Guide
Cast or Calendered Vinyl? Choosing Vehicle Wrap Film
Cast and calendered vinyl differ in production, lifespan and how they follow curves. See which film suits vehicle wraps and which suits flat panels.
ByAsta Reklam
Published:
2 min read
In this article(4)
Cast vinyl is made by pouring a liquid PVC mix onto a carrier sheet and drying it. Calendered vinyl is made by squeezing heated PVC between rollers. Cast film is stress-free, dimensionally stable and follows curves. Calendered film is cheaper and suits flat surfaces and short- to medium-term graphics.
Main differences
| Calendered (monomeric) | Calendered (polymeric) | Cast | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrinkage tendency | High | Medium | Very low |
| Curved surfaces | Flat only | Slight curves | Compound curves, rivets |
| Typical outdoor life | 3–5 years | 5–8 years | 7–12 years |
| Typical use | Labels, short campaigns | Flat panels, fleet ads | Full wraps, bumpers, mirrors |
Life values are typical for vertical outdoor exposure; colour, finish and climate change them. ORAFOL quotes roughly 2 to 12 years for ORACAL 970RA, depending on colour. Avery Dennison recommends calendered film for flat or simple curves and the more conformable cast film for curved surfaces.
Which one for which job?
- Full colour change, bonnet, roof, mirrors: cast.
- Flat side panels, fleet advertising: polymeric calendered or cast.
- Short campaigns and flat glass: calendered.
Do not overstretch calendered film. It tries to return to its original shape and lifts in recesses. Apply it above the minimum temperature on the datasheet (10 °C for ORACAL 970RA).
Our products
- Cast vehicle wrap films: Oracal 970RA with air channels and Unifol 9700, 152 cm × 50 m rolls.
- Printable cast vehicle wrap film: works with solvent, eco-solvent, latex and UV printing.
- Cut vinyl films: for lettering and logos.
Estimate the metres with the vehicle wrap calculator. For price and stock, ask your branch or contact us.
FAQ
How much longer does cast film last than calendered?
With typical values, cast lasts 7–12 years and calendered 3–8 years. Real life depends on colour, finish and climate; check the manufacturer datasheet.
Can calendered film be used on a vehicle?
Yes, on flat or slightly curved panels and for short-term graphics. On bumpers and mirrors, shrinkage and lifting edges become likely.
How many metres of film does a car need?
It depends on the vehicle class and the areas to cover. The calculator gives the length from a 152 cm roll.
Sources: Avery Dennison, ORAFOL ORACAL 970RA.
This article contains general information; confirm dimensions and technical values before production.
