Choosing the Right Vinyl Thickness. Difference Between 13oz and 7oz Vinyl Flex.

The difference between 13oz and 7oz vinyl flex comes down to thickness. Understanding vinyl thickness can help determine the flexibility and suitability for various applications.

Key Differences

13oz Vinyl Flex: This is the standard for outdoor banners and billboards. It offers greater durability, better resistance to wind and weather, making it ideal for long-term displays that require robust vinyl thickness.

• • Thicker and more rigid. Especially in colder temperatures.
  • Thicker vinyl is harder on the print especially on the folded areas. Keep this in mind for smaller prints that have to be seen up close.
  • Heavier for the installer.
  • Can withstand windy conditions better than 7oz, thanks to its thickness.
  • Stretches better in warmer conditions.

7oz Vinyl Flex: This is a lighter-weight material, often used for short-term campaigns (1 Year or less) or indoor applications where lighter vinyl thickness is preferred. Some installers prefer 7oz because the vinyl is not as rigid and lighter weight, making for a much easier install.

• • Less rigid and easier to get folds out.
  • Easier for an installer to install on a billboard.
  • Great for campaigns less than a year.
  • Great for indoor use and serves well for backdrops.
  • Stretches easier in all weather conditions due to its thinner vinyl thickness.

How to Choose

• For long-term outdoor use (Can be used with Hurricane Faces) → Choose 13oz vinyl for better durability with thicker vinyl.
• For campaigns 1 year or less (Do not use with Hurricane Faces) → Choose 7oz vinyl for cost-effectiveness as it has a thinner vinyl thickness.
• For windy areas → Consider Choose 13oz vinyl which can be more durable in wind-prone areas due to its vinyl thickness.

The strings that are in the pvc are called tinsele. Tensile strength in banners refers to the material’s ability to withstand pulling or stretching forces before it deforms or breaks. As you can see, the 7oz material contains more tinsele to compensate for less pvc in the vinyl, impacting vinyl thickness.

What are Hurricane Faces

Hurricane frames do not have panels on the billboard. Formetco offers Hurricane Frames that can help vinyls withstand strong winds. Read More. If your structure does not have panels and only a frame, you can install a base vinyl then wrap your new ad on top of it to get lasting results as well.

Billboards with Panels

Billboards with Panels can help the vinyl from getting torn due to high winds. With a nice and tight install the wind can not get in between the vinyl and the billboard to rip the vinyl. Many billboard companies utilize 7oz vinyl flex for billboards with panels, where vinyl thickness is less of a concern. 7oz vinyl can last a few years on structures with panels.

More questions regarding which type of vinyl you should use? Email us a picture of your billboard or your project information and we will help advise you. [email protected]