[oneeyedjack]

Hi,

One of my suppliers just started selling Kapco calendered vinyl. I have never heard of it so wondering if any one has tried it and what they thought of it.

Thanks

 

[gorilladiver]

I've been using Kapco vinyl for 15 years, great products. I have always just ordered direct from Kapco, www.kapco.com. The calendered vinyl is good for indoor or short term outdoor use 2-3 years. For long term outdoor or vehicle graphics use the Ultra Cast version. If you call Kapco talk to Cheryl Spade, she is wealth of information on vinyl products

 

[oneeyedjack]

Thanks for the response. The calendered vinyl description says high gloss 5 year vinyl. I use Oracal 651 for window decals so was just wondering on how much better the Oracal is considering the Oracal costs much more.

 

[BrianHahn]

We have done some thorough evaluation of Kapco vinyl and we like it a lot and will be selling it soon. It cuts very nicely and the release liner is such that we think it weeds easier than other comparable vinyls.

 

[oneeyedjack]

How would you compare it to Oracal 651 in your opinion. 651 is all I have ever used for window decals.

 

[BrianHahn]

We think they cut about the same on the Saga cutters however, I think the Kapco weeds a little easier for fine detail areas. The release liner for the Kapco is a little different than the Oracal release liner. It is a bluish-grey in color and seems a little easier to work with.
I think the Oracal 651 claims a 6 year life while the Kapco claims a 5 year life.
Maybe try a small sample to start? I can send you a small sample if you like.

 

[oneeyedjack]

Thanks Brian appreciate the offer but will be ordering some supplies tomorrow and will get a sample from them. The thing I am concerned with is durability in the cold canadian winters but unless I put a decal on my vehicle and wait a couple years I guess that is tough to determine. The Kapco I believe is 2.8 mm where as 651 is 2.5mm so 651 is a little thinner.

 

[royster13]

I do not get the idea of using "no name" materials.....Use a good branded material (name on back) and use that as a sales tool....The minor difference in cost is worth it...

 

[oneeyedjack]

I agree with that almost 100%. I was just kinda thinking for basic window decals if Kapco is a close comparison to 651 I can get 25 yds of Kapco for just $10 more than 10 yds of 651. Plus I get some heat transfer vinyl and clothing from the same guy. Is tough decision getting away from trusted brand but well always check out any options.

 

[royster13]

I agree with that almost 100%. I was just kinda thinking for basic window decals if Kapco is a close comparison to 651 I can get 25 yds of Kapco for just $10 more than 10 yds of 651. Plus I get some heat transfer vinyl and clothing from the same guy. Is tough decision getting away from trusted brand but well always check out any options.

Sounds like you are paying too much for your Oracal and shirts then.....Are you not "legal"?...

 

[BrianHahn]

Kapco is a good brand. They have been making vinyl in the US for a long time. (1974) Their vinyl is sold under a variety of names beside their own name. True, they aren't as well-known as Oracal, Avery or 3M but they make good vinyl.

 

[oneeyedjack]

Lol yeah I'm legal. Get my Oracal from a top distributor in Canada. Clothing and ht vinyl from a different supplier.
Brian if you know other names it goes by could you name them either here or can pm me.

 

[plan b]

Its all about branding...

Product x&y have similar traits by all intents x&y works the same for application, although brand y has a billion dollar a year branding and marketing budget and costs more so it must be better Right ???

Guess I don't get it???

 

[oneeyedjack]

Roger are you basically saying they do the same thing but paying way more for the one

 

[plan b]

Pretty much,, someone has to pay for the marketing expenses..

 

[oneeyedjack]

Yeah I hear what your saying. Any thoughts on the Kapco vinyl. By the way my Puma III i bought off you a few years back still just as good as when I got it.

 

[plan b]

I am glad that the Puma keeps rolling,, its a great machine.. Kapco has been around for some time so its a tried and true company making a great product, I think it will do you very well.. The year rating is subjective on either vinyl so one is 5 years and the other is 6 years so with that many years who really cares..

 

[oneeyedjack]

That is true, not like a window decal will last 4.5 years and gonna get a call saying it didn't last 5 years. Puma has been a great machine for me.

 

[Krifsti]

of information on vinyl products