These three words get used interchangeably in Pakistan, but they mean different things in print shops. Get this wrong and you'll order the wrong material — or pay 3× too much for the right one.
Flex (a.k.a. panaflex)
Flexible PVC banner material. Used for hoardings, banners, building wraps, and event backdrops. Sold by the square foot.
Panaflex is technically a brand name for premium flex. In Pakistan, the words are used interchangeably.
Flex grades you'll see in PK
Shine flex: glossy finish, vivid colors, ~PKR 25/sq ft Matte flex: non-reflective, premium look, ~PKR 35/sq ft Frontlit flex: translucent, for backlit signboards, ~PKR 45/sq ft Backlit flex: thicker, for lightbox displays, ~PKR 55/sq ft Mesh flex: perforated, lets wind through (for tall building wraps)
Vinyl
Self-adhesive material that sticks to surfaces. Used for stickers, window graphics, vehicle wraps, frosted glass, and floor graphics. Sold by the square foot or by the sheet.
Calendared vinyl: Cheaper, for short-term use (1–3 years) Cast vinyl: Premium, for vehicle wraps and long-term use (5–7 years) Frosted vinyl: Translucent for glass partitions One-way vision vinyl: Perforated, see-through from one side
When to use what
| Need | Use |
|---|---|
| Banner for an event | Shine flex |
| Hoarding on a roadside | Frontlit or matte flex |
| Lit signboard | Frontlit flex |
| Lightbox graphic | Backlit flex |
| Window decals | Vinyl |
| Vehicle wrap | Cast vinyl |
| Frosted office glass | Frosted vinyl |
| Storefront window with privacy | One-way vision vinyl |
| Floor graphic | Anti-slip vinyl |