PVC patches are all the talk these days. PVC is the abbreviation for Polyvinyl Chloride. PVC is a flexible and durable material used to make patches and many other things. Because it is more durable, people prefer it over embroidered patches. To top it off, these patches have a range of benefits that make them stand out. Naturally, individuals willing to invest in these varieties make the right choice by ditching other alternates.
Why PVC Patches Are Special
PVC patches are molded out of soft plastic and can be customized according to personal preference. What makes these great is that not only do they have all the benefits of embroidered counterparts, but more. As someone interested in getting their own, you can look forward to maximum benefits and very few design limitations. In addition when you order your custom PVC patches from UltraPatches we always show you a PVC patch mockup before you place an order with us, so you are sure what you see is what you get.
Limitations of PVC Patch Designs
While designing a PVC patch is incredibly simple, there can be some design limitations. However, the biggest constraint is imposed by an individual’s mind. Your patch will be as good as your creativity unless of course, the person designing it fails to get it right.
Color Gradient and Shades
When it comes to choosing different colors, the process can get a little tricky. Technically, you can’t have multiple gradients in your PVC patch. However, for color changes to be on the same level, the separation will be marked with visible recessed lines. Naturally, if you’re not too big a fan of the latter, the levels will need to be different.
Sew Line
One of the features that differentiates PVC patches from other types of patches, no matter how basic your patch, it will have a sew line to protect the border from fraying and to attach it conveniently to all clothing and accessories. Let us know if you don’t need a sew line around the patch and we will accommodate your request. At the same time if you are looking to make PVC magnets we assume that the customers don’t need a sew line.
No iron-on backing
Unfortunately, one of the limitations is that PVC patches are not compatible with iron backings, because using high temperature on the patches can make the patches fray or melt and it is very difficult for the the heat to pass through a PVC patch.
Border Thickness
To keep shape, PVC patches are made with a border no thicker than 1mm. This is because doing otherwise prevents them from attaching well to caps, shirts, bags and other articles. With a border too thick, the patch won’t fray but it will look as if it is loosely sewn on.
Design Element Thickness
For the mold drill to yield good results, it shouldn’t be thinner than 0.3 mm. The mold drill of the CNC router which is used to engrave the design elements on the mold cannot be less than 0.3 mm, or the PVC material will start to peel off altogether.
Things You Need To Know
To create the best PVC design, you need to make sure you’re clear on what you want. Begin with sketching a sample on paper – or digitally. If you are a bit hazy on what you want the details to be like, visit our gallery, there are hundreds of sample designs out there. While you’re brainstorming, make sure to account for the limitations. You should create your PVC patches with the right design thickness as well as the right border measurements. Moreover, choose colors carefully and distribute colors across various levels if you don’t want too many recessed lines – keep in mind, gradients are not possible at all. All this will enable you to get a realistic idea of how your sample will look after the process is complete.
Pro Tips
Don’t be thrown off by the limitations, they are very less and your PVC patch can still be the epitome of your vision. To dial it up a notch, make sure you do a few things. Always use Adobe Illustrator when designing a PVC patch, because when it scales down to your desired size, it looks clear and vivid. Also, for best results, maintain a balance between text and visuals such that neither becomes unreadable or unrecognizable.
The Verdict
In retrospect, limitations to designing PVC patches aren’t enough to rule out their benefits. Also, you can either choose to stay basic or go all out – the sky’s the limit. Anything can be accomplished during the curation process! Your imagination is key in determining the final product – which is more of an art than anything else. If you’re a beginner and want your PVC patch to be perfect, collaborate with an expert PVC patch maker like UltraPatches to customize your PVC patches and be sure that the best will be delivered.
Call us now at 541-248-8831 or reach out to us on email at info@ultrapatches.com with your artwork and get an instant price quote with a quick turnaround time on PVC patches.
