We know how difficult Internet shopping can be when you cannot visualize a product the way it is described. Industry terms for the materials 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.

Card Stock

When the material is described as card stock, it is a paper decoration. Card stock is a paper stock that is thicker and more durable than normal writing or printing paper, but thinner and more flexible than other forms of paperboard.

For an example of a card stock decoration, see our Cut-Out decorations.

Cut-Out

When the material is described as Cut-Out it is a card stock paper decoration. Generally die-cut paper is thick and feels like poster board. It is flexible and lightweight. This material will "sun fade" and should not get wet, therefore it better used for indoor decorating.

For an example of a Cut-Out decoration, see our Jointed Dracula Cut-Out.

Ceramic

When the material is described as Ceramic it is a painted clay decoration. Ceramic is fragile, and will break if dropped, however, it is a very strong material that will last for many years. Ceramic is not recommended for outdoor displays.

For an example of a Ceramic decoration, see our Neon Night Pumpkin Shot Glass.

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. Sometimes foil is embossed into a product for a metallic look finish.

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

Gauze

When the material is described as gauze it will be a thin translucent fabric of silk, linen, or cotton. It looks as though it is full of holes and gives the appearance of age. This material is used for both indoor and outdoor decorations.

For an example of a Gauze decoration, see our Black Gauze Draping.

Hot Stamped

When the material is described as Hot Stamped, a dry printing method of lithography is used in which predried ink or foils is transferred to a surface at high temperatures. 

For an example of a Hot stamped product, see our Home Sweet Haunted Home Banner.

Jute

When the material is described as Jute, it is a paper item made from the plant fiber Jute, which is commonly used as a paper alternative. Jute tends to be rough in texture and should not get wet.

For an example of a Jute decoration, see our Furry Rats Prop.

Latex 

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

When the material is described as latex in Halloween decorations and props, it will have the feel of rubber, somewhat flexible and generally not very thick. This material is durable and waterproof, making it good for both indoor and outdoor displays. Many latex Halloween props are filled with a polystyrene foam to give the item solidity and dimension.

For an example of a Latex prop, see our Bloody Brain Prop.

Lenticular Effect

When the item is described that it has a lenticular effect, it is a printed image with an illusion of depth, which makes the image appear to move or change when it is viewed from different angles.
 
For an example of a Lenticular Effect prop, see our
Werewolf Lenticular Portrait.

MDF - Medium Density Fibreboard

When the item is described that it is made of MDF, it is an engineered wood product that is generally quite sturdy. Similar to plywood it can come in a variety of thickness and is good for plaques and signs.

For an example of an MDF prop, see our Jack Skellington Wreath.

Melamine

When the item described is made of Melamine, it is made of an organic-based, nitrogen-rich compound that is durable, fire and heat resistant and virtually unbreakable which makes it sturdy and reusable.

For an example of a Melamine product, see our Pick Your Poison Serving Tray.

Muslin

When the product is described as Muslin, it is a finely woven cotton fabric.

For an example of a Muslin product, see our String of Rats Garland.
 
Non-Woven Fabric

When the material is described as a Non-woven fabric, it is a fabric-like material made from long fibres, bonded together by chemical, mechanical, heat or solvent treatment. It has the feel similar to that of a fabric softener sheet, but with a little more thickness. These items are generally designed for one time use.

For an example of a Non-Woven Fabric, see our Skull Pile Table Cover.

Pewter

When the material is described as Pewter it is made from soft metal, and usually contains tin as the chief alloy. Jewelry charms and findings are cast in Pewter. Our Pewter items are always lead-free.

For an example of Pewter, see our Jewelry Charms.

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 the manufacturer clothing tags for washing instructions. Polyester is often used as a blend with other fabrics to lend wrinkle resistance. 

For an example of a Polyester see our Adult Phantom Costume.

Polystyrene (Styrofoam)

When the product is described as Polystyrene it is a foam product like Styrofoam. Lightweight material is used 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 displays.

For an example of a Polystyrene decoration, see our Spider Tombstone Decor Kit.

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 displays.

For an example of a Polyurethane Halloween decoration, see our Spooky Gravestones Prop.

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 Maim Street Sign Prop.

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, and is used in products for both indoors and outdoor displays.

For an example of a Resin decoration, see our Welcome Fiends Wall Plaque.

Tissue

When the material is described as Tissue, it will be a very thin, almost transparent paper. It makes decorations nearly weightless for ease in hanging. 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 the manufacturer clothing tags for washing instructions.

For an example of a Velvet product, see our Black Velvet Knee High Stockings.

Vellum Paper

When a product is described as having vellum paper it is a semi-translucent thin paper that has a plastic feel. Light can pass through it. It is a paper product material that is best used indoors.

For an example of a Vellum Paper product, see our Martha Stewart - Haunted Paper Treat Bags.

Vinyl (Plastic)

When the material is described as Vinyl, it will be a thin plastic, usually in a sheet form, like party 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 displays.

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

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 [email protected].