INSTALLING CONFIDENCE: WHY LUMINA® BY FDC 3710 STANDS OUT FOR SIGN PROS

May 20, 2025

Highlights

  • Lumina® by FDC 3710 is a premium ultra-metallic cast vinyl available in various colors, some with gray adhesive or air egress liner.
  • Ideal for marine and automotive striping thanks to bold visuals, easy removability, and substrate coverage.
  • All versions should be dry-applied to ensure proper adhesion and finish.

Built for Beauty and Performance

“Some colors in the Lumina® by FDC 3710 line feature a gray blockout adhesive,” explained Eric Norby, product manager at FDC Graphic Films, Inc., “So you don’t have to worry about the color of your substrate showing through. Others include an air egress liner that makes installation easier.”

This combination of features addresses two common pain points: visibility of the underlying surface and bubbles during installation. With Lumina® by FDC 3710, shops can expect faster installs, cleaner results, and fewer callbacks.

Available in a wide range of vivid colors, all versions of Lumina® by FDC 3710 are removable for up to two years, giving sign professionals flexibility without sacrificing performance. Whether you’re after ease of install, reliable coverage, or standout shimmer, there’s a formulation to match your project.

Why It’s Premium: Built for What Sign Shops Need

Lumina® by FDC 3710 isn’t just flashy, it’s formulated to solve real-world shop challenges. Select colors include a pigmented adhesive to block substrate colors or graphics from bleeding through, which is especially important when installing light vinyl over dark surfaces.

“Many cast ultra-metallic films are practically translucent,” said Norby, “Which could come as an unwelcome surprise if you’re installing a silver vinyl on a red car.”

That’s why the 3710 line offers certain color options with built-in blockout adhesive, providing installers confidence that what’s on the roll is what shows up on the surface. And with some color choices offering an air egress liner, installs are smoother and more forgiving.

No matter which color you select, every version of Lumina® by FDC 3710 delivers the same high-end cast construction at a great price point.

A Natural Fit for Marine and Auto Applications

Lumina® by FDC 3710 is especially well-suited for marine and automotive graphics. Its brilliant appearance is backed by practical benefits, including a more removable adhesive than traditional permanent films. That means when a graphic needs to come off, it’s more likely to leave the surface clean and undamaged.

“For vehicle applications, a more removable adhesive means you can uninstall the vinyl with less residue,” said Norby. “That’s a big win for professional shops and their customers.”

Tips for Installing on Curves or Contoured Surfaces

Because Lumina® by FDC 3710 uses embedded metallic flakes, it behaves differently than standard cast vinyl. Overstretching the material—especially on contoured surfaces—can distort the glitter effect, creating uneven sparkle or dull spots.

To avoid that, Norby recommends using light heat and even tension during installation. “Keep the material warm and stretch it consistently,” he said. “That helps preserve the visual texture throughout the install.”

Important note: Lumina® by FDC 3710 should always be dry-applied. For colors with air egress liners, wet application can interfere with the adhesive and prevent proper bonding.

Pair It With the Right Tools

To make installation even smoother, FDC offers striping and premasking services to custom-cut Lumina® by FDC 3710 to precise widths. Applying a premask provides added rigidity to help when applying stripes, especially to curved vehicle panels or complex contours.

For shops cutting vinyl in-house, RTape Conform® by Nekoosa with RLA® is the recommended transfer tape. Choose from FDC’s series of 2614, 2615, 2616, or 2617, depending on the level of conformability needed. These tapes stick well to the liner and provide flexible handling for wrap or stripe jobs using Lumina® by FDC 3710.

Key Takeaways

  • Lumina® by FDC 3710 offers ultra-metallic style with smart installer features, including easy removability and, in some colors, built-in blockout adhesive and air egress liner.
  • Color options are removable for up to two years, with several offering adhesive and liner features tailored to different application challenges.
  • Dry application, light heat, and steady tension are key to maintaining the product’s signature glitter effect, especially on contoured installs.

 

Lumina® by FDC 3700 • Lumina®  by FDC 3710

An example of ultra-metallic vinyl film used for boats.