFACE, PLEASE CONTACT ME AND I CAN SEND YOU A SAMPLE TO TEST.