We know how difficult Internet shopping can be when you cannot visualize a product the way it is described. Industry terms for the material used in our Halloween products can be unfamiliar and confusing. The following is a guide to the materials used in the product descriptions on our website. If you don't get a better idea from this information, and would like to know more about a particular product, please email us at customerservice@darksidedisplays.com.

Cardstock

When the material is described as Cardstock it is a paper decoration. Generally die cut, Cardstock paper is thick paper like poster board. It is flexible and lightweight. This material will "sun fade" and can be destroyed by getting wet, therefore it better used for indoor decorating.

For an example of a Cardstock decoration, see our Jointed Dracula decoration.

Foil

When the material is described as Foil it will be a thin metallic plastic, similar to Mylar balloons. This material is very lightweight and is used in both indoor and outdoor products.

For an example of a Foil decoration, see our Foil Skeleton Fringe.

Latex

When the material is described as latex in Halloween costumes, the material will be skin tight, rubber like and have a shiny finish.

When the material is described as latex in Halloween decorations and props, it will be a rubber like substance, flexible and generally not very thick. Most masks are made from latex. This material is durable and waterproof, making it good for indoor and outdoor display products.

Many latex Halloween props are filled with a polystyrene foam to give the item solidity and dimension, making it more life-like.

For an example of a latex prop, see our Bat Buddy.

Polyester

When the material is described as Polyester, it is a strong and durable synthetic fabric. Polyester dries quickly and can be washable or dry clean only, so check your tags. Polyester is often used as a blend with other fabrics to lend wrinkle resistance.

For an example of a Polyester Halloween costume, see our Lady Prisoner Costume.

Polyurethane

When the material is described as Polyurethane it is going to be a a chemically hardened foam piece that has been molded, and hand painted. Rougher than Styrofoam to the touch but similar in density. Unlike Styrofoam, it can break if dropped. Lightweight, usually used for large items and for wall decor. This material is durable and waterproof, making it good for indoor and outdoor display products.

For an example of a Polyurethane Halloween decoration, see our Beware Door Decoration.

PVC (Plastic)

When the material is described as PVC plastic it will be a stiff, but flexible thin plastic.  Vacuum-forming is the leading plastic thermoforming process in which sheet plastic is heated and formed over a mold by removing air from the area between the mold surface and the sheet. This produces a "relief" image. It usually does not have a backside, so from the back you will see the inner-side of the "relief form." This material is durable and waterproof, making it good for indoor and outdoor display products.

For an example of a PVC plastic Halloween prop, see our Skull Trim.

Resin

When the material is described as Resin, it will be hard like plastic but brittle like ceramic. It can break if dropped. This material is strong, usually solid making it more heavy, used in products for both indoors and outdoors.

For an example of a Resin decoration, see our Monster Cheese Plate.

Tissue

When the material is described as Tissue, it will be a very thin, almost transparent paper. This material is used for indoor decorations as it cannot get wet and is somewhat fragile.

For an example of a Tissue decoration, see our Tissue Spider & Web.

Velvet

When the material is described as Velvet, it is a fabric of silk, nylon, acetate, rayon, polyester, etc. Sometimes it will have a cotton backing. It is a thick, soft pile formed of loops. It can be washable or dry clean only, so check your tags.

For an example of a Velvet Halloween costume, see our Velvet Vampire Costume.

Vinyl (Plastic)

When the material is described as Vinyl, it will be a thin plastic, usually in a sheet form like table covers. It is not as "stiff" as PVC plastic, but more free flowing. It hangs very well. This material is durable and waterproof, making it good for indoor and outdoor display products.

For an example of a Vinyl decoration, check out our Halloween Scene Setters.

Styrofoam (Polystyrene Foam)

When the material is described as Styrofoam, it will be a lightweight molded foam. Used alot for tombstones, body forms, and as the inner-material for a variety of products. Polystyrene is often injected into props to make them three dimensional. It is hard to break, but will puncture easily. This material is durable and waterproof, making it good for indoor and outdoor display products.

For an example of a Styrofoam Halloween decoration, see our Tombstone Table Display.