Anyone have experience making vinyl stickers?

[Trap Star]

I have access to a cutting machine at work and I'm looking to break into the vinyl business. Stickers and such for cars mainly, not entire vehicle wraps. Basically what I need to know is what are some reputable manufacturers of vinyl material and how much I should expect to pay per sq. ft. I like to put out a good product so something that won't stick for very long or that fades quickly is pretty much out of the question. Any and all input is appreciated, especially from those with actual experience making this kind of thing.

[Maeda]

3M makes the best stuff i've used.

Better than zilvia's collective non-opinion, go find a local sign shop supply place. They'll be able to help you out.

[MrMigs]

I have a vinyl cutter as well, and I like to use vinyl from uscutter.com. That comes from personal experience. I don't do this for business (just for fun, and for friends), but I say their vinyl quality is quite acceptable.

I can't compare it to 3M though, because I've never tried it.

[OutlawLui]

Oracal is good stuff

A roll of 48''x50 yards might go for $170-200

Ask me anything. i run a sign shop here in long beach ca

[S14DB]

To, hijack the thread. I'm interested in the vinyl info. But, is Roland still the machine to get these days? What about printers?

[Maeda]

Ok screw other forums. Zilvia knows everything.

[PeaceOnesxWai]

To, hijack the thread. I'm interested in the vinyl info. But, is Roland still the machine to get these days? What about printers?

Heard the same, Roland is the machine to start with for those doing at home vinyls. I only see its worth buying if im trying print large amount/to promote. You can get vinyl cut for less then .50c each


I like someone to share some info about printer/plotter combo machines.

http://store.speedhunters.com/us/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Speedhunters_Chrome_Stickersheet_productshot1.jpg


Ok screw other forums. Zilvia knows everything.

Zilvia is like a dad.. except smarter. and more irritable

[Trap Star]

Excellent. Thanks for the suggestions. The table I'm using has a cutting surface of about 27' x 10' so I can get some pretty large rolls if I decide to move forward after doing some test runs.

Evil: You have any suggestion/tips for someone who has never cut vinyls before? Most of my experience so far has been making stencils for athletic fields.

[OutlawLui]

I use the Roland Plotter/printer model xc-540

It does really good quality prints and cuts. You can print up 54'' wide with this one.

The bad is that the ink is crazy expensive. It uses uses 12 ink cartridges and each runs around $120-140 . 2 each: Black, Magenta, Cyan, Yellow, Light magenta and light cyan


If you are just getting started, you should probably get a small roll of black gloss, and white gloss vinyl and Some transfer tape

*I also use a Small 48'' Roland plotter (GX-500). I use it mostly wen i have the XC-540 printing and only need to cut vinyl.

[tougefactory]

We use both 3M and Avery, both are great products.