The other way to image onto vinyl is to transfer the image from an electrostatic print onto vinyl. In the dry process, which is what 3M Scotchprint and Rexam Wearcoat use, the image is printed in reverse on special transfer paper. The print is sandwiched with vinyl and run through a laminator that can produce higher heat and pressure than a normal laminator. On the back end, the paper is peeled off, leaving the image impregnated in the vinyl. Plus, you can use normal electrostatic paper.
Wet transfer is less expensive to get into, but it's messier and slower.
Either way, vinyl transfer jobs are often laminated for protection. Patt says Digital Plus laminates its vinyl transfer jobs unless they are only going to be used for short term applications, under six months. Transferring to vinyl doesn't have to end with banners and signs. Other vinyl materials open other markets. For instance, Drytac offers a magnetic-backed vinyl sheeting for creating graphics that can be stuck on steel, such as for construction trailers.