So i have been looking at vinyl graphics lately and have noticed something. We know about the cheap stick-on cutout graphics that come with ARF's. Well when I started looking at custom graphics seriously for a new plane I noticed that there seems to be two different types of graphics out there - those that are actually cut out of colored vinyl, and those that are printed on either colored or clear vinyl stock. The ones I just ordered are the printed ones and seem just fine.

My question - does anyone know if one is better than the other when placed over iron-on covering, holds up better, etc. thanks.

Not really, though some of the shops are using a newer bubbleless vinyl.

The printed vinyl costs more but gives you more because the equipment and materials cost more but you can do stuff with a vinyl printer you just can't do with a cutter without layering it.

Make sure the covering is good and shrunk and tight before you start because you dont want to try to fix covering sags when the vinyl graphics are already applied.

Some of the printed graphics don't hold up well in sunlight.

I have one on my trailer that faded within a year.

Splais,

All printed materials, vinyl or otherwise will eventually fade from UV light. Printed vinyl requires another clear layer of vinyl over the printed layer. Could get 5 mil thick.

Layering vinyl to obtain colors is what I offer and do. I have no printing equipment. For my commercial sign business, I have resources for this printed material, as applied to trucks, vans, trailers, etc.

Most vinyl is 3 mil in thickness, longer lasting vinyl, 8 years or so is 2.5 mil thick.

Every model you see at this link, except for a few that have used paint masks, were done with layered vinyl for coloring. No different than paint with a taped edge. Some guys apply a clear coat over vinyl.

Here's the link and it's all my vinyl work, but modelers applied the graphics. Talented guys with great looking models! Kudos to all of them!

http://www.rcuniverse.com/community/...ry&memid=11343

Charles