FAQ
100 μm vs 120 μm vs 180 μm Blockout Printable Vinyl: Which Thickness Should You Choose?
100 μm vs 120 μm vs 180 μm Blockout Printable Vinyl: Which Thickness Should You Choose?
Choosing between 100 μm, 120 μm and 180 μm blockout printable vinyl is not simply a matter of selecting the thickest material. The right choice depends on the required media construction, opacity, surface finish, roll width, printing system and finished graphic application.
This buyer's guide compares the published specifications of Jiu Mao's Glossy and Matte Blockout Printable Vinyl ranges to help distributors, printing-material buyers and large-format print service providers understand the differences before selecting a product.
Quick Answer: Which Blockout Vinyl Thickness Should You Choose?
- 100 μm: A standard thickness option for Glossy or Matte Blockout Printable Vinyl.
- 120 μm: A thicker construction. Published specifications for Jiu Mao's 120 μm Blockout Vinyl identify stronger opacity and better weather resistance compared with the corresponding 100 μm version.
- 180 μm: The thickest option in Jiu Mao's current Matte Blockout range, positioned for strong background blocking and non-see-through applications.
What Is Blockout Printable Vinyl?
Blockout printable vinyl is an opaque self-adhesive PVC printing media designed to reduce the visibility of an existing background, previous graphic or contrasting mounting surface behind a newly installed print.
It is commonly used for signboards, window graphics, exhibition displays, advertising graphics and other applications where background show-through could affect the appearance of the printed image.
For a more complete introduction to the material itself, read: What Is Block Out Vinyl? Definition, Types, Applications & Benefits.
For a broader overview of printable media selection, see: How to Choose Printable Vinyl for Large Format Printing.
100 μm vs 120 μm vs 180 μm: Key Differences
The three thicknesses should not be interpreted simply as "basic, better and best." Each specification has a different material construction and product positioning.
| Feature | 100 μm | 120 μm | 180 μm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.10 mm | 0.12 mm | 0.18 mm |
| Current Jiu Mao Positioning | Standard thickness option | Thicker construction | Thickest Matte Blockout option |
| Published Opacity Positioning | Blockout / high-opacity construction | Stronger opacity than corresponding 100 μm version | Strong blockout / non-see-through application focus |
| Published Weather-Resistance Difference | Weather-resistant media according to product specification | Better weather resistance than corresponding 100 μm version | No direct comparative weathering value published; selected primarily for thickness and strong blockout requirements |
| Available Surface Finish | Glossy / Matte | Glossy / Matte | Matte in the current Jiu Mao range |
| Typical Selection Reason | Standard blockout printable media requirement | Thicker construction, stronger opacity or improved published weather resistance | Strong background concealment and non-see-through applications |
When Should You Choose 100 μm Blockout Printable Vinyl?
The 100 μm version is the standard thickness option in Jiu Mao's current Glossy and Matte Blockout Printable Vinyl ranges.
It is a practical starting point when the project requires blockout performance but does not specifically call for a thicker 120 μm or 180 μm construction.
Jiu Mao currently provides 100 μm Blockout Printable Vinyl in both Glossy and Matte finishes and in multiple roll widths.
Glossy Blockout Printable Vinyl, 100 μm
Matte Blockout Printable Vinyl, 100 μm
When Should You Choose 120 μm Blockout Printable Vinyl?
The 120 μm version provides a thicker PVC construction than the corresponding 100 μm product.
According to Jiu Mao's published product specifications, the 0.12 mm Blockout Vinyl versions are described as thicker and more durable, with stronger opacity and better weather resistance than the corresponding 0.10 mm versions.
This makes 120 μm a relevant option for buyers whose project specifications place greater emphasis on media thickness, background blocking or outdoor-use requirements.
Glossy Blockout Printable Vinyl, 120 μm
Matte Blockout Printable Vinyl, 120 μm
When Should You Choose 180 μm Matte Blockout Printable Vinyl?
The 180 μm version is the thickest construction in Jiu Mao's current Matte Blockout Printable Vinyl range.
Published product specifications position the 0.18 mm version for strong blockout and non-see-through applications where the underlying surface, previous graphic or contrasting background needs to be concealed.
Unlike the 100 μm and 120 μm products, the current 180 μm range is offered as Matte Blockout Printable Vinyl.
Important: A thicker vinyl should not automatically be interpreted as the best option for every project. Material thickness, printer capability, finished graphic dimensions, installation surface and application environment should all be considered before selection.
Glossy vs Matte Blockout Vinyl: Does Finish Affect Thickness Selection?
Yes. Thickness and surface finish are separate purchasing decisions.
Glossy Blockout Printable Vinyl provides a brighter and more reflective visual surface, while Matte Blockout Printable Vinyl provides a softer, lower-reflection appearance.
Jiu Mao's current Glossy Blockout Printable Vinyl range includes 100 μm and 120 μm products: View Glossy Blockout Printable Vinyl.
The current Matte Blockout Printable Vinyl range includes 100 μm, 120 μm and 180 μm products: View Matte Blockout Printable Vinyl.
Available Roll Widths: 940 mm, 1295 mm & 1550 mm
Thickness is only one part of product selection. Roll width should also be matched to printer capacity, finished graphic dimensions and required trimming allowance.
| Roll Width | 100 μm Matte | 120 μm Matte | 180 μm Matte |
|---|---|---|---|
| 940 mm | Available | Available | Available |
| 1295 mm | Available | Available | Available |
| 1550 mm | Available | Available | Available |
For the complete product family, visit: Printable Self-Adhesive Vinyl.
What If Easier Installation Is More Important Than Thickness?
If the main requirement is not simply thickness but easier installation on larger self-adhesive graphics, consider a product with a Bubble-Free / Air-Release liner structure.
Jiu Mao's Bubble-Free Blockout Matte Printable Vinyl uses a specially engineered release liner designed to help trapped air escape during application.
Explore: Bubble-Free Blockout Vinyl
You can also read: Bubble Free Vinyl vs Air Release Vinyl: What's the Difference?
Printable Vinyl Thickness Selection Checklist
Before ordering Blockout Printable Vinyl, consider the following:
- Do you require a Glossy or Matte surface?
- Is 100 μm standard construction sufficient for the project?
- Does the project require the thicker 120 μm construction?
- Is stronger published opacity or better weather resistance required?
- Does the underlying background need to be strongly concealed?
- Is a non-see-through Matte Blockout product required?
- Do you need 940 mm, 1295 mm or 1550 mm roll width?
- Is the printer compatible with solvent, eco-solvent or UV printing?
- Does the installation require a standard liner or a Bubble-Free / Air-Release solution?
- Has the actual mounting surface been tested before production?
Why Source Blockout Printable Vinyl from Jiu Mao?
Jiu Mao Industrial is a Taiwan-based manufacturer of cold lamination film, printable vinyl and large-format printing media. Established in 1998, Jiu Mao works with B2B distributors, importers, printing-material suppliers and professional print-industry customers.
The current Blockout Printable Vinyl portfolio includes Glossy, Matte and Bubble-Free options with multiple roll widths and thickness specifications for solvent, eco-solvent and UV printing workflows.
OEM / ODM and private-label requirements can be discussed according to product specifications, roll width, thickness, packaging, labeling, purchasing quantity and technical feasibility.
For buyers evaluating several printable media types, visit: Printable Vinyl & Large-Format Media.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between 100 μm and 120 μm Blockout Printable Vinyl?
The 120 μm version has a thicker PVC construction. According to Jiu Mao's published product specifications, corresponding 120 μm Blockout Vinyl products are also positioned with stronger opacity and better weather resistance than the 100 μm versions.
Is 180 μm Printable Vinyl always better than 100 μm or 120 μm?
No. A thicker product is not automatically the best choice for every application. The 180 μm Matte Blockout version is particularly relevant when strong opacity and background concealment are important. Selection should still consider the printer, mounting surface, roll width and finished graphic requirements.
Is 180 μm Blockout Printable Vinyl available in Glossy?
In Jiu Mao's current published product range, the 180 μm Blockout Printable Vinyl products are Matte. Glossy Blockout Printable Vinyl is currently offered in 100 μm and 120 μm thicknesses.
Which Blockout Vinyl is suitable for strong background concealment?
Jiu Mao's 180 μm Matte Blockout Printable Vinyl is positioned for strong blockout and non-see-through applications where the existing background needs to be concealed.
Which ink systems are compatible with Jiu Mao Blockout Printable Vinyl?
The current Glossy and Matte Blockout Printable Vinyl specifications identify compatibility with solvent, eco-solvent and UV printing systems.
What roll widths are available?
Jiu Mao's current Blockout Printable Vinyl portfolio includes 940 mm, 1295 mm and 1550 mm widths across multiple thickness and finish options.
Need Help Choosing Blockout Printable Vinyl?
Tell Jiu Mao your printer and ink system, required surface finish, thickness, roll width, application, installation surface, purchasing quantity and destination market. Our team can help confirm the appropriate product specification and quotation details.