When it comes to stickers, labels, and decals, understanding the thickness of the material they are made of can be crucial. Material manufacturers often use a measurement called "mil" to quantify this thickness. In this article, we'll discuss what a mil is, how it compares to other measurements, and why it matters when choosing sticker materials.
What is a Mil?
A "mil" is a unit of measurement that equals one-thousandth of an inch, denoted as 1/1000″ or .001″. The term "mil" has its roots in the Latin word "mille."
It's a commonly used measurement in manufacturing environments to gauge the thickness of various materials, including plastic films used in stickers.
Mil vs. Millimeter
It's important not to confuse "mil" with "millimeter." While they sound similar, a mil is much thinner than a millimeter. To put it in perspective, 1 millimeter is equivalent to 39.3 mils.
Mil Thicknesses for Common Sticker Materials
Here's a quick reference guide to mil thicknesses for some common sticker materials:
| Sticker Material | Mil Thickness |
|---|---|
| Vinyl-calendared (Standard outdoor material) | 4 mil (.004″) |
| Vinyl-cast (truck graphics and car wraps) | 2 mil (.002″) |
| Polyester | 2 mil (.002″) |
| Static Cling | 8 mil (.008″) |
| Heavy Duty Stickers | 12 mil (.012″) |
| BOPP label material | 2 mil (.002″) |
| Paper label material | 3 mil (.003″) |
| Laminates | 1 mil to 14 mil |
Mil Thickness of Other Common Items
To gain a better understanding, let's compare the mil thickness of stickers to some everyday items:
- Printer paper: 4 mil (.004″)
- Business card: 14 mil (.014″)
- Credit card: 32 mil (.032″)
Does the Thickness of the Sticker Material Make a Difference?
Surprisingly, the thickness of sticker material doesn't play as significant a role in sticker quality as one might think. For example, polyester, one of the most durable sticker materials, is also one of the thinnest at just 2 mils thick. It's often used in high-temperature environments and can withstand outdoor conditions for many years.
In contrast, standard vinyl sticker material measures 4 mils, while premium cast vinyl is 2 mils thick. Therefore, it's essential to consider the intended use of the sticker material before assuming that thicker is always better.
That said, sometimes thicker materials are easier to peel and work with, so it depends on what you are looking for. Additionally, adding laminate to stickers will improve the durability, and at the same time it will typically double the thickness. For example you might have a 3.5mil vinyl sticker with a 3.5mil laminate. In this case, the thickness would be an indicator of it's quality.
Considerations for Sticker Material Thickness
When choosing sticker material, consider factors such as durability, environmental conditions, and specific application needs. The mil thickness is just one aspect to take into account. For instance, if your stickers will be exposed to harsh weather, a thicker material might be preferable, whereas indoor applications may benefit from thinner options.
