I want to print out my own signs to stick on the side of buildings.
I’ve looked at Staples website, but about all I can get is either CD labels or postage stuff.
Anybody have a lead on this stuff?
This is what I use: http://www.papilio.com/ Or, more specifically: http://www.papilio.com/inkjet%20waterproof%20adhesive%20film%20media.html
I buy it direct from them.
I use Krylon Clear as an over spray.
Thanks, Bruce.
How long do they last with the UV clear spray?
Bruce,
I’ve not used vinyl before. Do you like it better than the water slide decals ?
Ralph
Steve,
I’m not sure how long it lasts. It has faded on Golding’s Cafe, but not Goodson Hardware, both put out at the same time, December 2008; I suspect I didn’t use a dark enough color for Golding’s. I can’t really see any sign of fading on Salmons Produce from October 2008, but it’s been shaded. McCown Freight, which gets a bit more sun, was put out in November 2008 and no problems.
Ralph,
The vinyl is quite a bit thicker than a water slide decal; I think it’s also easier to work with than a large decal would be. The only color water slide decal has been on my Frothingslosh reefer and it’s been inside most of the time, so I really can’t compare for longevity. I’ve also used the cut vinyl from Del and haven’t noticed any deterioration in four years on Matheson Textiles. That was a huge sign and I would hate to think of doing that with a decal.
As far as the printable vinyl, I really like the fact that I can just go ahead and print it myself on my ink jet.
I still like the idea of water slide decals for rolling stock, but only because I don’t have a source of custom dry transfers. 
I also used the vinyl lettering on my Port Orford car and that looks good too.
I guess I’m pretty undecided. :o Though for large signs, the vinyl is probably easier.
I’ve used the Papilio also. You do want to spray it with a UV clear coat. I’ve used it for signs outside and lettering on locos/cars that is a symbol easy to cut out, like the UP shield. Print it, cut it out with a #11 blade, if it is going on a black loco I use a marker on the white edge, peel it off and stick it on. I used all of it on my Texaco station, after some I bought off ebay faded. Was out all winter even and still looks fine. I used in on my grain mill also, it was out last summer and did fine. Decals/vinyl is better in some applications though. My HP printer did not like it, my wife’s Canon does fine with it.
I’ve had the Papilio vinyl on some of my buildings for 4 (5?) years. I’m just now starting to see a little fading on the buildings that see a lot of direct sunlight, but our sun is a bit stronger out here than in other geographic locations. That’s inkjet with Krylon’s UV spray. By contrast, I did some signs with the vinyl and a Sharpie–no UV protection–and they faded in a summer.
Later,
K
I too use the printable vinyl, topped with Krylon UV-resistant clear coat. Very handy and seems to hold up well.
How quickly it fades is also dependent on the type of printer/ink. Some are more fade-resistant than others, especially older printers.
I’m gonna have to try the Krylon. The UV resistant spray that Papillio sells doesn’t seem to work very well. I’ve had stuff fade after being out for only a month and I usually give it a couple coats.
I really like the Krylon UV resistant clear. They have two varieties, gloss and matte. I’ve used both with good results on other projects.
I’ve started trying a product called 303 Aerospace Protectant. I first used it to protect my canoes and kayaks. I have one canoe that looks as good as the day I bought it, save for the places where I kissed the rocks. Last year, I just moistened a cloth with the stuff and rubbed it on, once in the spring, and then once in the fall before the snow flies.