Arlon wrap kit pros & cons

[visiongfx]

I have a friend who is getting out of the wrap business and has 3 arlon wrap kits sitting at his shop he offerd them to me at a resonable price, but I am not familiar with arlon. How does it compare to the rest?

[ProWraps™]

if you dont buy it i will.

[speedmedia]

After reading some rave reviews on the Arlon material from TecDaddy, I gave it a try and must say I was very impressed. The material is very workable prints nice and is at a great price, I would go for it.

Thanks,
Kurt Dietrich
Speed Media

[visiongfx]

How does it compare to control tac?

[Brendan]

I almost exclusively use Mactac. I bought two kits and after getting over the initial tac. This stuff is good!

[ProWraps™]

arlon should have the pressure sensative adhesive. i cant wait. as far as control tac. CT finishes like sh*t. i hate it. arlon finishes like paint. its amazing.

[TresL]

+1

Arlon is making some great products at VERY good prices.

[Jackpine]

Arlon wrap kit pros & cons.......PRO!
This is good material and at a reasonable cost. I use the Xscape for auto work. It prints nice.

[visiongfx]

Thanks for the comments

[jasonx]

Arlon has a higher initial tack then other vinyls. Once you get over this then it isn't a problem.

[EmpireGFX.com]

arlon should have the pressure sensative adhesive. i cant wait. as far as control tac. CT finishes like sh*t. i hate it. arlon finishes like paint. its amazing.

I exclusively use Arlon wrap materials.. gotta love how smooth the finished product is! I hate the checkered pattern that Control Tac leaves behind. :banghead:

Plus.. you can't beat the price!!!

[kustomkoncepts]

try to Use 3M 180 Cv2 and there is not the cross hatch pattern

[SignSmith]

Arlon is the only thing I use on wraps these days. Very easy to use, and i like the higher tack. Also seems more conformable when needed than the others.

Just pulled in a 14' box trailer to the shop, placing an order for Arlon Calendered wrap kit tomorrow morning. If its anything like the cast wrap material, you won't hear any complaints from me.

Don

[eforer]

Is the Arlon similar to the Oracal in terms of initial tack? Do you use primer 94 with it, or do you for go it like the 3951? How conformable is their calendered wrap material? Is it really only useful for box trucks/rivets, or could you do a partial on a cargo van etc?

Thanks!

[AllSquare Jason]

The Arlon 6000x has less tack than the Oracal - but more than MACtac's BFree (not sure when comparing to BFree PRO)

The Arlon 4650GTX calendared works great with a CAST overlaminate on vehicles. It is conformable for sure - but no compound curves. Perfect for partials or trailers.

We ran an awesome promo on the 6000x wrap kits for SGIA. Lots of my new customers like this media.

I have printed and laminated samples of 6000X and 4560GTX if anyone wants to check them out. Also, give me a shot if you guys are using the Arlon media. I stock a TON here, and can beat anyone's price.

[kustomkoncepts]

I found the 4560 to be very staticy out of the box have you heard this before? it is so bad at times that it can't print. it leaves really bad overspray lines when going from a dark color to white. after a static eliminating bar and running a humidifier it kinda works. It is great stuff for racecars but also when I used it on my personal car found that it has a lot of memory and if you strech it it will curl back. Great for flater stuff and short term signs and partials.

[AllSquare Jason]

I found the 4560 to be very staticy out of the box have you heard this before? it is so bad at times that it can't print. it leaves really bad overspray lines when going from a dark color to white. after a static eliminating bar and running a humidifier it kinda works. It is great stuff for racecars but also when I used it on my personal car found that it has a lot of memory and if you strech it it will curl back. Great for flater stuff and short term signs and partials.

Are you talking about the 4560, or 4560GTX?

Are you using this with a cast or calendared laminate? That laminate choice could explain it not staying conformed.

Also, if you are using a Roland, the PGCT profile = money!

[kustomkoncepts]

it is the GTX and I was 3M 8519. I did the sides of my car with 180 Cv2 with 8519 lam and the roof, hood, and truck with 4560 GTX/8519 lam. I kinda experiment with my own vehicles to see how and what I like about a material..I don't experiment on customer vehicles interchangeing laminates and such.

How about the static problem. It is extreamly charged with static from the factory. any one else seen that or is it maybe my supplier.

[AllSquare Jason]

it is the GTX and I was 3M 8519. I did the sides of my car with 180 Cv2 with 8519 lam and the roof, hood, and truck with 4560 GTX/8519 lam. I kinda experiment with my own vehicles to see how and what I like about a material..I don't experiment on customer vehicles interchangeing laminates and such.

How about the static problem. It is extreamly charged with static from the factory. any one else seen that or is it maybe my supplier.

Right on - not sure about the static problem. I called my Arlon rep, and he said he was not aware of any static issues with print materials. We've heard of his numerous times with laminates (that use synthetic liners) and usually that can be fixed by grounding machines.

PS. I was checking out some of your work on other threads, nice work. I love me some dirt cars!

[kustomkoncepts]

my printer is on carpet, I have also been told that is a no no!! I might try to change that and tile a section to put the printer on.

[SE SignSupply]

How about the static problem. It is extreamly charged with static from the factory. any one else seen that or is it maybe my supplier.

We have seen static issues with a couple of customers. Given 24 hours to acclimate to your print environment (the media) these issues go away 99% of the time. Do you happen to be running a Roland?

Ryan

[kustomkoncepts]

SP-540V Roland and yes it does get better the farther I get into the roll.

[eforer]

"overspray" can also be attributed to dampers on the way out. I've printed on the 4560GTX before, I didn't realize thats what you guys were recommending for their calendered vehicle product. IMO the 3195ra from Oracal prints better. I also received a contaminated roll of GTX on a couple of occasions, never with the Oracal. I'd be willing to give it another shot.

How much is their cast air egress wrap film for say a 54"X150'? I might be interested in grabbing a roll of that to give it a try if its a good value.

[kustomkoncepts]

[IMO the 3195ra from Oracal prints better./quote]

Did you mean 3165RA Not 3195RA I am looking on Oracal.com and there is no 3195RA? Or where is it?

[kustomsigns&designs]

Also, if you are using a Roland, the PGCT profile = money!

What do you mean by this? Are you saying it prints good or uses little ink?

Pm me some pricing on 54x150 rolls of 6000x 4560gtx and 3220 please. I don't see them on your sites.

[cdiesel]

I think he meant 3951RA.. it's their cast wrap material. We can buy an Arlon kit for around $600 here.. I cut my teeth on Oracal 3951 (the stickiest vinyl out there) but the 6000X doesn't have as much body as the Oracal does. We almost exclusively use 180C here.
Had to wrap two cars last week on supplied 6000X, and I can say it took a little longer than if it were printed on 180C. Not too bad, but in a world where time is money, we stick with 3M now. 2nd choice is 3951RA, with 6000X and MacTac Bfree Pro in 3rd. All of the products work.. each is just a little different to work with.

[kustomkoncepts]

Exeryone has to try all the materials and make there own desission. I had nothing but Failure with everything I did on the Mac Tac B Free and will never use any Mac Tac Materials again. There was no tac to it. Orecal is good I found 3M 180Cv2 I like the best great print, easy to work with and sticks good. every one is going to have different opions and each will decide what they like.

(but back to the Oracal 3195 RA we where comparing this to 4560 GTX these are both calendered wrap release vinyls. he said the 3195ra was about $200.00 a roll this is comparable to the 4560 GTX about $240 I think?

These are not for good wraps but they areCheap NON CAST relase liner material for these short term flat applications. I have had bad luck with contaminated rolls and static electricity with the 4560 so i am looking for a diferent calendered wrap for my Race cars)

[DRPSignsNGrafix]

Kustom Try the Oracal 3165RA for the Race Cars. Inexpensive and works good for the pretty flat applications on the race cars.

[Prism1]

Right on - not sure about the static problem. I called my Arlon rep, and he said he was not aware of any static issues with print materials. We've heard of his numerous times with laminates (that use synthetic liners) and usually that can be fixed by grounding machines.

PS. I was checking out some of your work on other threads, nice work. I love me some dirt cars!


JASON...check your PM

[k6media]

3m ControlTac Cv2 all the way...

[dolce05]

i wrap with it on occasion......prints nice.....a ***** to install with. The glue is real aggressive. I'm a big fan of 3M so maybe i'm spoiled. Overall the wraps came out nice but, each panel was a challenge.

When i wrap with 3M i yap on my phone (with ear piece) through an install and dont even have to think twice. I actually can install with 3M better than i can walk..


Arlons grade with me: c+

[jc1cell]

I don't know how well it works since I have never used it. However, my brother in law has installed using arlon and tells me it peels back after a while. Now, I don't know if it's the wrap kit or they are using shoddy material since he also tells me it uses black adhesive.

So take this with a grain of salt.

jc

[kustomkoncepts]

I don't know how well it works since I have never used it. However, my brother in law has installed using arlon and tells me it peels back after a while. Now, I don't know if it's the wrap kit or they are using shoddy material since he also tells me it uses black adhesive.

So take this with a grain of salt.

jc

I think that because it is more aggresive and higher tac that a guy has to fight it and strech it more. I think it also then gets more memory into it and yes I have too seen it happen it can want to shrink back and curl.

I only use Arlon on Race cars wraps (flat Panels) and have not had too much problem. but on my own vehicle I used arlon on the hood and roof and 3M on my sides and the arlon is imposioble to install on a vehicle without a lot of choice words and when I was done it was so streched out of shape it curled back and the 3M on the sides even over the dooor molds was easier and still staying there.

[Ponto]

It's great stuff... prints well and have had good results with installation. Will be doing a Sprinter at the end of the month and will begin printing shortly...
JP

[andyblackett]

This all makes for interesting reading as we are taking the big plunge into wrapping this year.

We have a company here in the UK who supplies the arlon range but can someone point me in the direction of a site to download profiles? We have an SP540v ecosolmax - versaworks.

Thanks
Andy

[synergy_jim]

The new 3m 180 CV3 is absolutely amazing too.....

[kustomkoncepts]

Do yourself a favor use 3M or Oracal this is what my Arlon GTX 4560 was printing like today. I threw this roll in the dumpster if anyone wants it. put in 3M and prints great.


Arlon is trying to do something about the static there material has in it out of the box but I have not seen any improvement yet. until then I will use Good material

[BRUSHMARKS]

Have yet to try Arlon, and with all the bad feedback why try it.

[kustomkoncepts]

I've complained to FFN and Andy denied it for a year but now admits al lot of people are complaining about the same problem and it is national. arlon unofficially is trying to manufacture it in a way that it does not have so much static in it right from the box. also when installing with staticy material everything floating in the air with in 5 feet end up under this stuff too.

except for my racecars this is why I will use 3M

[kustomkoncepts]

The new 3m 180 CV3 is absolutely amazing too.....


what do you like best about the V3?

I am using v2 and 8518 but wondered what or where is v3 good for. is it a all over or mostly for the more challenging curved stuff?

Thanks

[sghobbies]

what do you like best about the V3?

I am using v2 and 8518 but wondered what or where is v3 good for. is it a all over or mostly for the more challenging curved stuff?

Thanks

I can't personally say anything about the V2, we have exclusively used oracal until last week. We made the swap t the V3.....OMG. It installs so much easier than oracal. It is super easy to reposition as long as you don't apply much pressure, try that with 3951ra. I have a sample roll of the new 380V3 that I am dying to try.

[kustomkoncepts]

I hav used

the OLD control tac 5 years ago

Arlon

Mac tac B free

Oracal

then went to 180 V2 and never looked back at the others.

what I found was every other wrap vinyl had such a initial tac that you had to force it so bad except for Mac Crap it does not have any inital or long term tac every thing failed with it I aint' going to start.

3M prints nice laminates nice and install great. I can do a 260" x 54" peice on a whole truck side by myself. no other wraps I have used allow me to work with it so easy.

I just was trying to find out what is the advantage of the V3 over the V2? any one out there used both???

[GraphixCALC]

Any other comments specifically on the Arlon 6000X and 3220 laminate? I am considering trying this combo, but this thread has a lot of both lovers and haters. I've so far used Oracal 3551RA, some 3951RA and 3M 180C (v1). I typically prefer Oracal products and was not very impressed with the first gen 3M. I applied the 3M to my Dodge tailgate with a very mild recess and never ever could get it to stay put (didn't use Primer 94 cuz I didn't know it was needed). However, the Arlon IS quite a bit less cost so just looking for some more comments on anyone that has used it recently. Thanks.

[SE SignSupply]

Very nice product, higher initial tack than other wrap products. There will be a V2 shown at ISA which will be called 6000xR (repositionable), should be even better than 6000x.

Any other comments specifically on the Arlon 6000X and 3220 laminate? I am considering trying this combo, but this thread has a lot of both lovers and haters. I've so far used Oracal 3551RA, some 3951RA and 3M 180C (v1). I typically prefer Oracal products and was not very impressed with the first gen 3M. I applied the 3M to my Dodge tailgate with a very mild recess and never ever could get it to stay put (didn't use Primer 94 cuz I didn't know it was needed). However, the Arlon IS quite a bit less cost so just looking for some more comments on anyone that has used it recently. Thanks.

[kev3232]

arlon junk kit! stick with 3M!

[speedmedia]

Have to revive this. How have you that have been using Arlon find the success to failure rate it?

I have had several jobs from wraps to print/cut fail lately using the 4560 GTX as well as the 6000X. Anyone else? Edge curling mania.

I had an edge start to curl up on a vehicle last week before the entire install was done. Not very happy!

I am allowing in most cases 24-48 hours for curing before install and that should be more than enough so it can't be that. I have also been very careful cleaning an prepping everything.

How is everyone else doing with it?

Does 3M have a calendared Control Tac vinyl that can be used for partials and print/cut graphics?

Thanks,
Kurt

[speedmedia]

Bump for the evening crowd!

Thanks,
Kurt

[kustomkoncepts]

[quote=speedmedia;554757]

I have had several jobs from wraps to print/cut fail lately using the 4560 GTX as well as the 6000X. Anyone else? Edge curling mania.

I had an edge start to curl up on a vehicle last week before the entire install was done. Not very happy!
[quote]

You answered your own question... It fails it curls and is junk!! its not you its your media. 4560 is a callenderd material and should be treated as such. do a print and die cut and leave it on the backing...come back after a few days you will see it shrink and start to curl. it does the same on a vehicle.

Don't do Die cut decals with a wrap vinyl. use permentent adhesion vinyl for that.

die cutting into a decal with a full bleed especially black is hit and miss usually miss. does not matter how long you let it dry it will curl. leave white outlines where the die cut is going or use a edge seal pen to try to make it last longer.

use 4560 for racecars only it is great for Dirt Track cars they only last a few weeks anyways.:rock-n-roll:

[GraphixCALC]

Curious...has anyone used the latest Arlon 6000XRP material yet? Would like to see some reviews if available.

[chopper]

Curious...has anyone used the latest Arlon 6000XRP material yet? Would like to see some reviews if available.

yep,
I like it a lot, wrapped a truck with it no curl back printed nice went on nice
the adhesive is better , easily re positionable,
//chopper

[Outlaw Graphics]

so i am looking for a diferent calendered wrap for my Race cars) Oracal 3621 or 3640 and 210 lam, prints awesome haven't had any issues with the dirt cars at all.

[racer67x]

Oracal 3621 or 3640 and 210 lam, prints awesome haven't had any issues with the dirt cars at all.
I'm going to take your advice and try these materials..have been decaling racecars for 10 years with vinyl and just getting into wraps.
still have alot to learn,lol
:)

[Kentucky Wraps]

With the the vinyl & overlam, The .27¢ difference per sq. ft. of Arlon vs. 3M just isn't worth switching from 3M to me. At least not on a standard wrap...that's only about $50 in savings. But hey, that's $50 saved you could say.

[BigfishDM]

arlon junk kit! stick with 3M!


Arlon is junk from what my clients tell me, its cheap and is a pain to install. Oracal and 3M is the best way to go. People switch because of the price but majority come back to 3M which is the best wrap product in this industry. Most companies who sell Arlon is because they make better margin compared to 3M so you wont get all the facts. I dont earn commission so its easy to tell the truth about the products being sold.

[Just Another Sign Guy]

i sold arlon and 3m products for 10yrs. my margin was better on 3m products.

as an end user my first preference is oracal, my second is arlon and my 3rd is 3m

[BigfishDM]

i sold arlon and 3m products for 10yrs. my margin was better on 3m products.

as an end user my first preference is oracal, my second is arlon and my 3rd is 3m


You would be the 1% exception boss. If they were all the same price I bet 99% would use 3M

[LarryB]

I will never use another Arlon product as I've had several jobs come back after 6 months where the vinyl is falling off but leaving the adhesive behind. These are applications on a flat surface only like the side of a van. 3M from now on for peace of mind.

[BigfishDM]

I will never use another Arlon product as I've had several jobs come back after 6 months where the vinyl is falling off but leaving the adhesive behind. These are applications on a flat surface only like the side of a van. 3M from now on for peace of mind.


This is the common response I am used to seeing on Arlon products. Works great at first then a few months go by and you have nothing but failures and upset clients all just to save $50.00 just doesnt seem worth it.

[Just Another Sign Guy]

Big this is so far from my experiences and the experiences of thousands of clients i just can;t bite my tongue here. THE ONLY material failures that i have ever encountered from an arlon product is from end user error applying with windex or other crazy stuff.

not sure what your agenda is but i no longer sell material so i have no dog in this fight i just dont feel you are spreading correct information by any means.

[BigfishDM]

Big this is so far from my experiences and the experiences of thousands of clients i just can;t bite my tongue here. THE ONLY material failures that i have ever encountered from an arlon product is from end user error applying with windex or other crazy stuff.

not sure what your agenda is but i no longer sell material so i have no dog in this fight i just dont feel you are spreading correct information by any means.


Lol yeah windex can do that to any product huh. Im not saying your right or wrong at all boss, I totally understand some people love Arlon and Im sure it doesnt fail for everyone. As you were speaking from your experience so was I thats all.

I dont have any agenda either I was just throwing out my 2 pennies sir.

[Kentucky Wraps]

I exclusively use Arlon wrap materials.. gotta love how smooth the finished product is! I hate the checkered pattern that Control Tac leaves behind. :banghead:

Plus.. you can't beat the price!!!

The checkered pattern has NEVER been an issue for ANY customer of mine.

[Kentucky Wraps]

Exeryone has to try all the materials and make there own desission. I had nothing but Failure with everything I did on the Mac Tac B Free and will never use any Mac Tac Materials again. There was no tac to it. Orecal is good I found 3M 180Cv2 I like the best great print, easy to work with and sticks good. every one is going to have different opions and each will decide what they like.

(but back to the Oracal 3195 RA we where comparing this to 4560 GTX these are both calendered wrap release vinyls. he said the 3195ra was about $200.00 a roll this is comparable to the 4560 GTX about $240 I think?

These are not for good wraps but they areCheap NON CAST relase liner material for these short term flat applications. I have had bad luck with contaminated rolls and static electricity with the 4560 so i am looking for a diferent calendered wrap for my Race cars)

Not that I like Mactac, but did you know you have to heat set that? It's not like the pressure sensitive 3M, Arlon etc. You have to activate the adhesive by post heating the entire wrap to over 200 degrees. I don't remember the exact temp. Maybe that's why it was failing. I know a lot of companies that do use it and it doesn't fail.

[Adam Bennett]

just finished a 25' trailer with 6000XRP & 3220 Lam.

Printed perfectly and installed much better than I was anticipating.