Can adhesive vinyl be applied to plastic? That’s an excellent question, and the answer is … maybe. Because it depends on the type of plastic, the chemical formula. Some plastics take readily to adhesive vinyl graphics application, others don’t, and still others will work, but only if installed properly.
Can Adhesive Vinyl be Applied to Plastic?
“Plastics aren’t all the same and require different surface preparations, For example, solvents may damage polystyrenes and poly-carbons tend to trap moisture. Determine the type of plastic and follow the cleaning recommendations for the specific material.” — Vehicle Graphics Surface Preparation for Various Substrates
According to experts, applying adhesive vinyl graphics to plastic can be a challenge. Some are friendly, and some are not. Outgassing is a possibility much of the time. Before considering wrapping a plastic substrate, you need to know its chemical composition.
Polycarbonates
Much of your home, auto, and office equipment use polycarbonates. Polycarbonate is resistant to weathering as well as impact. It is used extensively in bumpers. PC is also used for headlight lenses. It does well in adverse weather conditions, rain, snow, and cold. However, it may contain water which when covered with vinyl graphics can outgas forming water bubbles between the substrate and vinyl. An experienced applicator will determine the best method of installation, dry or wet.
Polymethacrylate (PMMA)
Polymethacrylate is used for windshields and windows. It’s highly resistant to pressure, sub-zero outside, and UV light. Since PMMA offers outstanding optical properties, is lightweight, is unaffected by temperature changes, it is often used instead of glass. Polymethacrylate is a clear, shatterproof plastic. So, most adhesives will stick to a PMMA surface; however wet installation may be the best to avoid outgassing.
Polyethylene
Plastic bags, containers, bottles, and tarps are all types of polyethylene. Dry application using heat may be best for application. It’s used in glass reinforced vehicle bodies.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene is a hard plastic. For example, computer casings are made from polystyrene. This material can be wrapped, but outgassing varies from formula to formula and may cause separation. In vehicles polystyrene is used for knobs, trim, and instrument panels.
Styrofoam is a polystyrene plastic. However, Styrofoam isn’t the best substrate for adhesive vinyl.
Polyvinylchloride
Among other components polyvinyl chloride is used for instruments panels and door parts. “PVC is in most cases user-friendly for adhesive vinyl application; however the hardness of the plastic impacts the installation. Hard PVC will accept the vinyl, but may be difficult to remove while softer PVC may not offer the best adhesive surface.” — Can I Apply Vinyl to This?
So, Can Adhesive Vinyl be Applied to Plastic?
Can adhesive vinyl be applied to plastic? The answer is yes, and no. Proper adhesion of vinyl graphics on plastics depends on several variables. Including production, chemical make up, and more. Much of the success or failure will depend on the knowledge and experience of the applicator. Is a wet or dry installation best, or not at all? Other factors such as the condition and cleanliness of the surface as well as temperature and humidity during installation will impact the appearance and longevity of the graphic.
TKO has more certified, full-time, company employee, experienced vinyl graphic installers than any provider in North America. We know what works and what doesn’t. Contact Us for a free estimate.
“We are proud to be a 3M™ MCS™ Certified Warranty Manufacturer, which means our customers receive consistent, outstanding products backed by 3M’s most comprehensive warranties. We are members of the United Application Standards Group (UASG), and master certified through the PDAA (Professional Decal Application Alliance), delivering the best installation services possible.” — About TKO Graphix
If the vinyl does not stick to the plastic I’m applying it to, is there some type of glue that I can use to apply this vinyl?
We’d advise against it because it can cause problems to the finish especially upon removal.
What type of material is recomended for branding of plastic chemical bottles
I’m not certain. It’s not one of our offerings.
Im trying to do frisbies and didnt know it would stick. I dont know what to do. Help
We’re not sure of your question, are you having trouble removing the adhesive vinyl? If so use a citrus based solvent, or steam, either way it will be difficult. As far as using adhesive vinyl on a Frisbee we wouldn’t recommend it. We’d suggest having them printed with your copy. If you do use vinyl use a high tech material such as 3M’s 3690 but don’t attempt to wrap it — place a decal on it.
I am trying to stick vinyl to a vinyl umbrella what is the best way
Thanks for asking. I asked our installation team and they said it depends on the specifications of the materials. It was suggested to check with the manufacturer.
Hello Mr. Clark,
what type of vinyl would adhere to UV resistant ABS plastic. it is a tire cover for a jeep so it will be in the elements. I am trying to put a print on the cover..
Thanks for asking. It’s not the kind of thing we do, but I asked two of our installers who have more than 40 years combined experience. They said it it’s a hard plastic cover almost any vinyl should work. If if it’s a soft cover use a quality vinyl like 3M 180 series. The trick to installing it on a soft cover is to put a hard surface such as a piece of wood behind it when you squeegee it on.
Hi
I would like to vinyl wrap a custom image I have onto the top of a hard plastic toilet seat cover.. is this a possibility? Or am I lightly to have problems? Any help much appreciated thankyou
Thank you for asking. It depends on the composition of the plastic. We’d suggest trying a small piece of the adhesive vinyl first, maybe try it on the inside to see how it adheres.
I read in the FAQ that polystyrene (EPS) was often not a good base for vinyl custom wrap. If the EPS is more dense, like EPS 39 (2.5 lb) will the vinyl adhere well. I have some triangle shaped 4 foot towers (4 ft x 14 inch equilateral triangles) that I was hoping to wrap for display.
Thanks for the question. This is a tricky substrate because it can change adhesive properties and result in the film shrinking away from the surface. It can be been done, but be aware it might not stay pristine.
Polycarbonate gazebo roof, I was wondering if one might be able to cover the pieces with vinyl wrap to black out the sun? Is this possible or am I being ridiculous?
Thanks for asking. Polycarbonate isn’t always the best substrate for adhesive vinyl. Using the vinyl for a horizontal installation to block the sun could lead to fading, even peeling or blistering. Although it could be done and might work, I probably wouldn’t if it were my gazebo.
when applying vinyl graphics to coolers that have recently been filled with foam is there a wait time required before application is possible?
I ask this because we recently applied wraps to a substantial amount of coolers and came back after the weekend and they were completely riddled with bubbles. The coolers, however, were manufactured that morning. Just trying to troubleshoot the issue. Thank you for your time
I hope this post helped. Thank you and sorry.
I am wanting to put a name on a polystyrene bike helmet. What kind of vinyl should I use?
Hi, I use adhesive vinyl to put designs on shower curtain liners. When I use the clear liners it stick perfect. When I use the color shower liners some do not stick so good. Is there a fine adhesive spray i can use to go over top of the vinyl pieces to make them stick better.
Hey I want to add 3m wrap to my atv that is currently paint Matt black will the 3m stick to the Matt that’s on my atv or do I need to sand down to apply
I have a 2009 smart car which is made of plastic. The clear coat has peeled all off of the car, leaving a dull finished and in some areas the red paint has oxidized turning white in some places. Do you think vinyl will work on this type of situation. I am thinking of having the car wrapped, but not sure if the 3M vinyl will stay on the car. What are your thoughts? Thank you so much for your time.
Good question. The best bet would be to take it to a provider so they can determine if the vinyl would adhere. Thanks for asking.
Randy, I’d like to apply 3M auto wrap vinyl (white 2080 film) to the outside of my acrylic camper windows. I am concerned about removing the film in 5 years, at the end of the life of the film. I am concern about how permanent the bond will be on acrylic glass. Other than allowing the sun to warm the film on the windows I will be reluctant to use a heat gun on the window to aid removal. Thank in advance for your advice.
Here’s what 3M shares, “All 3M™ Wrap Film Series 2080 gloss films have a clear protective film … The application of film onto glass can cause glass break by uneven heating…” Although they’re talking about glass and not acrylic glass, I’d be wary. Have you looked at perforated window graphic material Jim?
If the paint has been properly applied and cured it should be fine. If you want to be certain, do a snap test. Apply a piece of the 3M adhesive vinyl on an out of sight spot, let it sit an hour and then pull it off. If no paint adheres to the vinyl you should be okay.
I’ve never used them, but 3M makes several spray on adhesives for vinyl. I checked a couple online and both said they worked on plastic.
Polystyrene can be wrapped, but outgassing varies from formula to formula and may cause separation of adhesive vinyl so you might have to reattach it with adhesive. Other than that, I don’t know. My guess it will stick and stay with a high quality adhesive vinyl material.
It’s the exterior that matters. If the exterior is plastic, this post might offer some advice. https://tkographix.com/can-adhesive-vinyl-be-applied-to-plastic/
I’m wanting to create a vinyl wrap for my polymer gun magazine what do you recommend for installation
Hi Henry, that’s a difficult question. We’d recommend doing a spot test using a quality film such as 3M. See if it losses adhesion, bubbles, or outgases after a few hours.