Creating outdoor graphics or decals that maximize your investment is tricky. Environmental conditions are the biggest factor, particularly when it comes to an adhesion that’s durable enough to withstand elements like wind, rain, sunlight, and humidity. What complicates the equation is creating outdoor graphics and decals that can hold up to said conditions while also demonstrating the vibrant colors and exceptional print quality that you need to say something with a little style.
Too often the choice comes down to durability and versatility vs. print and color excellence, but, if you know the right features to look for, you can find a self-adhesive vinyl that combines these traits to create truly stellar outdoor graphics or decals.
These are a couple of things I tell customers to look for when choosing the ideal printable self-adhesive vinyl for outdoor graphics to maximize performance and ROI.
A strong adhesion can be make or break
When it comes to outdoor applications, choosing a printable self-adhesive vinyl for decal and signage hinges on adhesion — without strong, consistent adhesion, your outdoor signage won’t be able to weather the elements, and this inability to perform can cost you significant time and money.
Proper adhesion for self-adhesive outdoor vinyl comes from the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on the back of the vinyl, and the formulation of this adhesive is what dictates a large part of how strong an adhesion can be achieved during the graphic installation process.
As you would imagine, environmental elements — especially over a long period of time — can compromise this adhesion, making the strength and durability of your self-adhesive vinyl top-tier concerns for creating reliable outdoor graphics.
NextBond® High-Bond Opaque from Nekoosa leverages NextBond® UV-cured adhesive technology to form a secure, long-lasting hold on a wide range of low-energy surface applications. This UV-cured adhesion provides solvent-like performance without the use of any harmful chemicals, combining unparalleled durability with an eco-friendly approach that can help your outdoor signage last.
Consistent, exceptional performance in extreme outdoor conditions
The ideal self-adhesive vinyl for outdoor graphics and signage needs to provide exceptional, consistent performance in a wide range of environmental conditions over a long period of time. While many printable vinyls for outdoor applications can hold up in more conventional weather conditions like wind or rain, that doesn’t account for other, more extreme environments, including severe cold, intense sunlight, or high humidity.
One of the biggest challenges when applying outdoor graphics is cold-weather installation. Most adhesives will not adhere to cold surfaces, which makes it essential to select a film that’s specifically rated for cold-weather installation. Plus, most adhesives for outdoor graphics lack the durability and reliability for consistent performance in freezing temperatures.
This is where NextBond® High-Bond Opaque separates itself from the competition, providing superior durability and performance in extreme weather conditions — specifically temperatures as low as -10℉ — including:
- High heat
- Extreme cold
- High humidity
- Direct sunlight
- Rain
- Snow
What’s more, NextBond® High-Bond Opaque is formulated with built-in UV inhibitors in the film to prevent fading or damage from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, providing up to five years of exceptional durability performance no matter the outdoor application.
Print quality
One of the biggest challenges in specifying the right self-adhesive vinyl for outdoor signage is finding a vinyl that delivers consistent, crisp print quality — after all, what is a truly effective graphic or decal without a high level of print and color quality?
You also want to choose a self-adhesive vinyl that prevents print defects or blemishes like blooming, which refers to the fading or degradation of color from prolonged exposure to sunlight or from using a low-quality vinyl.
For outdoor applications, it’s also important to choose an outdoor graphic vinyl that provides high opacity without sacrificing adhesive performance. With 99.5% opacity, NextBond® High-Bond Opaque by Nekoosa can transform the look and appeal of your outdoor graphics without compromising on durability and reliability. Plus, NextBond® High-Bond Opaque is specifically engineered to resist plasticizer migration and blooming, ensuring crisp, vibrant wide-format prints.
An opaque polymeric vinyl, NextBond® High-Bond Opaque completely conceals existing graphics without ghosting or show-through, making it ideal for graphic replacement and block out.
Dependable, flexible, and versatile installation
Time is money, and the ability to quickly and easily install an outdoor graphic or decal on a surface application is key, especially for brands or industries that require a large number of outdoor graphics. The installation process requires adaptability to complex surfaces with varying conditions which demands stronger adhesive bond performance. Although not required, heat guns can provide even better adhesion to porous surfaces, in those extreme applications.
For more standard applications where you are looking for mess-free and simple installation,NextBond® High-Bond Opaque is available with an optional layflat, air-egress liner for a smooth, bubble-free application. This helps preserve the exceptional print and color quality of your graphic without hampering the adhesion process.
NextBond® High-Bond Opaque is perfectly designed for a wide range of application surfaces, including:
- Concrete
- Cinder block
- Brick
- LSE plastic
- Wood
- Metal
- Glass
- Machinery
When graphics demand performance and reliability on the most challenging surfaces in extreme conditions, NextBond® High-Bond Opaque delivers outstanding performance and print quality with an eye toward durability and reliability.
Request your sample NextBond® High-Bond Opaque now.
