Vinyl is a synthetic resin or plastic that was created in laboratories to be durable, strong, flexible, weather-resistant, and long-lasting. Traditionally, people think of vinyl as the product used to create music records. The quality and production of vinyl have improved tremendously over the years, so the applications for vinyl have also grown. Record vinyl was very stiff and could be broken relatively easily. Today, vinyl is used in a wide range of products that people use in their everyday lives.
Here are a few examples of what vinyl is used for.
Siding
The traditional siding was made from wood and then metal. Vinyl siding was first known as a replacement siding because people used it to replace their wood or metal siding. Unlike wood or metal, vinyl siding was low-cost and required no ongoing maintenance. It was produced in color, so homeowners didn’t need to paint the siding. Siding replacement became increasingly popular during the 1970s and 1980s, even though it was invented during the 1950s. Vinyl siding can be bought in a wide range of colors and textures to customize the look of your house.
Car Wraps
Covering cars with vinyl wrapping is a means of changing the color or designs on a vehicle without the expensive and meticulousness needed to repaint a car. The wrapping is highly durable, can withstand the weather, and looks fantastic. Companies use it to put logos right on their vehicles. Enthusiasts use it to put custom designs on their cars. Since its inception, there have been nearly endless options for car wraps. Wrappings are also replaceable, so you can have your vehicle rewrapped if you decide you want something different.
Signage
Vinyl is being used to create outdoor signage for companies and organizations. Logos and letters can be created like large stickers made from vinyl and installed onto nearly any surface, making them incredibly versatile and low-cost. They can be used on windows, sides of buildings, existing signboards, and vehicles. They are easily customizable in terms of size and shape, as well as design. They are significantly lower cost than traditional wood or metal signs, and they can be easily changed or remade if needed. On a smaller scale, vinyl sheeting used with craft machines is being used to put words and logos on everything from T-shirts to coffee mugs. The production has been simplified to the point that anyone can do it with the right equipment. This has dramatically expanded marketing options for small businesses that don’t have large marketing budgets.
Flooring
The options for vinyl flooring have exploded over recent years. It was used to make tiles commonly used in schools and commercial buildings. They weren’t particularly attractive, and they were used primarily because they were low-cost, durable, and easy to clean. However, companies realized the benefits of vinyl tiles could be enjoyed in homes if the product was more attractive. Homeowners can now choose from a wide range of vinyl flooring options that look like wood boards, ceramic tiles, or have intricate designs. The possibilities in flooring are as diverse as the people shopping, and nearly any vinyl floor design can be custom created, so there is no limit to what you can do with it.
Vinyl is a completely synthetic product that has dramatically changed many industries. It has significantly expanded the creative ability of individuals to customize the look of their businesses, homes, vehicles, and more. The product’s versatility is still being explored as new options are being introduced to the market. These products have saved people a lot of money and allowed people who couldn’t otherwise afford home renovations to make beautiful upgrades to their homes.
