How to determine the difference between Vinyl Graphics and Vinyl Decals

Cut vinyl lettering and graphics are made using a computerized knife blade plotter. The vinyl comes in large, typically single-color rolls that have a paper backing. The cutter, or plotter, cuts through the vinyl but not through the paper. The vinyl comes off the cutter looking like the first example picture below.
Once the cutting process is complete, the un-needed portions of the vinyl must be removed or "weeded". The weeding process is done by hand. In the second example below, the un-needed vinyl around the design has been weeded out to leave just the lettering and graphic that will be applied to your surface.
Using cut vinyl for your lettering or graphics you will get a design that looks like it has been painted on your wall because the vinyl is very thin and lets your wall or background surface show thru any "cut out" areas in the design.
An example of red cut vinyl graphic applied to a tan surface is the third picture below.

Printed vinyl decals are printed on white or clear adhesive vinyl or white or clear static cling material.
These decals are commonly cut in the shape of a square, rectangle, circle or oval.
Using printed vinyl you get a decal, that if printed on white vinyl, your background surface will not show thru. If you want a photo realistic decal then printed vinyl would be the only way to produce your decal.

Example of white printed vinyl applied to a tan surface.

If you have any questions about vinyl wall lettering contact us at our main website and we will be happy to help you!