The Best Comes From The Experts

DuraLabel supplies give you the best performance... the best durability... the best clarity... and the best value. Why? Because with DuraLabel PRO supplies you are dealing with the labeling experts. We don't just say things because they sound good, we know what we are talking about and you can see our experience and expertise in the quality of our products.

Let's look at DuraLabel PRO vinyl tape as an example. What makes a quality vinyl tape?

The are a number of factors such as the smoothness of the vinyl surface. The quality, type and thickness of the adhesive? And the thickness of the vinyl.

Vinyls for printing labels and signs are available in thicknesses ranging from 1.5 mil to 10 mil.

Off the top of your head you'd think that the thicker the vinyl, the better the quality of the labels it makes. Bigger is always better... right? But, that's not right. Thicker vinyl does not mean more durable vinyl. The truth is that the opposite is true. The thinner the vinyl, the longer the life of the vinyl. To get ten-year vinyl, for example, means the thickness will be in the range of 2.0 mil.

Thick vinyl has the advantage when it comes to direct "body" hits. A thinner vinyl may show direct impact damage before thicker vinyl will. However, thinner vinyl has better "self healing" properties for scuffs and minor damage. With thinner vinyl small holes will reseal or can be worked to reduce the amount of damage. This also helps to keep the adhesive intact.

However, the most common type of label damage is called "grazing". This happens when something moving rubs or brushes against a label. This could be a person walking by, or water (rain) flowing over the label, or even just wind.

Where thin vinyl vastly outperforms thick vinyl is in the edge profile. The friction of "grazing" can literally peel the label up over time. When the edge of a vinyl label begins to come loose, even by a small amount, its days are numbered. Once the edge seal is broken, air will dry up the adhesive at a much more rapid rate and water or chemicals will degrade the adhesive. The thicker the vinyl, the more susceptible it is to peeling up on the edges when it comes into contact with anything that causes friction: water, wind, compressed air, cleaning apparatus and so on. Human actions are probably the single biggest factor in how long a label will last i.e., cleaning tools compressed air, pressurized water etc.

The low edge profile gives thin vinyl a distinct advantage in this area as there is less surface area around the edges. Less surface area means less friction and edges that stay stuck.

The truth is, when it comes to vinyl labels, thicker is not better. DuraLabel vinyls are designed to have the optimum thickness. For most applications this is 3.0 mil. This provides excellent resistance to both "grazing" and "body hits", resulting in the longest life.

When selecting your next label and sign printer, go with the experts... DuraLabel PRO. We are the labeling supplies experts that you can trust to deliver the best quality for the jobs you need to get done. No bull. No smoke. No mirrors. Just plain talk and outstanding quality. Give us a call today at 1-800-788-5572.