[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]How durable are 3D gel number plates, and are they more durable than traditional printed plates? We will go through everything here.
Thinking of getting some new plates for your vehicle and want to know, “how durable are 3D gel number plates”? There are all kinds of reasons to consider getting 3D plates and other dimensional plates, but today we will be focusing on durability – we all want a plate that will stand the test of time, don’t we.
At Number Plate Clinic, we have a variety of blogs to help you keep up with number plate news that you should know about – like the difference between legal and show plates and why there is no Z in number plates. Our blogs also cover the new private plate laws of 2024 that you should know about, as well as the most expensive private plate to be sold in the UK – because we know you’re curious.
3D gel number plates (also called 3D gel resin or 3D domed gel plates), are made with an acrylic or metal sheet (usually aluminium) base. The plate characters get covered with a polyurethane gel resin, which is what gives them that attractive raised profile that we see on these plates.
These 3D gel plates are different from the traditional printed plates, as the characters have domed resin over them to give them a different effect. They stand out more, and are sure to set you apart from the crowd if you got these plates.
3D gel plates are legal in the UK as long as specific rules and regulations are followed. These rules are set out by the government, and allow cameras, ULEZ, and ANPR to scan and read the plates. If these plates couldn’t be read by police systems, they would not be legal, and we wouldn’t sell them!
With that being said, 3D gel plates are seen as a modification. Because of this, you should declare them when doing your insurance. These plates will not have a negative impact on your MOT if they are legal – unlike carbon gel plates, which are illegal in the UK.
Below are the number plate regulations that will determine if a number plate is road legal or not:
Most 3D gel plates are made with an acrylic base, but aluminium can also be used, although this is not the popular choice in recent years. The characters are secured to the plate with an industrial adhesive, and the resin gel coats them to give them the domed appearance.
Acrylic is highly durable, but not unbreakable, while the resin adds flexibility to the overall plate to allow it to withstand force and even accidents.
When examining the durability of 3D gel plates, you need to look at the flexibility, UV resistance, and how long these plates tend to last. We will go through each of these areas below and see how durable 3D plates are, and if they are a better choice than standard or traditional plates.
If you want a number plate that is flexible and unlikely to break or shatter if you drop it, 3D gel number plates are a fantastic option. The flexibility of these number plates mean that they are also less likely to break if you were to get into an accident on the roads or a car park.
The added price of 3D gel plates can be worth the money if you think about it long-term.
You don’t need to worry about your 3D gel number plate fading in the sun. The UV-resistant materials mean that these plates will endure in the summer for years to come – even if you live in a sunnier country than the UK.
Overall, you can expect 3D gel number plates to last just as long as standard plates – if not longer. Because of their added durability, they will be with you well after a decade, but you do still need to maintain them.
These plates might fade over time and lose some of their glossiness, but this is completely normal and expected. Nothing can stay shiny forever!
Standard plates are made up of characters that are printed flat onto the plate instead of being raised like 3D or 4D plates. Overall, while these plates do what they need to do, they add nothing more to your vehicle, whether that’s style, class, or value. Not only that, but they are less durable than our well-loved 3D gel plates
As they are standard, they do not need to be declared when doing vehicle insurance or carrying out an MOT. Here are the characteristics of 2D plates:
Because the characters are just printed onto the plate, they are prone to fading and chipping off with wear and tear. For this reason, these plates may not last a very long time and replacements may be needed if you get into accidents. The acrylic or metal used for these plates is also more prone to breaking compared to 3D gel plates.
Another popular plate option are 4D number plates. When it comes to comparing the durability of 3D gel and 3D plates, there are some stark differences to be aware of that could influence your decision when looking at dimensional plates.
4D plates have solid, laser-cut characters that stand directly out of the background instead of being flat. This means that if you were to shine a light on the plate, the characters would cast a shadow. There are different kinds of 4D plates, including 4D gel, but we will compare the regular 3mm 4D plate here.
Because of its nature, 4D plates are more prone to breaking compared to 3D gel plates, and they have reduced flexibility. The characters that are secured to the base sheet are solid and made of acrylic, and the lack of flexibility means that these plates are more prone to breaking compared to 3D gels.
However, both 3D gel and 4D plates are amazingly durable thanks to the high-quality materials used in manufacturing and impact modification.
We all want durable number plates – especially when you are paying a decent price for them. However, you need to remember that nothing is really unbreakable, and even if 3D gel plates are durable, you still need to take care of them.
At Number Plate Clinic, we consider ourselves the best alternative to Halfords for all of your number plate needs, and like to keep you informed – like what to do if your number plate falls off!
Read through our terms and conditions, privacy policy and refund policy before making a purchase. You can also learn about our workshop and affiliate program, or find out more by speaking with our customer service if you want to purchase high-quality, DVLA-compliant number plates.
If you have asked yourself, ‘how durable are 3D gel number plates’, the answer is: very durable! Thanks to their flexibility, they don’t damage or break easily, but they are not unbreakable by any means.
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