Why Do So Many People Use IJ180 When the Project Doesn't Seem to Call for It?

[WarrenHarding]

I know sign shops that use IJ180 for basically every vinyl project that doesn't require something temporary or that can adhere to bumpy surfaces. It costs 4x a roll of standard calendared vinyl. That standard, cheaper, vinyl, can hold up for 5 years in an interior environment easily, but people are laying IJ180 on sheetrock walls in offices.

What gives?

I even have an installer telling me he sees higher quality in print shops that only use "3M products" - but never see any real comparisons between 3M and established competitors like GF or Oracal. It looks like the Apple of vinyl to me.

Am I missing something?

 

[victor bogdanov]

Just likely everyone wants everything laminated when most stuff doesn't need laminate, half the interior walls graphics I see are laminated, total waste

 

[Boudica]

My take on this would be that smaller shops don't need multiple brands of vinyl on deck. Cast when necessary, and calendered when appropriate. No need to go outside the comfort zone with brands when guaranteeing your work.

 

[MikePro]

easier to have a standard of awesomeness and price accordingly
people get burned on cheap materials, and 3M pushed their marketing of longevity at a time when Avery had a massive failure of warranty.

edited to add: laminated, is quality. sucks to double the cost of material but it will double the longevity of your ink that will eventually scratch, if not on install, or meet an overzealous cleaning lady,

 

[MarkSnelling]

Has anyone here been reimbursed by 3M for a warranty claim? Honest question.

 

[Gino]

Not by 3M, as I can't think of any real problem with them since the 80's. However, I was reimbursed by avery from their failures with vinyls occurred.

 

[netsol]

is the claim process an ordeal? many companies that offer some sort of coverage or reimbursement never intend to pay

nothing against avery OR 3m. just based on experience in another industry...

 

[JBurton]

easier to have a standard of awesomeness and price accordingly

This plus consistency. That's why I only run Arlon SLX for my premium cast stuff.

As to laminate, I prefer a satin finish over gloss, matte when it's called for. It helps to hide defects and screw ups.

 

[WarrenHarding]

Just likely everyone wants everything laminated when most stuff doesn't need laminate, half the interior walls graphics I see are laminated, total waste

Disagree with you here - the scratch protection and added durability of lamination is a great value add in my opinion.

My take on this would be that smaller shops don't need multiple brands of vinyl on deck. Cast when necessary, and calendered when appropriate. No need to go outside the comfort zone with brands when guaranteeing your work.

That still allows for using a calendared option though. Use the cast for wraps and tough surfaces, but when you're doing a painted sheetrock wall or windows just stick with the calandered stuff no?