How to Measure and Cut Vinyl Rolls
Using a computer-based design and a vinyl cutter, you can create and cut custom vinyl graphics. Most vinyl cutters are easy to use and there are a million YouTube tutorials on how to get started!
When cutting your vinyl, always do a test cut. This will help you double check your settings before committing to your final cut.
Roll Length
Unlike many other types of flooring that come in tiles or planks, vinyl roll is laid in a sheet with no prefabricated seams. Because of this, it’s important to consider the size and layout of your space to ensure the amount you buy covers everything without any unnecessary wastage.
Luckily, there’s a handy online tool that makes calculating the length of part rolls easier than ever. The Innotech roll length calculator takes all the guesswork out of the equation, allowing you to simply input your material and roll measurements and instantly get a precise answer.
The tool is especially useful for those working with rolled materials, such as paper, foil, wrap, or even a roll of TP! Gene walks us through how to use the roll length calculator, and demonstrates how it can help you save time and money by avoiding unnecessary wastage.
It’s also worth noting that rolled materials tend to shrink slightly over time, so it is often best to let your vinyl rest for a few hours before measuring and cutting. This will give it the opportunity to relax and adjust to its new shape. This helps to prevent warping and distortion in the finished product. This is especially important when laying vinyl over existing laminate or other materials, such as carpeting.
Roll Width
Rolls of vinyl provide a more economical way to cover large areas than tiles or planks. They come in a wide variety of widths and lengths, from 12 feet to over 50 feet, and are often available with matching seams so that the resulting room looks like it is covered by a single sheet of vinyl rather than multiple pieces of individual rolls.
The width of a vinyl roll is important because it determines the number of individual rolls needed to cover pvc film manufacturers an area. For example, if a room is 20 feet long and you require 50 feet of vinyl, it will probably be necessary to have the home improvement store cut one or more rolls at the end of the roll down to the desired length. This will typically result in some amount of waste, but it can be minimized by carefully planning the layout of a room and choosing patterns that run parallel to each other.
A vinyl roll that is not completely used will often shrink slightly over a period of time. To minimize the impact of this shrinkage, it is recommended that a roll be unrolled and left to rest overnight prior to measuring, cutting and installing. Cutting Vinyl Rolls This will give the vinyl a chance to relax and reduce its thickness, which will result in fewer seams when it is installed.
Roll Thickness
The thickness of a vinyl roll is the measurement in mils, or thousandths of an inch. This is a standard form of measurement that is similar to the size of a sheet of common plastic food wrap. This value is typically used to reference the thickness of the wear layer, or second clear vinyl layer that protects and preserves the print layer from scratches, scuffs, and other damage. For example, a product may have an overall thickness of 3 mm but a wear layer thickness of 20 mils.
Thickness is also an important consideration when deciding on the appropriate vinyl for your home or business needs. Products with a thicker wear layer are better suited for high-traffic areas or for use with heavy furniture and equipment. These thicker products are often offered with warranties that reflect their superior durability and longevity.
In addition, the thickness of a vinyl roll is used to determine its maximum cutting thickness using a vinyl cutter. A cutter’s maximum cutting thickness is indicated on its box or manual, and it is important to understand this number before purchasing a new tool. This will help ensure that the correct blade is purchased and that the vinyl can be cut to the proper length for your space. If you’re unsure how to measure for the right thickness, consider asking your installer or manufacturer for guidance.
Roll Weight
The weight of a vinyl roll is important to consider when you’re cutting it. It can affect how long it will take to cut a piece of vinyl and how difficult it is to maneuver and position in the cutter. The weight of the vinyl can also affect how quickly it can be removed from the cutter and transferred to a project surface.
If you’re working with a large roll of vinyl, it can be helpful to cut it into smaller sections that are easier to handle. This can help you get the vinyl in place and minimize wasted material. Additionally, you’ll have more control over the length of vinyl you use for each project, allowing you to customize your designs and create unique flooring options.
For example, if you’re working with a 10 by 100 foot vinyl roll, you can heat seam together two 5 foot wide strips to make a single larger sheet that is still easy to transport and fit into your workspace. This technique allows you to cover a large area with one sheet of vinyl rather than multiple small sheets, saving you time and money.
To prepare the roll for cutting, flatten it as much as possible and make sure that any dust or lint is removed from the surface. You can then load the roll into your machine using the roll feeder. Adjust the roller bar according to the size of the roll you’re using.