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Vinyl Films

Vinyl films are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and can be used in a multitude of applications. Vinyls come in a variety of thicknesses, from 0.002” to 0.045”, and different grades of flexibility. These types of overlays are typically extruded (calendered) and are divided into six categories:

2ML Reverse Printed Rigid Film - Print design and base coat are printed on the back of the film in reverse order. This film is used for wall paneling (mostly in recreational vehicles), kitchen cabinets, furniture and manufactured housing.

Semi-rigid Clear Film - Reverse printed. The film is frequently embossed and can be coated with scuff resistant coatings. These films range from 4 to 8 mils in thickness. Some can be mitre folded.

Sandwich Film - Semi-rigid two-ply overlay. The opaque base film is top printed and a clear overlay is laminated on top. This film is designed for mitre folding and flat sheet lamination. These films range from 5.5 to 8 mils in thickness. Some are available with scuff resistant topcoating.

Solid Color Film - Semi-rigid film. This film is integrally colored and can be top printed and/or embossed. Top printed film is used extensively in manufactured housing, recreational vehicles, commercial paneling and movable walls. Plain solids are used in furniture, kitchen cabinets, fixtures and displays and office furniture applications. Thicknesses range from 3.5 to 8.0 mils. Some films are available with scuff resistant topcoatings.

Thermoformed Overlay Films - Single-ply or two-ply construction. Gauges range from .010” to .030” and the film may be printed in wood grain or decorative patterns. Films may be embossed and may be coated with scuff and stain resistant coatings. Primers to promote adhesion are available. Films are designed for thermoforming with heat and pressure in a bladder press or vacuum forming process. Decorative effects can be achieved with two-ply films when a router is used to expose a different color in the bottom ply film. Films may also be flat laminated or mitre folded. Raised panel cabinet doors and free formed furniture components are the most common applications for this type of film.