Which Vinyl for What Purpose?

What is Plotter Film | Sign Vinyl?

Plotter film is a collective term for films mounted on a carrier material (also called backing or liner). This carrier material allows the film to be precisely cut with a cutting plotter without cutting through the backing.

Plotter films are widely used both in signage technology and in the DIY sector – for example, in window displays, vehicle lettering, wall decals, or stickers.

In everyday language, “plotter film” often refers to a self-adhesive vinyl film (usually made of PVC), used for producing lettering, advertising messages, and graphic designs.

Other types of plotter films include flex and flock films, which are specifically used for textile finishing – for example, when decorating T-shirts or bags.

What is Flex Film?

Flex film is a heat-transferable film used for textile decoration, usually made from PU (polyurethane) or PVC. It is coated with a heat-activated adhesive that bonds permanently to the fabric during pressing.

Unlike plotter films, flex film is mounted with the adhesive side facing outwards on a carrier. Therefore, designs and lettering must be cut mirrored. An exception is printable flex films – where the adhesive side is on the carrier, allowing the front side of the film to be printed and then processed normally (not mirrored).

Flex films are ideal for T-shirts, sportswear, bags, and other textile surfaces. They are stretchable, durable, and available in many colours and special effects. The cutting is done with a cutting plotter, and the transfer is done using a heat press under heat and pressure.

Which Flex Film is the Best?

Which flex film is the “best” greatly depends on what you specifically need – that is, the intended use, the material, and your requirements regarding durability, stretchability, or appearance. Based on our experience, the following flex films are the best, highest quality brands and types that have proven themselves in every day professional usage:

SUPERIOR 6000 HTV Flex Film – Thin, flexible and PVC-free
The SUPERIOR 6000 HTV is a high-quality, PVC-free flex film distinguished by its exceptional flexibility and thin material thickness. Compared to conventional flex films, it is somewhat thinner and noticeably more supple – ideal for precise detailed work and delicate lettering.
Thanks to its excellent cutting and weeding properties, the film is perfectly suited for use with standard cutting plotters. The carefully chosen colour range includes soft pastels and modern shades – ideal for stylish and creative textile finishing

POLI-FLEX TURBO Flex Film – fast, versatile and vibrant
The POLI-FLEX TURBO is a flex film for textile finishing and has a short pressing time: transferable at just 130 °C in only 5 seconds – ideal for very heat-sensitive textiles.
Compared to the SUPERIOR 6000 HTV flex film, the POLI-FLEX TURBO is slightly thicker.
However, for very delicate designs – especially in neon colours – the greater material thickness may cause slight limitations in detail accuracy. More care is needed when weeding here.

Siser P.S. Film EasyWeed Flex Film - A flex film that has been on the market for many years and has proven itself repeatedly in practice.
However, the recommended pressing time of 15 seconds is significantly longer than that of the SUPERIOR 6000 HTV (only 8 seconds) and the POLI-FLEX TURBO (5 seconds at 130 °C).
Nevertheless, the Siser EasyWeed convinces with its reliability, quite good processability, and a good colour selection – a classic among flex films.

What is flock film?

Flock film is a velvet-like textile transfer film where short fibres, usually made of viscose, are embedded into a carrier layer. The flock film is coated with a heat-activated adhesive and mounted onto a backing. Most flock films are mounted with the adhesive side facing outwards on a polyester backing, allowing them to be cut with a cutting plotter.
For die-cutting processes, flock films can also be produced with the adhesive side facing down on a stronger paper backing.

Which film is suitable for windows?

The choice of window film depends on the purpose you want it to serve. Below is an overview of the most common types of window films:
Decorative and frosted films for privacy on windows
To stop prying eyes, decorative glass film or frosted film is applied to windows. Both films allow light to pass through while blocking clear visibility. Typical uses include privacy protection in public spaces such as hospitals, offices, or administrative buildings. These films serve both as decorative privacy screens and visual markers on glass doors in public areas.
Films for window lettering
For window lettering, a matte film such as the SUPERIOR 4100 Matt is usually preferred because glossy films can reflect light, which may reduce the readability of the message. It is advantageous if the matte film uses a semi-permanent adhesive, making it easier to remove later without leaving residue.
Sun protection films for windows
The Nexfil HP Silver 20 EXT is a high-quality, self-adhesive sun protection film designed for exterior application. It provides reliable protection against heat, UV radiation, and glare. Its silver mirror finish not only gives a modern look but also reduces indoor heat build-up – ideal for windows in office buildings, industrial buildings, or private homes.
Important: Installation must be on the outside of the window. Applying sun protection film to the inside of double- or triple-glazed windows can cause the space between the panes to overheat, which in the worst case may lead to glass cracking.

Which Plotter Film Can I Use for Signs?

• SUPERIOR 4000 Gloss Vinyl
  Monomer film with up to 4 years durability – ideal for medium-term outdoor use.
• SUPERIOR 8000 Gloss Vinyl
  High-quality polymer film with up to 8 years durability – perfect for permanent outdoor signage.

What is Transfer Tape?

Transfer tape, also known as application tape or transfer film, is a transparent, self-adhesive film used to transfer cut and weeded designs, lettering, or motifs from their backing paper onto the desired surface. It allows for precise positioning - especially with delicate and complex designs - without any shifting.

For perfect results, the right transfer tape makes all the difference.

SUPERIOR transfer tapes offer the ideal solution for quickly, cleanly, and accurately applying cut designs, lettering, and motifs. Whether on glass, wood, walls, or other smooth surfaces, the right tape makes the application quick and easy.

The SUPERIOR ATG transfer tape is particularly popular thanks to its handy grid lines, which ensure exact alignment and precise positioning.

For even greater convenience, the SUPERIOR MTG transfer tape comes mounted on a backing paper. It is especially suitable for securely transporting lettering or intricate designs and can be reused multiple times with careful handling - ideal for efficient work and reduced material waste.

Which Film is Suitable for Jerseys and Polyester?

For printing on sports strips, polyester textiles, and heat-sensitive materials, a flex film with a blockout layer and low press temperature is used.
The blockout layer prevents pigments from the polyester fabric migrating into the flex film and causing discoloration.
Blockout or subli-stop flex films, such as the SUPERIOR Trikot Flex, are used for sports strips,  jerseys, softshell, and other textiles prone to re-sublimation (discoloration).

What is the difference between flex film and flock film?

Flex films are thin textile transfer films, usually made of polyurethane, with a slightly rubbery appearance.
Flock films are thicker and have a velvety surface.
Flex films are more durable and stretchier than flock films, which gain their tear resistance from their attachment to the textile.
Flex films are suitable for smaller lettering, whereas flock films are not.

Which Textiles Are Suitable for Garmet Lettering?

The best textiles for garment lettering are smooth, finely woven fabrics. The finer the weave, the more detailed the flex designs can be. Fine details cover only a small area and do not adhere well to coarse fabrics.
Textile transfer films such as flex films and flock films adhere better to slightly absorbent, open fabrics. This includes cotton and cotton-blend textiles.

What types of vinyl films are there?

• Flex Film – thin, rubber-like films used for decorating textiles.
• Flock Film – similar to flex films but with a velvety surface.
• Plotter Films / Adhesive Vinyl / Sign Vinyl – self-adhesive vinyl films for creating signage and self-adhesive designs, also popular in DIY and hobby crafts.
• Frosted glass film – a matt adhesive film, textured or patterned, translucent but privacy-providing; used as decorative privacy film.
• Milk Glass Privcay Film – similar to frosted glass film but without effects and with a milky appearance.
• Stencil Film | Masking Film – an adhesive film from which painting stencils can be cut. Stencil films are resistant to paints and lacquers.
• Reflective film – film with a light-reflective surface, ideal for visibility in the dark. Available as flex vinyl and lettering vinyl.
• Metallic film – metallised self-adhesive films, mostly made of polyester. Typically high gloss in gold or silver, and may also feature holographic finishes.