What type of Self Adhesive Vinyl (SAV) should I use for my Stickers and Signage?

Self Adhesive Vinyl (SAV) with full colour digital print has become very popular for a wide range of signage applications.

We have a wide range of vinyls including:

  • Wall Murals
  • Floor Stickers
  • Large Format Stickers (SAV)
  • Custom Stickers
  • Window Graphics (applied to the inside and outside)
  • Coverage of existing flat panels
  • Low surface energy surfaces

  • There are many different types of vinyl available which are all designed for particular uses. What type of vinyl should be used for each application? Below we explain how to choose the correct vinyl for your job:

    Custom Stickers and Large Format Stickers (SAV)

    Note: All stickers are printed with the same high resolution full colour digital print - the only difference is the type of vinyl used.

    Our Custom Stickers can be produced in any size larger than 35mm and are die cut to shape.

    Our Large Format Stickers (SAV) can be produced in any size larger than 200mm x 200mm, and are supplied in square or rectangular shapes.

    All our sticker vinyls have an adhesive which is removable with heat and chemicals. We have 7 different vinyl types for our custom stickers - 6 of these are white and 1 is clear.

    a) Clear Vinyl Stickers: Clear Gloss Premium (3 year) vinyl stickers

    Why you would choose this product: The clear stickers are generally used when the sticker has a shape printed onto it and you want to be able to see the background colour of the product it is being applied to (instead of a white or coloured background on the sticker itself).

    Why you would NOT choose this product: You would not choose this product if you:

    1. Need white colour printed onto the sticker. Our printers do not print white colour - so any white in the design will be clear.
    2. Are placing the sticker onto glass - we find that the print on the clear vinyl stickers can be difficult to see and colours are “washed out” when the stickers are placed onto glass
    3. Require the most vibrant colours to be printed. As these stickers do not have a white background the colours will not be as vibrant as they are when printed on white vinyl.

    Material Used:

    1. Clear polymeric vinyl
    2. (optional) Clear polymeric vinyl applied over the top of the digitally printed clear vinyl. This lamination will provide mechanical and extra UV protection for the digital print.

    Printing: Printed onto the front of the clear gloss premium vinyl in high resolution full digital colour on HP Latex large format printers

    Cutting: The stickers are die cut to shape and supplied individually Note: We can also supply the stickers kiss cut on sheets by special request when you order Custom Stickers. Large Format Stickers are only available in squares or rectangles.

    Adhesive: Permanent

    Application: Applied directly to smooth flat surfaces

    b) White Vinyl Stickers

    i) Gloss White Economy (1 year) vinyl stickers

    Why you would choose this product: The gloss white economy stickers are a low cost product which provides high quality digitally printed stickers for short term (1 year) use, and can be used for most applications.

    Why you would NOT choose this product: This product is not suitable for vehicles, or boat applications, as it is not resistant to salt water. For these applications you should use our Gloss Avery Cast / Easy Cast 5-7 Year vinyl.

    Material Used:

    1. White monomeric vinyl
    2. (optional) Clear polymeric vinyl applied over the top of the digitally printed clear vinyl. This lamination will provide mechanical and extra UV protection for the digital print.

    Printing: Printed onto the front of the white gloss economy vinyl in high resolution full digital colour on HP Latex large format printers

    Cutting: The stickers are die cut to shape and supplied individually. We can also supply the stickers kiss cut on sheets by special request when you order Custom Stickers. Large Format Stickers are only available in squares or rectangles.

    Adhesive: Removable

    Application: Applied directly to smooth flat surfaces

    ii) Gloss White Premium (3 year) vinyl stickers

    Why you would choose this product: The gloss white premium stickers are a great all round product with 3 year vinyl and high quality digital print. These stickers can be used for bumper stickers, on our Vinyl Banners, and for most applications where greater durability is required.

    Why you would NOT choose this product: The premium vinyl is more expensive than the economy vinyl, is not compatible with salt water, and will not conform over corrugations in vehicles (for these applications we recommend the Avery cast vinyl with Avery cast lamination).

    Material Used:

    1. White monomeric vinyl
    2. (optional) Clear polymeric vinyl applied over the top of the digitally printed clear vinyl. This lamination will provide mechanical and extra UV protection for the digital print.

    Printing: Printed onto the front of the white gloss premium vinyl in high resolution full digital colour on HP Latex large format printers

    Cutting: The stickers are die cut to shape and supplied individually. We can also supply the stickers kiss cut on sheets by special request when you order Custom Stickers. Large Format Stickers are only available in squares or rectangles.

    Adhesive: Removable

    Application: Applied directly to smooth flat surfaces

    iii) Matte White Premium (3 year) vinyl stickers

    Same as gloss white premium stickers - except this product has a matte finish (not gloss)

    iv) Gloss White High Tack (3 year) vinyl stickers

    Why you would choose this product: Gloss White High Tack (3 year) SAV would be used if you need to apply new digitally printed signage onto low energy surfaces such as plastic bins, caravans and surfaces which are not completely smooth.

    Why you would NOT choose this product: The aggressive adhesive makes removing this film difficult, so consideration needs to be made when choosing this product, and extra care needs to be taken when installing.

    Materials Used: Avery Gloss White High Tack (3 year) self adhesive vinyl with an optional clear matte, gloss or gloss anti-graffiti lamination applied over the top. It has a permanent adhesive. The clear lamination provides protection from mechanical and UV damage and assists installation.

    Printing: Printed onto the front of the base vinyl in high resolution full digital colour on HP Latex large format printers

    Cutting: The stickers are die cut to shape and supplied individually. We can also supply the stickers kiss cut on sheets by special request when you order Custom Stickers. Large Format Stickers are only available in squares or rectangles.

    Adhesive: High Tack Permanent

    Application: Applied directly to the surface.

    v) Gloss White Bubble Free (3 year) vinyl stickers

    Why you would choose this product: This is a good medium term bubble free vinyl that is easy to apply due to the adhesive air release channels - so is great for applying to existing panels and any other flat surface.

    Why you would NOT choose this product: The aggressive adhesive makes removing this film difficult, so consideration needs to be made when choosing this product, and extra care needs to be taken when installing.

    Materials Used: Avery Gloss white polymeric “bubble-free” vinyl (3 year) with an optional clear gloss or matt polymeric lamination applied over the top. The base vinyl is a “bubble-free” vinyl which has adhesive air release channels for easy installation of graphics onto smooth surfaces. It has a permanent adhesive. The optional clear lamination provides protection from mechanical and UV damage and assists installation.

    Printing: Printed onto the front of the base vinyl in high resolution full digital colour on HP Latex large format printers

    Cutting: The stickers are die cut to shape and supplied individually. We can also supply the stickers kiss cut on sheets by special request when you order Custom Stickers. Large Format Stickers are only available in squares or rectangles.

    Adhesive: Bubble Free Permanent

    Application: Applied directly to flat smooth surfaces. Bubbles caused by air entrapment can be smoothed out.

    vi) Gloss White Avery Cast (5-7 year) Easy Apply vinyl stickers

    Why you would choose this product: The Avery gloss cast vinyl stickers are the top of the range product and are best suited for use on vehicles and boats, with the longest life expectancy of 5-7 years. It is a “bubble-free” vinyl which has adhesive air release channels for easy installation. The cast vinyl has a pressure activated adhesive which allows for easy re-positioning, and can be stretched and conforms to curves and corrugations. It has a removable adhesive and can be removed with heat or chemicals.

    Why you would NOT choose this product: Higher price than the other vinyls.

    Material Used:

    1. Avery gloss cast vinyl (5-7 year) with adhesive air release channels (bubble-free)
    2. (optional) Avery gloss cast lamination applied over the top of the digitally printed vinyl. This lamination will provide mechanical and extra UV protection for the digital print and is recommended for vehicle applications.

    Printing: Printed onto the front of the White Avery gloss cast vinyl in high resolution full digital colour on HP Latex large format printers

    Cutting: The stickers are die cut to shape and supplied individually. We can also supply the stickers kiss cut on sheets by special request when you order Custom Stickers. Large Format Stickers are only available in squares or rectangles.

    Adhesive: Bubble Free - Removable with heat

    Application: Applied directly to smooth flat surfaces. When applying to non-flat surfaces we recommend using an experienced installer and complying with Avery installation instructions.

    Window Graphics

    Note: All window graphics are printed with the same high resolution full colour digital print - the only difference is the type of vinyl used.

    a) Premium 5 Year Window Graphic Vinyl - applied to the inside of the window (preferred method):

    Why you would choose this product: This is the preferred method for high quality window graphics when your window is not tinted and has no obstructions on the inside that might prevent installation.

    Material Used: Clear polymeric window graphic vinyl with a white gloss polymeric vinyl applied over the back of the clear vinyl.

    Printing: Printed in reverse on the clear vinyl in high resolution full digital colour on HP Latex large format printers

    Adhesive: Permanent

    Application: Applied to the inside of the window so the digitally printed graphic can be viewed from the outside. When viewed from the inside you will see the white backing - but there will be some bleed through of the graphic (in reverse) - particularly when the sun is shining on the window.

    Advantages: The main reason for applying the window graphic to the inside of the window is to protect the signage from vandalism and environmental damage. Viewing the graphic through the glass window also provides a nice gloss finish for the graphic. Please note that this is our preferred window graphic method - but should only be used for non-tinted windows.

    Disadvantages: Cannot be used if the window is tinted or obstructed on the inside.

    b) Short Term 2 Year Window Graphic Vinyl - applied to the outside of the window:

    Why you would choose this product: This method of window graphics is very popular as a low cost short term solution for window signage. It is perfect for promotions and must be applied to the outside of the window.

    Material Used: White gloss monomeric window graphic vinyl (no lamination)

    Printing: Printed onto the front of the vinyl in high resolution full digital colour on HP Latex large format printers

    Adhesive: Removable

    Application: Applied to the outside of the window so the digitally printed graphic can be viewed from the outside. There will be some bleed through of the graphic for viewing from the inside (in reverse) - particularly when the sun is shining on the window.

    Advantages: A very low cost window graphic with very high quality digital print

    Disadvantages: When the window graphic is applied to the outside of the window, there is a risk that it can be vandalised and it can be adversely affected by environmental conditions.

    c) Premium 5 Year Window Graphic Vinyl - applied to the outside of the window:

    Why you would choose this product: This method of window graphics would be used if your window is tinted or the inside of the window has obstructions so the vinyl graphic cannot be applied to the inside of the window

    Material Used: White gloss polymeric window graphic vinyl with a clear gloss or matte polymeric vinyl applied over the top of the window graphic vinyl to provide extra protection and UV resistance.

    Printing: Printed onto the front of the vinyl in high resolution full digital colour on HP Latex large format printers

    Adhesive: Removable

    Application: Applied to the outside of the window so the digitally printed graphic can be viewed from the outside. There will be some bleed through of the graphic for viewing from the inside (in reverse) - particularly when the sun is shining on the window.

    Advantages: Will last longer than the short term 2 year window graphic vinyl. The main reason for applying the window graphic to the outside of the window is to avoid visibility issues when the glass is tinted.

    Disadvantages: When the window graphic is applied to the outside of the window, there is a risk that it can be vandalised and it can be adversely affected by environmental conditions.

    d) Digitally Printed One Way Vision Window Graphic Vinyl (applied only to the outside of the window):

    Why you would choose this product: One Way Window Film would be used if you need to see out of the window when the high quality graphic has been installed (i.e. you do not want the visibility from the inside blocked). Suitable for office windows and vehicles.

    Material Used:

    1. White polymeric one way vision window graphic vinyl: This product is vinyl which has a number of 1.6mm diameter holes through it - giving a vinyl coverage of only 60% of the total area (40% of the area is the holes)
    2. (optional) Optically Clear Lamination: This is a clear polyester material which provides good visibility when applied to the one way vision vinyl as well as providing protection for the digital print and extra UV protection. It also stops water getting into the holes in the one way vision (which allows visibility when the product is wet). This lamination is recommended for high traffic areas and for vehicles.

    Printing: Printed onto the front of the one way vision vinyl in high resolution full digital colour on HP Latex large format printers

    Adhesive: Permanent

    Application: Applied to the outside of the window so the digitally printed graphic can be viewed from the outside. When viewing from the inside there is very good visibility through the one way vision material which will have a grey colour appearance. Special Note: The one way vision material works on the basis of there being more light on the outside than the inside. If there is more light inside than outside (i.e. at night with lights on inside) the visibility of the graphic will be much less and there will be significantly more vision through the material (i.e. you will see through the material to the inside).

    Advantages: The main reason for using this product is to provide a high quality graphic image on the outside of the window while retaining the ability to see out of the window from inside (when standard window graphic vinyls block out all visibility).

    Disadvantages: As the window graphic is applied to the outside of the window, there is a risk that it can be vandalised and affected by environmental conditions. If lamination is not applied, there is little to no visibility through the one way vision when it is wet. When used for internal offices or at night, the ambient light inside reduces the effect of the graphic and increases the vision through the material.

    Wall Murals (WALLTEX Indoor Re-usable)

    Why you would choose this product: This product would be used if you need a high quality graphic applied to a smooth, low energy surface such as a painted plasterboard wall. For rougher surfaces we recommend the use of solid panel signage such as Foam PVC or Aluminium Composite Panel. It is perfect for long term use on internal walls in businesses or homes - and it’s removability also makes it ideal for short term promotions.

    Material Used: WALLTEX™ - polyester material - with no lamination

    Printing: Printed onto the front of the wall graphic vinyl in high resolution full digital colour on HP Latex large format printers

    Adhesive: Removable, re-positionable and re-usable

    Application: We recommend it for use on painted gyprock walls. These walls should not be painted with “wash & wear” or teflon paints. Any newly painted surfaces should be left for 40 days to allow outgassing before applying the WALLTEX™ Wall Murals. The manufacturer advises this is suitable for most smooth clean surfaces

    Advantages: This product provides a high quality graphic image for the painted plasterboard wall - and will adhere to this type of walls where other vinyls may peel off. It is a low cost way of achieving a large digitally printed graphic. The WALLTEX™ drops overlap so joins are barely noticeable.

    • 95% blockout material to cover old colours
    • Full colour high resolution digital print
    • No professional installation required - easy to self-install
    • Can be easily removed without leaving adhesive residue
    • Can be used multiple times after removing and storing on original backing paper

    Disadvantages: Cannot be used for rougher surfaces such as concrete or timber walls as adhesive vinyls will not adhere to these surfaces. You would need to use solid panel signs such as Foam PVC or Aluminium Composite Panel for these rougher walls.

    Click here to view our installation instructions blog post.

    Floor Stickers

    Why you would choose this product: This is a great product to use when you want to display a product on the floor of a shop or office, or on a concrete path, or even on a street - in full view of the people walking over the graphic.

    The floor sticker can be die cut to shape for maximum impact.

    We have 5 different types of Floor Graphics:

    a) Our Avery Economy R9 Floor Sticker is rated at R9 slip resistance and suitable for indoor applications up to 3 months. The floor should be a dry, flat, smooth sealed surface such as painted concrete, tiles or laminated flooring. Many supermarkets use floor stickers with an R9 slip rating.

    b) Our MyFloor R9 Floor Sticker is rated at R9 slip resistance (in Europe it is rated at R10) and suitable for indoor applications up to 6 months. It is a higher grade R9 product with a more textured surface. The floor should be a dry, flat, smooth sealed surface such as painted concrete, tiles or laminated flooring.

    c) Our Avery Premium R10 Floor Sticker is rated at R10 slip resistance and is suitable for indoor applications up to 9 months. They have a more textured surface than the R9 materials. The floor should be a flat, smooth sealed surface such as painted concrete, tiles, or laminated flooring and be used either wet or dry.

    c) Our TexWalk R12 Floor Sticker is rated at R12 slip resistance. It is a textile product and is suitable for indoor or outdoor applications up to 6 months. It is suitable for applying to rough surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, brick or low pile carpet

    d) Our Digitac Outdoor Luxury Floor Sticker is rated at R12 slip resistance. It has a tougher aluminium construction and is suitable for indoor or outdoor applications up to 9 months. It is suitable for applying to rough surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, brick or low pile carpet

    Material Used: R9 and R10 materials are a white monomeric vinyl with a special clear anti-slip floor graphic monomeric lamination applied over the top of the digitally printed vinyl. The base vinyl has an adhesive which is removable for up to 12 months. The Digitac R12 material is a white anti slip vinyl with an aluminium construction and a solvent acrylic adhesive. The Texwalk R12 material is a white anti-slip textile and has a solvent acrylic adhesive.

    Printing: Printed onto the front of the floor sticker vinyl in high resolution full digital colour on HP Latex large format printers

    Adhesive: Removable

    Application: Applied directly to the floor

    Advantages: This product provides a high quality graphic image which can be die cut to shape and applied to floors. It can be used in supermarkets, shops, offices and placed in high traffic areas for maximum visibility. It can be self installed and can be easily removed within 12 months. Great for store promotions!

    If you would like some assistance to work out the best type of vinyl for your application, please contact our friendly Customer Happiness Team.

    Window Graphics

    ​Window Graphics are high quality vinyl printed in full digital colour and are designed to be installed onto the outside or inside of your windows. The high resolution graphics provide a tremendous impact on shop windows - for a surprisingly low price!


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