Metallic decals look great on tumblers, signs, mirrors, car windows and ornaments, but there are several very different "metallic" adhesive vinyls on the market. Some are true mirror chrome, some are standard sign vinyl in a metallic color, and some are sparkling glitter films with a metallic look. Knowing the difference helps you pick the right material for the surface, the budget and how long the decal needs to last. Here is how ORACAL 351, ORACAL 651 metallics, ORACAL 851 and StarCraft chrome and brushed metal compare.
Quick Comparison
| Vinyl | Finish | Thickness | Outdoor durability* | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ORACAL 351 | Mirror-like chrome and gold | Metallized polyester film | Up to 2 years (chrome) | Decorative labels, nameplates, accents |
| ORACAL 651 metallics | Satin metallic color (silver grey, gold, copper) | 2.5 mil | Up to 4 years (metallics) | Signs, lettering, decals, everyday crafts |
| ORACAL 851 Sparkling Glitter | Heavy sparkling glitter with a metallic look | 4 mil (3 mil for 986 Crystal Clear) | Up to 5 years | Tumblers, glassware, home decor, monograms |
| StarCraft Chrome and Brushed Metal | Chrome or brushed metal look | 3 mil | 3–5 years | Bold decals and accents on smooth surfaces |
*Durability figures come from the product listings and manufacturer data for vertical outdoor exposure. Real-world life depends on sun, climate and surface.
ORACAL 351: True Chrome
ORACAL 351 is a metallized permanent adhesive film with a mirror-like finish, available in 001 Chrome and 911 Gold. It is used for decorative labels, name and technical plates, decorative trim and safety stickers, and it applies to many hard surfaces including tumblers, mugs, windows and vehicles. It cuts on Cricut, Silhouette, Scan N Cut and professional plotters.
Keep in mind: chrome 351 is rated for about 2 years outdoors, so it is best for indoor items or short-term outdoor use. Mirror finishes show every fingerprint and scratch during application, so handle it carefully and use a squeegee with a felt edge if you have one.
ORACAL 651 Metallics: The Everyday Option
ORACAL 651 is the industry-standard permanent vinyl, and its color range includes metallics such as 090 Silver Grey Metallic, 091 Gold Metallic and 092 Copper Metallic. These have a satin metallic color rather than a mirror finish. ORAFOL rates 651 metallics for up to 4 years of outdoor exposure, compared to 6 years for standard colors. At 2.5 mil, it cuts fine details cleanly and weeds easily. You can choose these colors on our ORACAL 651 product page.
Best for: signs, vehicle lettering, mailbox numbers, wall art and any metallic project where you want easy cutting and reliable outdoor life. Learn more in what is ORACAL 651 and why is it so popular.
ORACAL 851 Sparkling Glitter: Metallic Sparkle
ORACAL 851 is a sparkling glitter permanent adhesive vinyl developed for specialty applications where a heavier, metallic appearance is desired. It is popular for monograms, home decor and drinkware, and works on smooth sealed or painted boards, aluminum, glassware, ceramic plates and mugs, automotive paint, plastic and metal tumblers, chalkboards, ornaments, windows and mirrors.
- Thickness: 4 mil (3 mil for 986 Crystal Clear Sparkle)
- Durability: up to 5 years
- Liner: silicone-coated paper with release characteristics that help weeding
A pro trick: 986 Crystal Clear Sparkle is transparent and can be laminated on top of standard ORACAL 631, 641, 651, 751 or 951 colors to create your own custom sparkling metallic color. Want to try every shade? The all colors ORACAL 851 bundle includes 12 colors.
StarCraft Chrome and Brushed Metal
StarCraft Chrome (copper, gold, red, wine and more) and StarCraft Brushed Metal (such as gunmetal and rose gold) are 3 mil permanent films with a clear acrylic adhesive and a 3–5 year outdoor rating. They cut with standard adhesive vinyl settings, but StarCraft notes a few important limitations:
- The film is stiff, so very small, intricate cuts can be hard to weed and more likely to lift.
- Avoid sharp corners and points, which can encourage peeling, especially on items that get handled.
- When unrolled, stiff films can "tunnel," so store and handle them carefully.
Which Metallic Vinyl Should You Choose?
- You want a true mirror chrome: ORACAL 351 or StarCraft Chrome.
- You want a brushed or satin metal look: StarCraft Brushed Metal or ORACAL 651 metallics.
- You need the longest outdoor life: ORACAL 851 (up to 5 years) or ORACAL 651 metallics (up to 4 years).
- You want sparkle on drinkware or decor: ORACAL 851.
- You need fine text and detail: ORACAL 651, which is thinner and easier to weed.
Application Tips for Metallic Adhesive Vinyl
- Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry completely.
- Use the right transfer tape. Glitter and thick films may need a stronger-grip tape. Shop transfer tape for adhesive vinyl and read our transfer tape guide.
- Keep designs bold for chrome and glitter films. Avoid hairline script.
- Burnish well and work from the center out.
- Wrap curved items carefully. Stiff films do not conform as easily. See applying vinyl to curved surfaces.
- Protect drinkware decals and follow our advice on whether vinyl is dishwasher safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ORACAL 851 a metallic vinyl or a glitter vinyl?
It is a sparkling glitter film with a heavy metallic appearance. If you want a smooth metallic or mirror finish, choose 651 metallics or 351 chrome instead.
Which metallic vinyl is best for car decals?
For long outdoor life, ORACAL 651 metallics and ORACAL 851 have the longest ratings in this group. Our guide on making car window decals that last has more tips.
Can I layer metallic vinyl?
Yes, adhesive vinyl can be layered. Put thicker or textured films on top, and use a registration method to line up each layer.
"Metallic" covers a lot of ground. Match the finish to the look you want, then check the thickness and durability against where the decal will live. Explore all of our options in the permanent adhesive vinyl collection.