Top 10 unique types of vinyl I bet you didn’t know about

When most people think of vinyl lettering they just think about the plain old multi colored vinyl lettering you seen on nearly every business window or vehicle, but I bet you didn’t realize there are lots of different kinds of vinyl out there that can be used for many interesting and unique projects.

10. Fluorescent

Fluorescent vinyl lettering is only available in a few intense colors, but when you look at it you’ll be lucky not to burn your retinas!  Fluorescent is distinct from regular vinyl in that is typical more expensive to manufacturer, hence it is more expensive to purchase.

9. Reflective

Similar to fluorescent vinyl, reflective vinyl offers great night time visibility when light is shined at it.  You’ll find that reflective vinyl has many applications in public safety such as police cars, ambulance, and other such as race cars where flashy graphics are desired.

8. Carbon Fiber

With carbon fiber vinyl you can mimic the same type of effect of that expensive composite material.  Carbon Fiber vinyl lettering can be cut just the same as normal vinyl.  This is one of the more realistic simulated effect vinyls available.  When looking at real carbon fiber next to the carbon fiber vinyl lettering counterpart it can be nearly impossible to tell the difference.

7. Chrome

Chrome vinyl creates a mirror like effect just that of real chrome.  There are different variants of chrome vinyl that aren’t even vinyl but metalized polyester.  This is typically not as desirable as standard metalized vinyl.  Either way chrome vinyl gives you some really cool effects when combined with other standard colors.

6. Metallic

Just like real paint metallic vinyl contains actual metal flakes in the vinyl film. This gives it the sparkly effect that is desired.  Different sizes of flake give different effects.  The metal typically used is aluminum flakes or in the case of pearlescent, aluminum dust.

5. Camoflage

Camo vinyl lettering or camoflage as it is know makes great additions to just about anything you want to make invisible (JK!) Camo vinyl does look great though on things such as back windows of trucks, 4 wheelers, utility vehicles, boats and more!

4. Translucent

When you see backlit signs in various place a lot of times they will be covered in back lit vinyl or otherwise known as translucent vinyl lettering.  This so light can show through the vinyl and not be totally opaque.  This differs from normal vinyl where light typically does not pass through easily.

3. Diamond Plate

Similar to chrome vinyl diamond plate starts as chrome, but since the material is actually heat sensitve a pattern is then imposed onto the film giving it the effect of diamond plate.

2. Etched Glass

Etched glass vinyl lettering is really interesting.  In order to get real etching you must sand blast a glass window or door.  This is a complicated process that often has to be done off site and is costly and permanent.  With the invention of etched glass vinyl you can have the same look without the cost.  The vinyl does not damage the window and can be applied by yourself.

1. Gold Leaf

You can really turn some heads with gold leaf vinyl lettering.  Real gold leaf vinyl lettering is actually a thin film of gold.  Naturally with gold over $1,500 an ounce it is extremely expensive to use real gold leaf.  Thankfully there are several variations of gold leaf that are much cheaper using other methods of manufacturing.