How to pick your perfect self adhesive label

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is an international network designed to promote responsible management of the world’s forests.

Want more information on self adhesive plastic film? Feel free to contact us.

It was established in the mid 1990s. Worldwide, more than 196 million hectares of forest in 81 countries are certified according to FSC® standards and just over 52,000 companies have FSC® Chain of Custody certification.

You can find out more about FSC® on their website: www.fsc.org

The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is a framework for the recognition of forest certification schemes meeting internationally recognised requirements for sustainable forest management.

Since its launch in 1999, PEFC has become the largest certification umbrella organisation covering 31 national schemes from around the world with over 260m ha of forest covered and almost 16,000 COC certificates.

You can find out more about PEFCon their website: www.pefc.org

What is Chain of Custody?

Chain of Custody, or COC, Certification provides independent evidence that forest products originate from well managed forests.

It helps consumers, businesses and government departments make informed decisions about the timber products they buy.

What is Sticky Back Plastic called?
We call it Self-Adhesive Vinyl.

Is Sticky Back Plastic the same as Self-Adhesive Vinyl?
Absolutely, they are both thin, flexible PVC with a self-adhesive backing, however they are not just one material but a wide range of different products with different applications. Check out our range here.

Is Self-Adhesive Vinyl heat resistant?
Different brands have different recommended service temperatures, as an example Oracal 970 is recommended for use up to 120°C

Is Self-Adhesive Vinyl waterproof?
It is, additionally, if you choose a vinyl designed for outdoor use it will also have a waterproof adhesive that can withstand washing.

Is Self-Adhesive Vinyl easy to remove?
Yes, how easily will depend on your surface, length of time in place and type of adhesive. Adding gentle heat with a hairdryer will aid removal. Check out our guide to adhesives for more information.

Is Self-Adhesive Vinyl permanent?
Different products will have different life expectancy so check the spec sheet. Vinyl with permanent adhesive can be removed but requires more effort and may leave some residue unlike removable products. Check out our guide to adhesives for more information.

What is Self-Adhesive Vinyl made from?
In basic terms it comprises a thin layer of flexible PVC coated with an adhesive and lined with a silicon coated paper, however there are many variations and grades of sticky back plastic available. See our further reading section for more details.

What is Self-Adhesive Vinyl used for?
Lots of things! You can cut it out and stick it to almost anything for signage, decoration, window graphics and personalisation. Check out the Blog for inspiration.

How does Self-adhesive Vinyl work?
It has a pressure sensitive adhesive which cures over time, have a look at our handy guide to self-adhesive vinyl for more detailed information.

How do I use Self-Adhesive Vinyl?
Head over to our application area for more information.

Is Self-Adhesive Vinyl recyclable?
Generally it’s not currently recyclable, although some specialist self-adhesive films are recyclable and the range is growing.

Is Self-Adhesive Vinyl sellotape?
Not quite. It is a thin flexible self-adhesive film that is used for product decoration, signage, window graphics and personalisation.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website how to remove protective plastic film from glass.

Is Self-Adhesive Vinyl the same as contact paper?
Contact paper is a type of self-adhesive vinyl, there are lots of different types available for different applications and surfaces. Check out our selection here.

How should I store Craft Vinyl?
Vinyl should be stored at room temperature, avoid damp or very humid environments as it can cause the liner to wrinkle and cockle and do not stack rolls or heavy objects on top of each other as it may create pressure marks. If vinyl is stored in cold conditions it can become very brittle, too hot and it becomes very stretchy like chewing gum.

How to Vinyl Craft?
Vinyl is a great crafting product for all sorts of projects, you can make personalised gifts or homewares and it is a great activity for kids and for school projects. Having your own vinyl cutter opens up a world of possibilities, however vinyl is easy to hand cut and great for collages. Head over to our Blog for more information.

How thick is Craft Vinyl?
Self-adhesive vinyl is available in different thicknesses depending where it is to be used or the texture or the film, usually it is between 70 - 100 microns (0.07mm - 0.1 mm) but can be as thick as 500 microns (0.5mm) for specialist products.

Is Craft Vinyl toxic?
Self-Adhesive Vinyl is safe to use for crafting purposes however always supervise young children when using vinyl for crafting as small shapes may provide a choking hazard. Vinyl should not be eaten, please call a doctor immediately for advice if vinyl is ingested.

What is Craft Vinyl?

Craft Vinyl is standard self-adhesive vinyl or heat transfer (iron-on) vinyl that is sold in small rolls and sheets for use by hobbyists and boutique businesses or on small craft cutters such as Silhouette, Cricut and Brother brands. For more detail on different types of craft vinyl and how to use it check out our handy guide here >

What is Craft Vinyl used for?
Craft vinyl is used for product marking or protection, decoration and personalisation, up-cycling or simply to keep the kids entertained. Lots of people craft with vinyl as a hobby and as a business too.

Can you put Self-Adhesive Vinyl on books?
Yes, it’s great for covering school books – we even have an anti-microbial film to help keep them germ free!

Can Self-Adhesive Vinyl be used on t-shirts?
Not for anything other than very short term use as it will just peel off, try our range of heat transfer vinyl which you can iron-on instead.

Can Self-Adhesive Vinyl be ironed on?
No, you will probably get a gummy mess and wreck your iron! The adhesive is activated by pressure rather than heat. Check out our range of iron-on heat activated adhesive films here.

Can you put Self-Adhesive Vinyl on concrete?
Yes, there are certain types of self-adhesive vinyl that have a special adhesive designed for use on concrete.

Can you put Self-Adhesive Vinyl on tumblers?
You certainly can, just beware of applying too much pressure when applying to glass. For a washable and long lasting decal select a vinyl with a permanent adhesive such as ImagePerfect 5700. You can put this through a dishwasher but it will last longer if hand washed.

What is Self-Adhesive Vinyl wallpaper?
This is a thin, flexible printed, or printable PVC, Polyester or similar, with a self-adhesive backing designed for wall decoration. Coloured self-adhesive vinyl can also be used as wallpaper or cut into designs for decorative wall graphics. Check out our wall vinyls for inspiration.

Can you use Self-Adhesive Vinyl on walls?
Yes! Depending on the type and finish of your wall there are several different types of vinyl which will work very well. If your wall has a smooth finish try ImagePerfect 3300 which is a matt vinyl with a removable adhesive. Alternatively, if your wall has a rough or textured surface then ImagePerfect 5700HT (coming soon) would be
a good choice as it has an adhesive that has been designed for hard to stick surfaces, this can be layered with ImagePerfect 5700 if you require a wider colour selection. For something a little bit more functional, head over to our Black and White Board section for inspiration.

Can you use Self-adhesive Vinyl on tiles?
Yes, self-adhesive vinyl works well on smooth ceramic tiles, however if your tiles are unfinished, such as terracotta, you may need to select a vinyl with a high-tack adhesive and check a small inconspicuous area first. For floor tiles you will require a vinyl that is suitable for floor graphics and cover with a non-slip floor graphics laminate.

Can you use Self-Adhesive Vinyl on kitchen worktops?
Yes, although you will need to protect the vinyl when preparing food, using sharp knives or hot pans.

Can you use Self-Adhesive Vinyl in kitchens?
Absolutely, on all sorts of surfaces but not for direct food preparation areas. Check out our range of Cover Styl' which is perfect for transforming kitchen units, walls and doors all around the home.

Can you use Self-Adhesive Vinyl on floors?
Yes. There are specific floor graphics materials designed for this, they have a special adhesive and a non-slip clear laminate.

Can you use Self-Adhesive Vinyl on wood?
Absolutely, but as wood can be unsealed, varnished or waxed we recommend you try a small inconspicuous area first. A wax or oiled coating will prevent the vinyl from sticking. You can also use heat transfer vinyl on some wood surfaces. Alternatively you can use stencil vinyl and paint or spray your design.

For more information, please visit Anti scratch PU adhesive film.