Whats the best brand for translucent?

[Cromag]

I have my first large sign order and have never done a backlit sign. Since I've never used them I'd like to know what everyones opinions are on translucent films. What brand should I use or stay away from. Should I use translucent black? Any pitfalls I should beware of?

Any advice from vets would be appreciated.

[GXSignCo]

I've been a fan of Oracal products for a while now. 3M is always good stuff too, but Oracal can be had for less and seems to be very good overall. I'd personally stay away from Avery, though they seem to have a larger Pantone selection in their A9 series - but they've purely pissed me off with their crappy A8 products of the last few years so I refuse to use their stuff unless forced into it. For black, I used matte Black (at the suggestion of one of my suppliers) which is cheaper than and equivalent translucent.

[Billct2]

3M (Gerber) or Arlon have always done well for me.

[Matt Cuellar]

Arlon or 3M has worked good for me, but I try to stick with Arlon because it's more affordable in my area than 3M

Matt

[Mike Paul]

I prefer 3M and Oracal. Stay away from the Avery line.

[Gino]

3M or OraCal for us.


Just not 'A V E R Y'

[Jesse_gvi]

I like Oracal and 3M (clear liner!), but wow, 3M stinks. Literally, not performance-wise.

[Rich]

I've had good luck using the 3M Scotchcal translucent vinyl for over 20 yrs.

[high impact]

I used oracal for the last backlit I did and absolutely loved it. Will use again especially for the price point.

I'm intrigued by Chris saying to use matte = I've never tried that but I have used cast black for a blockout black for outlines.

[Cromag]

Thanks for the tips. Just curious, what are the problems with Avery?

[GXSignCo]

I used matte black because the normal trans. vinyl has a matte finish already.

[Mike Paul]

Do a search on Avery. Many threads and lots of info...

[Cromag]

My local supplier carries Arlon Series 2500/2550. Would this do? I really dont want any problems seeing this is my first job.

[wsgraphix]

the tip chris gave about the matte black is due to the standard blacks are a gloss, even the matte vinyls are slightly a different finish than the translucents, all depends on how far away it will be seen

personally if it gets translucent, it will be 3M, and the black will be the trans also

[PhilinMarlton]

Try Accucut brand Translucent Cast Vinyl. you may find a better deal but probably not on this planet. great color, adhesive, flexibility. and has been for the past 30 yrs. call Trim USA in NC and ask 'em. and dat's da truth.