In recent years, PVC patches with velcro backing have become an extremely popular and versatile accessory. Their durability and ease of application make them the perfect option for countless uses. They go with military uniforms as well as brand merchandising, leaving room for customization and identification in a way that is both affordable and long-lasting.
In the United States alone, the market for custom PVC patches is estimated to reach millions. Mainly because the military and public service departments make up a large portion of this demand. As per IPA, the United States is home to roughly 17,985 police agencies. Among these agencies are sheriff’s offices, police departments, federal law enforcement, and state police/highway patrols. Each of these agencies wears distinctive patches on their uniforms. The versatility and durability of PVC velcro patches make them perfectly suited for the rigors of these professions. Brands and organizations are also increasingly using PVC velcro patches for merchandising, making them a growing segment of the market.
So what makes PVC patches with velcro backing so popular and versatile? The durability of the materials and the ease of application are key factors. Let’s explore the advantages of this winning combination in more detail.
Versatility
Effective Branding and Identification Solution
Velcro PVC patches are a popular branding solution. Companies use them to adorn hats, bags, uniforms, and more with their logos. Events use custom velcro patches for name badges. With the rising demand for distinct branding, many businesses are opting for custom PVC velcro patches to provide a unique identity and stand out from the crowd. The ability to quickly apply and remove patches makes them perfect for merchandising at conferences, festivals, and other temporary events.
Ease of Application Makes PVC Velcro Patches Universally Versatile
One of the biggest advantages of PVC patches with velcro backing is their incredible versatility. The velcro fastening makes application and removal a breeze. Patches can be affixed, repositioned, and swapped out as needed without damage to the underlying material. This makes them ideal for almost any textile application.
Durable and Customizable Military and Public Service Patches
Law enforcement, firefighters, security teams, and military units rely on PVC velcro patches for uniform identification and customization. The durability ensures patches remain intact through active duty. Velcro application allows patches to be changed for different divisions, ranks, or purposes.
Youth Organization and Team Spirit Patches
Youth organizations like the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, sports teams, and other recreational clubs often use PVC velcro patches. These durable patches bring vibrancy to uniforms and foster team spirit. Kids can proudly display their affiliations and achievements.
Endless Possibilities for DIY Crafting Projects
Crafters and DIYers have embraced PVC velcro patches as an extremely versatile embellishment. They can be used to customize clothing, bags, furniture, storage items, and more. The possibilities are endless! The durability provides long-lasting decoration and identification.
Durability
PVC Patches are Extremely Durable and Weather Resistant
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a highly durable plastic polymer that is resistant to weathering, abrasion, and general wear and tear. PVC patches maintain their color vibrancy and structural integrity far longer than patches made of other materials, such as cloth or paper.
The PVC base provides a sturdy foundation for the patch design. It ensures the artwork and logos remain crisp and clear over extended use. PVC is also waterproof, making these patches ideal for outdoor use.
Heat Sealed Edges Prevent Fraying and Peeling
PVC patches are manufactured with a specialized ultrasonic heat-sealing process around the edges. This thermally bonded border prevents any fraying, unraveling, or peeling at the edges. The heat sealing melts the PVC edges together into a seamless finish. Patches look crisp, new, and professional even after regular long-term use. The heat sealing also enhances the patch’s overall durability and resilient structure.
Premium Adhesives Provide a Super Strong Bond
High-performance PVC patches use advanced pressure-sensitive adhesives that form an incredibly strong permanent bond to fabrics. These durable adhesives maintain their grip and stickiness over many years of use without cracking, peeling, or losing tackiness. The adhesive helps the patch remain firmly fixed in place on uniforms, gear, clothing, and other textiles while still allowing for clean removal when necessary. Velcro backing provides even greater holding power and repositionable durability.
Withstands High Temperatures
Quality PVC patches are engineered to withstand exposure to high temperatures without warping, melting, or losing structural integrity. They can resist continuous heat levels of up to 140°F before any potential warping could occur. This high heat tolerance makes PVC patches ideally suited for applications that involve elevated temperatures.
For example, PVC is commonly used for patches on firefighter gear, welding uniforms, foundry apparel, and other protective clothing worn in hot environments. The patches remain durable when exposed to high external heat as well as body heat underneath the garments. PVC’s heat resistance provides lasting durability, so patches maintain their appearance, adhesion, and function even when subjected to high heat over time.
Chemical Resistant
PVC patches have excellent resistance to many common industrial chemicals, solvents, and petroleum products. Their chemical resistance prevents discoloration, cracking, peeling, or breakdown when exposed repeatedly to fuels, oils, cleaners, and other harsh substances.
This ability to withstand chemical exposure is essential for occupational uniforms and gear used in maintenance, manufacturing, construction, utilities, and emergency services. Workers in these fields rely on PVC patches that maintain their integrity when exposed to chemical splashes, spills, and vapors. The patches remain adhered and legible after degreasing agents, paints, lubricants, and more. Chemical resistance ensures a long service life for PVC patches on critical safety clothing and equipment.
Abrasion Resistant Surface
The smooth, lacquered surface of a PVC patch is highly abrasion resistant and withstands repeated friction and scrubbing. The patches are engineered to resist scuffing and abrasions that would damage other materials like cloth or vinyl.
PVC stands up to extended rubbing and scrubbing without wearing down the edges or artwork. The abrasion resistance prevents embroidery threads from loosening and logos from fading. Patches maintain crisp edges, vibrant colors, and legible details despite ongoing abrasions in active work and duty environments. PVC’s durability retains the patch’s professional appearance and functionality over its lifetime of use.
Conclusion
PVC patches with velcro backing offer the perfect combination of durability and versatility. PVC is weather-resistant, abrasion resistant, and highly durable, while velcro backing allows for easy on-off application. This winning combination makes velcro PVC patches ideal for military, public service departments, brands, youth groups, and crafters alike. Their endless design possibilities and rugged durability ensure PVC velcro patches will remain a popular accessory and embellishment for years to come.