Vinyl Holders
Vinyl Holders: Choosing the Right Material, Gauge & Finish
Vinyl holders all look similar in a photograph, and then perform very differently in use. The difference is almost always material thickness and finish. Rochester 100® manufactures its vinyl holders in Rochester, New York, which means we pick the gauge and the clarity for the job the holder has to do rather than building everything to one spec. This page explains how to choose.
Vinyl Is Not the Same as Poly
A common question is how vinyl compares to the polypropylene used in our folder lines. They are different materials for different jobs. Polypropylene is what Nicky's Folders® are made from: an opaque, semi rigid plastic that survives being carried, stuffed, and dropped all year. Vinyl is a clear, flexible film, which is exactly what you want when the point is to see and protect what is inside. If you need a folder, look at poly. If you need to protect, display, or carry a document or card, vinyl is the right family.
Gauge: How Heavy Does the Holder Need to Be?
Gauge is the thickness of the vinyl, and a higher number means a heavier, stiffer holder. Lighter 6 gauge vinyl is used where flexibility and clarity matter most, as in SP Series Sleeves, Vinyl Bank ID Holders, Adhesive CD Holders, and Passbook Jackets. Mid weight 8 gauge appears where the holder is handled constantly or mounted to a surface, including Adhesive Holders, Plastic Card Holders, and the crystal clear version of Hang Tag Holders. Heavy duty 10 gauge is reserved for the hardest working items, such as Zip-Lock Holders and the heavy duty tag holder option.
Finish: Crystal Clear, Satin Clear, or Photo Clear
Finish decides how the contents read through the vinyl. Crystal clear is the sharpest and is used where a card, tag, or label has to be legible instantly. Satin clear has a softer, less reflective surface that handles glare better in bright spaces. Photo clear is chosen where image quality matters. Vinyl Certificate Holders combine two of them, pairing a crystal clear front with an 8 gauge diamond glow back so an award looks finished from either side.
Match the Holder to the Job
For paper in a binder, use a sleeve: SP Series opens on the long side, PT-Series opens on the short side and comes in over 4,000 sizes. For posting notices and signs, Adhesive Holders mount directly to the surface. For presenting documents, Model 1000 Clear Folders add two five inch inside pockets and an imprintable cover. For laboratory and pathology work, Slide Holders are made to order for 35mm slides, 20mm slides, and X-ray strips. For anything that needs resealing, Zip-Lock Holders.
Custom Sizes, Colors & Imprinting
Because we manufacture rather than resell, a size that is not listed is usually still available, and many styles can be produced in custom colors. Single color custom imprinting is handled by our in-house art department. To compare finishes in person before committing, request free samples, or see the full range on the Holders and Plastic Sleeves page.
