Storing and working with cast vinyl film means risking damaging it before it can be applied or worked with. Few things are more frustrating than ruining stock before you have the chance to use it or sell it. While cast vinyl rolls are highly durable and used to enhance graphics, among other types of applications, their longevity and quality are at risk when not stored or handled properly.

Why the Correct Handling of Vinyl Rolls Matters

Cast vinyl rolls require careful handling to preserve their structural integrity and the advantages that make them such a premium material. Sticking to good handling practices is crucial to safeguard their aesthetic appeal, and functional integrity, and not wasting money with a damaged stock of rolls:

• Protecting Aesthetic Appeal: Cast vinyl rolls are often used to enhance a product's overall appearance and its impact. Proper handling prevents scratches, dents, or contaminants, ensuring the visual appeal remains undamaged. 

• Maintaining Functional Integrity: Beyond the visual enhancements they deliver, these rolls offer functional benefits like UV protection and scratch resistance. Mishandling can compromise these qualities and make the rolls less effective in their primary applications. 

• Extra Costs & Replacement: Damaged rolls may lead to increased replacement costs and production delays, impacting businesses with wasted inventory. 

• Consistent Results: Consistency is vital for businesses. Proper handling ensures each product receives the same level of protection and appearance, encouraging customer satisfaction and maintaining a consistent brand image.

How to Properly Store Rolls of Cast Vinyl

Proper storage is as necessary as correct handling for maintaining the quality and longevity of cast vinyl rolls. Adopting and following appropriate storage techniques can protect the material from potential damage and ensure consistent results:

• Environment Matters: Cast vinyl rolls are sensitive to their surroundings. Choose a cool, dry, and dark storage place to prevent heat-related issues and color fading. 

• Use Suitable Storage Equipment: Not all storage units are appropriate for cast vinyl rolls. Use shelves or cabinets designed for film storage, which have smooth surfaces to prevent scratching and enough spacing to avoid squeezing the rolls together. 

• Overhandling: Limit how often rolls are moved. Each time the rolls are handled risks damaging them needlessly. When moving them is necessary, handle them with care and attention to avoid potential issues.

• Keep Films in Original Packaging: Manufacturers design packaging to protect the rolls from UV light, moisture, and other damaging factors. Keeping rolls in their original packaging enhances protection. 

• Rotate Stock: For businesses with large inventories, rotate stock to use older rolls before newer ones, preventing degradation over time. 

• Regular Checks: Even in storage, rolls can be at risk. Regularly inspect storage areas for signs of pests, moisture, or other threats to catch issues early on. 

• Be Aware of the Edges: Rolls are easily damaged by the edges of shelves or other items in the space. Also, be sure to use gloves when possible to avoid direct contact with the surface, preventing smudges or fingerprints.

Handle with Care

The proper handling and storage of cast vinyl rolls is essential and by sticking to these guidelines, you can ensure the longevity and performance of cast vinyl, contributing to successful projects. Whether used for floor graphics, outdoor signage, or printed media, the value of cast vinyl cannot be understated and their effectiveness is directly tied to their quality. By adopting correct handling and storing film practices, you can rely on them being ready to deliver when needed.