In our previous posts, we shared details about various vinyl graphics manufacturers and the specific products we’ve used in our installations across the Greater Toronto Area. Due to numerous requests from fellow installers, we’ve compiled a summary of these posts into a single reference guide. This makes it easier to choose the right vinyl for any project—whether it’s a long-term vehicle wrap, a temporary promotional window cling, or a durable architectural finish. So, enjoy:
Leading Global Manufacturers
- 3M – Known for premium wrap films, controltac/Comply adhesives, and long-lasting signage vinyl.
- Avery Dennison – Offers a wide range of vehicle wraps, wall and window films, and architectural vinyl.
- ORAFOL (Oracal brand) – Popular for cut vinyl, wrap films, reflective films, and digital print media.
- Arlon – Specializes in vehicle wrap films, fleet graphics, and large-format print vinyl.
- Hexis – French manufacturer of wrap and decorative vinyl, including specialty finishes.
- Mactac – Offers print media, laminates, wall graphics films, and promotional vinyl.
- LG Hausys (now rebranded as LX Hausys) – Produces economical printable films and wraps.
- General Formulations (GF) – U.S.-based supplier of printable vinyl, laminates, and specialty films.
- KPMF (Kay Premium Marking Films) – Known for color-change wrap films and decorative finishes.
Specialty & Regional Manufacturers
- Ritrama – Offers printable vinyl and pressure-sensitive films (now part of Fedrigoni Group).
- Drytac – Specializes in adhesive films for windows, walls, and floors (SpotOn, ReTac series).
- Metamark – UK-based brand offering sign vinyl, print films, and wrap films.
- Siser – Known for heat transfer vinyl (HTV) and specialty materials for garments and textiles.
- Orajet (by ORAFOL) – Widely used in digital print vinyl for signage and wraps.
- Aslan – German manufacturer focusing on self-adhesive vinyl films for creative applications.
Here is a categorized overview of our leading vinyl recommendations, grouped by application type, durability, and practical performance. We’ve also added insights from our installation experience to guide you in selecting the right material for your project:
| Category | Manufacturer | Product Name | Durability | Removability | Finish Options / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Wraps | 3M | 2080 Series | 7–10 yrs | Removable with heat | Gloss, matte, satin, carbon fiber, brushed metal |
| 3M | IJ180mC | 8–10 yrs | Clean removable | Printable cast wrap, Controltac adhesive | |
| Avery Dennison | Supreme Wrapping Film (SWF) | 7–12 yrs | Long-term removable | Over 100 colors, textured finishes | |
| Avery Dennison | MPI 1105 | 7–10 yrs | Removable | Printable wrap film | |
| ORAFOL | Oracal 970RA | 7–10 yrs | Permanent/removable | Solid color wrap vinyl | |
| ORAFOL | Orajet 3951RA | 7 yrs | Removable | Printable cast wrap | |
| Arlon | SLX Cast Wrap | 7–10 yrs | Clean removable | Easy reposition adhesive, full-vehicle coverage | |
| KPMF | K75400 Series | 5–7 yrs | Long-term removable | Iridescent, pearlescent, metallic colors | |
| Hexis | HX20000 | 7–10 yrs | Removable | Specialty high-end wraps, textured effects | |
| Window Graphics | 3M | IJ8171 Perforated | 1–3 yrs | Removable | One-way vision, storefront or vehicle windows |
| 3M | Fasara | 5–10 yrs | Permanent | Decorative, etched/frosted look | |
| Avery Dennison | MPI 2728 Perforated | 1–2 yrs | Removable | Retail window displays | |
| ORAFOL | Orajet 3675 | 1–2 yrs | Removable | Perforated see-through film | |
| Drytac | SpotOn Clear/White | 6–12 months | Easy removable | Static cling-like, no tools needed | |
| Drytac | ViziPrint Impress | 2–3 yrs | Peelable | Optically clear, adhesive-free | |
| Wall Graphics | 3M | IJ40 / IJ180 | 3–7 yrs | Removable | Smooth and textured wall wraps |
| 3M | DI-NOC | 10–15 yrs | Permanent | Architectural finishes (wood, stone, metal) | |
| Avery Dennison | MPI 2600 Wall Series | 4–6 yrs | Removable | For indoor and textured walls | |
| Mactac | RoughRAP | 3–5 yrs | Removable | Conforms to brick, concrete, stucco | |
| Mactac | WallNOODLE | 1–2 yrs | Peelable | Short-term, smooth wall decals | |
| Drytac | ReTac Smooth 75/150 | 2–5 yrs | Repositionable | Peel-and-stick, no damage to paint | |
| Metamark | MD5 | 3–5 yrs | Permanent/removable | Printable, smooth wall graphics | |
| Specialty | Siser | EasyWeed HTV | Wash-durable | Heat-fused | Heat transfer vinyl for garments |
| Aslan | SE 75 | 5 yrs | Permanent | Metallic/mirror decorative films | |
| Ritrama (Fedrigoni) | Ri-Jet 75 | 3–5 yrs | Removable | Promotional print vinyl |
Here’s a handy guide for graphics installation projects, making it easy for your team to select the best vinyl for any job—just match the project type to the perfect material.
Vehicle Wraps
Client Request: Full color-change or branded vehicle wrap (long-term)
Best Options:
- 3M 2080 Series (color-change)
- Avery Dennison SWF (Supreme Wrapping Film)
- Oracal 970RA (solid color wraps)
Why: Cast films conform to curves, removable with heat, long durability.
Client Request: Printed fleet graphics / promotional vehicle wraps
Best Options:
- 3M IJ180mC (long-term, high-performance)
- Avery MPI 1105 (printable wrap)
- Arlon SLX Cast Wrap (easy apply, full coverage)
Why: Printable cast vinyl for large graphics, repositionable adhesives, vibrant print quality.
Window Graphics
Client Request: Short-term retail window promo (1–6 months)
Best Options:
- Drytac SpotOn (clear or white, easy install)
- Orajet 3675 (perforated one-way vision)
Why: Easy removable, minimal tools, great for frequent campaign changes.
Client Request: Long-term decorative/privacy window films
Best Options:
- 3M Fasara (frosted/etched look)
- Avery MPI 2728 (perforated, semi-long term)
Why: Durable and stylish for offices, boutiques, and interiors.
Wall Graphics
Client Request: Short-term indoor wall decal (events, promos)
Best Options:
- Drytac ReTac Smooth (removable, peel-and-stick)
- Mactac WallNOODLE (simple install, no damage)
Why: Easy removal, no adhesive residue, safe for painted walls.
Client Request: Long-term indoor or textured wall mural
Best Options:
- 3M IJ180 / Avery MPI 2600 (indoor murals)
- Mactac RoughRAP (brick, concrete, stucco)
- 3M DI-NOC (architectural wood/stone/metal look)
Why: Durable, conforms to texture, realistic finishes for interiors.
Specialty Applications
Client Request: Heat transfer graphics for apparel
- Siser EasyWeed HTV (garments, uniforms)
Client Request: Luxury decorative or metallic effect
- Hexis HX20000 (specialty finishes)
- KPMF Iridescent Series (pearlescent/metallic)
- Aslan SE 75 (mirror/metallic films)
Quick Rule of Thumb for our fellow Installers:
- Cast film = long-term, curves, wraps (vehicles, textured walls).
- Calendered film = short-term, flat surfaces (promos, retail signs).
- Specialty film = unique textures, finishes, or environments (floors, glass, décor).
Hope these help…