Gloss Vinyl
Gloss vinyl is a smooth, shiny material that reflects light evenly across its surface. When light hits a glossy sticker, it produces a bright, clean reflection, making colors look vivid and true to life. This material does not alter the tones of the colors; instead, it enhances them by adding depth and richness, giving the sticker a polished appearance. Gloss vinyl is ideal for designs where accurate color representation is essential, and it works well in low-light environments since it maximizes available light through its reflective surface.
Holographic Vinyl
Holographic vinyl, on the other hand, is embedded with microscopic layers that refract light, creating a rainbow-like effect that shifts colors depending on the angle of the light source and the viewer's perspective. This material catches light differently than gloss vinyl, scattering it in multiple directions and creating a dazzling spectrum of colors across the sticker's surface.
One interesting property of holographic vinyl is that it often displays lighter tones as darker than they actually are. This effect is a result of refraction—the bending of light as it passes through different layers within the holographic material. Each layer refracts the light at a slightly different angle, which alters the appearance of colors based on how they overlap and how much light is bent.
How Refraction Works
Refraction occurs when light travels through a substance and changes speed, bending in the process. For holographic vinyl, each microscopic layer of material is designed to bend light differently, splitting it into various colors and creating an illusion of depth and movement. The refraction can make lighter tones appear darker because the light waves are redirected, preventing a straightforward reflection that shows the true brightness of the color. Instead, you see a combination of scattered and refracted light, which can sometimes add unexpected shadows or darker tones to lighter areas.
Choosing the Right Vinyl
- Gloss Vinyl is perfect for simple, vibrant, and color-true designs, as it won’t alter the appearance of colors.
- Holographic Vinyl is ideal for designs that can incorporate shifting colors and tones, adding a unique, dynamic effect that changes with lighting and perspective.
Both finishes offer striking results, but holographic vinyl adds a level of complexity and interactivity that makes it especially eye-catching in various lighting conditions.