De-Mystifying Decals: Transparent, Translucent & Opaque
Well, they may not be lions and tigers and bears, but the background choices for custom decals can be just as overwhelming. Ordering decals for a window, wall, vehicle or any other surface can be tricky, especially if you are unsure of the terminology used in the sign industry. So, we are going to help take the mystery out of ordering vinyl decals. After these brief, but informative, explanations, you’ll be a pro at ordering custom decals for all of your creative sign projects.
- Decals with a clear/transparent background – The terms “clear” and “transparent” are used interchangeably. They both mean that the backgrounds of the decals are completely see through, but they are still there. If you were to put a clear or transparent decal on a colored surface, you could clearly see the surface through the square or rectangle around the design. Careful: when you order “clear vinyl decals”, you will receive a square or rectangular shaped decal with transparent vinyl around your design. If you’d like a decal with no background at all, clear is not the best choice – contour cut would be.
- Contour cut decals – To achieve decals with no edges, order “contour cut” vinyl decals. These decals are custom cut into the unique shape of your design – not a square or rectangle. Whether it’s a logo, graphic or photograph, the decals are mechanically cut or “plotted” to the precise outline of the artwork, leaving no trace of a background at all. Contour cut decals are a bit more expensive because of the labor involved, but they are quite attractive and more polished in appearance.
- Decals with a translucent background – Don’t mix this up with transparent vinyl decals. While “clear” and “transparent” may be interchangeable, “translucent” means something else entirely. Translucent vinyl allows light to shine through, giving it a glow, but the surface below it is not clearly visible through the vinyl. In other words, decals printed on translucent vinyl are not completely “see through” – the rectangular background around your design will have a hazy, frosted effect that light can shine through. This application is good for lighted signs. If you were to put a translucent decal over a backlit sign face, the light beneath it would illuminate the design and make it more visible, particularly at night.
- Decals with a solid/opaque background – Vinyl that is not “transparent” or “translucent” is opaque – meaning no light is permitted through at all. If you place the square or rectangular decal on a solid color surface, you would not be able to see the surface at all because of the solid color background around the design.
The more knowledgeable you are about vinyl decals, possible backgrounds, and specific applications when placing your order, the more likely you are to receive exactly what you envisioned and love it. Understanding these terms will ensure your complete satisfaction with your order.
