No, you should not use a calendered overlaminate with a cast base film. Cast vinyl films are engineered to be highly conformable, durable, and long-lasting, while calendered films are less flexible and have a shorter lifespan. When you pair a calendered overlaminate with a cast base film, the mismatch in performance can cause problems such as shrinking, edge lifting, cracking, or reduced durability of the finished graphic.
For the best results, always match your overlaminate to the type of base film you are using. A cast overlaminate can be used on either cast or calendered vinyl, but a calendered overlaminate should only be applied to calendered vinyl.
| Overlaminate Type | Recommended Base Film |
| Cast Overlaminate | Cast Base Film Calendered Base Film (also acceptable) |
| Calendered Overlaminate | Calendered Base Film |
Following these guidelines ensures your graphics last longer, maintain their appearance, and perform as expected for vehicle wraps, fleet graphics, and other vinyl applications.
Return to FAQs and Myths
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