For all of you roof graphics experts out there, I've heard Todd on White Roof Radio talk about the benefits of cast vinyl (where the color permeates the vinyl throughout the entire layer).

As I understand it, this is fundamentally different from the printed graphics that you might get from Cooperflags and other "printed" sign materials, which have a layer of continuous color pigment on a base layer of white vinyl. The entire printed graphic gets a clear UV protective layer to make the design last.

Obviously, solid color blocks will only work with certain graphics designs (like a Union Jack) rather than a photo of your dog.

If I am able to come up with a cast vinyl graphics design which treats the white top as a canvas and adds black stripes and various geometic color shapes (circles, triangles, rectanges) to compose the graphic:

1) do I need a clear UV protective film over the design?

1a) If so, would that film cover the entire roof, or would it be cut to fit over each geometric shape?

2) If the cast vinyl has enough intrinsic UV resistance to survive for a few years without an additional protective decal, is it at risk for being pulled up at the corners through normal wear, or by vandalistic teens?

Incidentally, My car will be outside facing the chicago elements without the benefit of a carport or garage.

Thanks for your help

Bonmot

 

Addendum to my previous post: I don't mean to imply that Cooper Flags uses a printing process for all of their graphics. I think their bonnet stripes are cast vinyl, for example.

 

You will not need any sort of clear coating over the cast vinyl graphics.

We have intricately cut checkerboard stripes on my wife's Cooper that we had made by CooperFlags. Lots and lots of little corners but none have peeled up a bit in over 2 years. Certainly it is possible for vandals to peel off graphics, but that seems unlikely to me.

Previously, I had a perforated printed Union Jack sunroof flag which had been made by the previous (not current) owner of Cooper Flags. I was very disapponted when it began to look terrible after only about 6 months of exposure to the elements (no garage). It was this experience that made me realize that I either need to use solid colored vinyl or consider printed vinyl to be a temporary decoration.

Here is a photo showing the intricate small checkers. If anything was going to peel up, it would be on a design like this. Not a single corner has peeled up and they are only in need of replacement due to a few rock chips.

 

That's great to hear. When you run your finger over the little checks, is there a definite ridge, or is it thin enough that it feels fairly smooth? The printed graphics seem a little too ephemeral for the price, though they are very cool. I wonder if the majority of Union Jacks out there are printed or are blocks of cast vinyl?

bonmot

 

The majority of UJ's are printed. It is just so much cheaper and the labor to install a bunch of solid pieces can be prohibitive.

You can definitely feel the edges of the checkers but it is not extreme and they do not stick up much at all. I've scrubbed them pretty hard with no problems at all and we don't keep cars in the garage.

I have seen a fantastic UJ done with solid pieces, but the metallic solid colored vinyl didn't weather very well. I can also notice that the metallic silver stripes that we have are duller than they were new. But colored material rather than metallic should look perfect for a very long time.

 

Contact Mike at www.aestheticreations.net

I am no expert, but on stripes, Mike uses Gerber Edge Thermal Technology. It is a standard in outside signage. We used them at my old job for outdoor signage with great success (and that was 8 years ago, i am sure the technology has improved). It normally has a 5 year lifespan.

Vinyl is great. But you are limited to solid colors, cant do anything really intricate as one can do on a gerber. Gerber can have one solid piece with multiple colors/designs.

Roof graphics another story. I am sure the inkjet technology is better that it was when i was doing it....

 

My design is definitely composed of blocks of color and black. I think solid through-and-through vinyl is the best option for me (provided I can get my design done at a reasonable cost locally).

bonmot

 

Still give Mike a call. He is a voice of experience. And he has templates for the graphic already, can save headaches when you are not dealing with some who does mini graphics exclusively.

 

Thanks for the tips and the contact info., guys. I appreciate your help!