How to Add an Extra Layer of Protection to Amazon Adhesive Vinyl
Vinyl has been used for decades as a form of flooring, decoration and crafting component. Predominantly consistent of PVC, adhesive vinyl can be very durable and as a result, it can be used externally and internally in equal measure. There are times where exposing the material to particular substances on a consistent basis (such as water or sunlight) can cause the colour to fade, or for the sheet to peel away.
To avoid these instances it can be far more productive to apply an extra layer of protection to a sheet, or to smaller vinyl shapes once they have been cut out.
Lamination
Although water-resistant by nature (due to the plastic composition), vinyl with adhesive backing can still suffer with damage if exposed to water consistently. This is where lamination can come in handy. By laminating a sheet or shape, the entire piece will become fully waterproof. Although it will lose its adhesive properties, the smooth surface of a laminated sheet can make it easy to apply glue, tape, or even blue tack – to hold the vinyl in place. Check out adhesive vinyl on Amazon for more ideas.
Varnishing
When lamination isn’t an ideal option, there’s always the ability to varnish a sheet of vinyl instead. Sprays are a great solution, but paintable equivalents can be just as effective. The vinyl will need to be stuck onto a smooth, flat surface in order to be ready for a coat of varnish. Alternatively, you could prepare the cut outs separately, lay them on a flat surface (with their backing still attached), and then spray/ paint them as required. Once dried, the adhesive side can be peeled away ready for application.
Using other sheets of vinyl
With adhesive sheets, the main areas of concern are the very edges. If these can be sealed and protected, there’s really no reason why vinyl couldn’t be used in bathrooms and kitchens (where water exposure is a consistent factor), with minimal concern. Some people opt to tape the edges of vinyl with a transparent layer, but it makes more sense to use another piece of vinyl in the same colour – so as to maintain consistency, whilst covering edges that may suffer the most from water exposure.
In most instances, the composition of vinyl will keep it functional for years at a time, without more than an occasional wipe with a cloth or sponge. Plastic will never decompose and as the coloured pigment is mixed in with the PVC formula during production, the chances of fading are also very minimal. Many manufacturers even introduce UV serums to further protect their vinyl products, making it one of the most resilient materials available, but taking a little extra care to ensure its condition can certainly go a long way.