PVC patches are gaining popularity really quick. Hence, we decided to make a post for our existing and potential customers and tell them everything they need to know about this popular patch style and make an informed decision.
What Are PVC Patches ?
PVC, also known as Polyvinyl Chloride, is a flexible and durable material used for multiple purposes in various industries. Its a rubber like material which is durable and tactile which makes it a great alternate to natural rubber and thus; it forms an array of products including patches. PVC is used because it is flexible, easy to clean, and maintains its shape for a long time and can withstand hot and cold temperatures. Today, individuals, businesses and institutions alike want to order custom PVC patches because they are vibrant, superior, long-lasting, modern and high quality replacements for the more well known embroidered patches.
Where Are PVC Patches Used ?
It’s not uncommon to see people flaunting a unique patch on their clothes or accessories and because PVC is increasingly getting popular, chances are, the ones you do come across are made from the material. Scouts, police departments, fire departments, EMS, military and similar groups are now using PVC patches due to their durability and vibrancy, they are a very good option to be used as morale or tactical patches. But why are they so popular among these groups? Because PVC patches are long lasting. PVC patches are also popular with businesses and retailers because PVC patches can be made exactly without disrupting your brand guidelines.
In simpler terms, they’re also cool. They serve as an extension of your identity without you having to communicate it verbally. Moreover, custom PVC patches can deliver a message of differentiation.
Most importantly, they hold the power to unite. For instance, when a group of like-minded individuals, incorporated as one organization come together, PVC patches help maintain a sense of solidarity among the lot. If you’re part of something bigger than yourself, you can let others know without shouting it from the rooftops, and that’s why these patches are so special.
Luckily, there are endless options for customization and you can let your imagination take the wheel when creating a design. Also, you don’t have to worry about your insignia fading easily, PVC is free from that problem. That’s why underwater project teams only opt for this kind and not the other. If you’re looking to get one for yourself and/or your mates, here’s everything you need to know.
How To Make A PVC Patch?
When it comes to customizing and creating a unique PVC patch, there are very few limitations; you can get one in any size, shape, or color. All you need to do is have a vision, and then come up with an idea on paper. That said, you need to be clear on certain elements before you proceed. Those elements are as follows:
Choose a Dimension
There are two dimensions available to enhance the look of your PVC patches; 2D and 3D. If you truly want your patch to come to life, you can go with a 3D dimension. Due to the sculpted look, your logo will be accented and look more lively. If you design is more text based and you have budget constraints you can choose 2D, which is flat and without a sculpted look.
Create a Shape
Most patches are round, but that shouldn’t stop you from thinking outside the box. You can get one made in any shape you like, even unconventional types that encapsulate the essence of your brand’s identity.
Determine the Size
Once again, this is up to you. The maximum size can be about 15 inches, whereas you can get a patch as small as half an inch. These measurements are usually for square-shaped variants, and round patches are typically around 3 inches in radius. Needless to say, nothing’s set in stone. Depending on what the patch is made for, you can easily adjust the size.
Select Colors
Unlimited, yes. Today, there are endless options on the spectrum, not only can you pick from the standard PMS (coated) codes but you can also choose metallic hues and glow in the dark effect as well.
Choose An Attachment Method
According to what you have specified, the backing is then applied to the patches. In essence, anything can be attached to complete their functionality. Naturally, not everyone will order patches for the same purpose. Sometimes, people just want them for a one-time thing such as an event. In such cases, the adhesive variety is more suitable as it will stick well enough to individuals’ clothes the first time around and can be disposed of afterward. For a more long term solution, you should order custom PVC patches with a Velcro backing. They can be attached and removed whenever you want and will last you for quite some time.
For uniforms, hats and apparel, most people go with velcro or sew-on. On the other hand button loops, and magnetic attachments are also available.
Reach Out To Us
With our personalized PVC patches, you get the best value for your money as we take care of all the intricate details that matter to you. Moreover, we can add special features to your patch to give it that extra boost. Look no further, because we can design and make it for you!
Not all patches are made equal, and we recognize that. After you’re done designing the patch or have a concept in mind, all you need to do is send us your requirements, size, shape, quantity, and other preferences – and request a price quote via email, phone, or live chat, if you have everything chalked out you can view our pricing for PVC patches here.
Give Us The Approval
When you’re sure of how you want the patch to be, we will start designing a digital mock-up and send it to you within 24 hours. This will allow you to get a better idea of how the final product will look like (What You See Is What You Get), and in case you want any adjustments, you can always request revisions. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, which is why we offer as many revisions as it takes to get the perfect result. Once the latter is achieved, you just have to place your order. Once the order is placed we get to work.
Metal Mold Engraving
All PVC patches require a metal mold to be engraved. Therefore, a CNC router is used to engrave personalized mold. Needless to say, every patch design has a specific mold, only then can PVC versions take shape according to the customer’s liking. The vector files are loaded onto the CNC router software and the the router starts engraving the mold according to the vector. To ensure there are no cracks, marks or unevenness on the patches, the metal molds are smoothed out to finish the metal.
Pouring Liquid PVC
This step is where the patch actually takes the shape of the mold. To do that, liquid PVC is poured into the stencil, either manually by hand or by using a PVC dispensing machine; depending on the order quantity and complexity of the design. In theory, this sounds simple, but the procedure is multi-tiered. To bring out separate colors and consider dimensions, the colored PVC is poured and baked in layers one after the other. Once the whole structure dries out, the patch is finally removed from the mold, trimmed and finished on the edges.
Review Your Sample
Before bulk production takes place, you will approve a sample of the PVC patch, at this stage you can check if the colors and shape are the same just like the digital mock-up. You can place orders of twenty five patches or over, and since we ensure there is no variation within the final quantity, we don’t go ahead unless you’re absolutely content with your vision coming to life. Time is another thing we’re very particular about; once you approve, your PVC patches will be produced promptly and we’ll meet you deadline or deliver early.
Mass Production
After you approve the sample we proceed with the mass production. It takes around 12-18 days for the bulk order to be processed, depending on the quantity ordered.
Shipping
We ship the patches to your location and you can receive them in just a few working days. To top it off, we don’t charge a shipping fee, which means you only pay for what you asked for.
PVC Patches are Worth Every Cent
A decade ago, embroidered varieties were all anyone could imagine getting. But those are riddled with many problems – they fade, become scruffy, and tear over time. Nobody wants that! Moreover, they don’t stand out as much as PVC patches do; the whole idea of incorporating 3D within the patch design is heavily reliant upon the material and the threads just don’t cut it anymore.
PVC patches are not susceptible to these problems, they are water-resistant, wipe-able, washable multiple times, and they don’t shrink. If your custom PVC patch commemorates something important, you can easily store it as a memory after it serves its purpose without worrying about it disintegrating. To justify the quality, the initial cost is higher than because of the mold engraving, but re-orders or ordering in large quantities is always price effective. However, for the benefits, the prices are a bargain.
Why UltraPatches
Through two-way communication and consistent feedback, UltraPatches strives to deliver on its commitment. From design to production, we leverage the power of collaboration to elevate our customer service. We also offer initial design consultancy to all our customers, regardless of the size of their order. Our customer-centrist approach translates into a complete package where you do not have to pay anything until you approve your custom PVC patch digital mock-up. If you’re interested in turning a creative design into PVC patches, reach out to us, and we will gladly assist you throughout the process. We pay attention to detail, which is why our patches are articulate enough to win the toughest of customers over!
