The difference between Oracal 651 and 631 vinyl

A question I’ve had a few times is; ‘what is the difference between oracal 651 and 631 vinyl?’. I personally use both kinds in my business, however both are not equal. I love using oracal vinyl because it is a high quality vinyl that works well in most applications. Rarely do I need another type of vinyl besides 651 and 631. So let’s get to the differences.

Oracal 651

no soliciting decal - no soliciting sign - oracal 651 - oracal 651 specs
Oracal 651 intermediate calendared vinyl is for medium-term outdoor applications

Oracal 651 is an intermediate calendared vinyl. What does intermediate vinyl mean? In short, the vinyl film is for medium-term outdoor applications. Intermediate vinyl is great for car decals, displaying a business’ hours on an exterior door, or other outdoor signage. It also works well on vehicles for small graphics.

The adhesive oracal 651 has is a solvent-based adhesive. This means it is durable against chemicals, cleaning agents, weathering, and temperature ranges. Because it isn’t water based, you can apply it with a wet technique.

This vinyl is for permanent solutions and isn’t meant to be removable.

Stats: Oracal 651

  • Solved-based adhesive
  • Glossy finish (black and white also available in matte)
  • 2.5 mil thickess
  • 6 year outdoor durability for black, white, transparent, and colors
  • 4 year outdoor durability for metallics
  • 3 year outdoor durability for brilliant blue
  • Application tapes: Oracal HT55, MT95, MT72. I use RTape AT75 for a lot of my 651 decals and have really like it!

Oracal 631

dream big little one with stars - dream big little one nursery wall decal - oracal 631 - oracal 631 specs - wall decal vinyl - vinyl for walls - removable vinyl
Oracal 631 intermediate calendared vinyl is for short to medium term applications

Oracal 631 is an exhibition calendared vinyl. What does exhibition vinyl mean? Basically it means it’s for short to medium-term applications. It is not recommended for vehicle graphics or outdoor signage. 631 is a really good high quality solution for indoor wall graphics and decor.

It works well on interior surfaces because the adhesive is a water-based adhesive. If you’ve even worked with both 651 and 631 you’ll notice that the 631 isn’t as sticky. Do not apply using the wet technique is oracal 631.

This vinyl is removable without damage to painted surfaces, however it can’t be reused. 631 is perfect for wall murals and home decoration because of it’s ability to be remove without causing damage. The vinyl is also matte in finish which gives it a really nice blended-in “painted” look on interior walls.

With that being said, Oracal does state that “extra precaution should be used when applying wall graphics to “Low VOC” or “Zero VOC” paints as these paints may exhibit lower adhesion levels”.

Stats: Oracal 631:

  • Water-based adhesive
  • Matte finish
  • 3 mil thickness
  • 3 year indoor durability on all colors (I’ve had a decal on my wall for over 4 years and it’s still sticking perfectly)
  • Application tapes: Oracal HT55 – In my experience with other brands, oracal ht55 is the best for 631 vinyl

The difference between oracal 651 and 631 shows they both have their own specific attributes. I love using 651 for my ‘no soliciting’ decals I sell online. I would never put 651 on my walls because my paint would definitely rip off if I have removed the decal. However, I have 631 for those needs! I’ve even found that 631 holds up decently outdoors. We’ve used it on our cars with success and outdoors on windows and doors.

For more information on vinyl decals, see the vinyl decal section!

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