PVC patches are manufactured from a waterproof, rubberized polymer, making them completely impervious to rain, snow, mud, and humidity. Unlike embroidery, which uses porous threads that can fray, soak up moisture, or harbor bacteria, PVC is non-porous and can be easily wiped clean. This makes them the superior choice for tactical teams, hikers, and marine industries where gear is frequently exposed to the elements.
Precision-Molded Custom PVC Patches & Emblems
At High Rated Patch, we manufacture custom PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) patches designed for extreme durability and modern 3D aesthetics. Unlike traditional fabric, our PVC patches are engineered from a specialized soft-plastic polymer that provides a waterproof, weather-resistant, and rugged finish. We utilize high-precision die-cast molds to ensure that your branding features crisp lines, vibrant color separation, and a tactile dimension that is impossible to achieve with thread.
Our PVC products are the industry standard for outdoor gear, tactical equipment, and high-performance workwear. By utilizing industrial-grade, phthalate-free materials, we guarantee a flexible yet indestructible branding solution that maintains its structural integrity in the harshest environments.
2D & 3D Molding Technology
Our production process offers two distinct structural depths: 2D and 3D modeling. In 2D designs, we use multiple flat layers to create a tiered, "stair-step" effect that keeps branding bold and legible. For those seeking maximum realism, our 3D molding creates rounded, sculpted surfaces that add organic depth and shadow to logos, making them literally pop off the garment.
Color Precision & UV Stability
We use a liquid-drop coloring process that allows for exact color placement within the mold. Every batch of PVC is mixed with UV-stable pigments to prevent fading or yellowing when exposed to prolonged sunlight. With the ability to match specific Pantone® shades, we ensure that your physical product aligns perfectly with your digital brand identity, offering high-contrast tones that remain vibrant for years.
Customization
Tailor your PVC patches with specialized backing and finishing options designed for tactical, professional, and commercial utility.
- Backing Options
- Border Options
Sew-On Backing
The most secure method for permanent attachment. We include a recessed "sewing channel" around the perimeter of the patch to protect the thread from friction and ensure a flush, professional mount on heavy-duty fabrics.
Iron-On Backing
A convenient and popular choice that allows you to apply patches easily using a standard heat press or household iron.
Adhesive Backing
A versatile, temporary solution perfect for events and short-term applications where patches need to be applied quickly without using heat.
Hook-and-Loop Backing
A two-part system designed for maximum versatility, allowing patches to be easily interchanged on tactical gear, uniforms, and specialized outerwear.
Peel-and-Stick Backing
An instant attachment method featuring a pressure-sensitive adhesive, ideal for one-time events, product launches, or temporary promotional branding needs.
Velcro Backing
A highly reliable, reusable backing that provides a secure grip while allowing for frequent repositioning on caps, bags, and professional uniforms.
Merrow Border
A classic, heavy-duty overlock stitch that creates a raised, rounded edge, providing a traditional finish ideal for standard shapes like circles, squares, and shields.
Heat-Cut Border
A precise finishing technique that uses heat to seal the edges of custom-shaped patches, effectively preventing fraying while maintaining a clean, sharp, and low-profile look.
Laser-Cut Border
An advanced manufacturing method using high-precision lasers to achieve intricate, complex shapes and internal cutouts that traditional cutting tools simply cannot replicate with such accuracy.
Stitched Border
A sleek and professional flat-stitch finish applied directly to the edge, perfect for thinner patches or designs requiring a modern, streamlined aesthetic on high-performance apparel.
Have Any questions?
Find answers to the most common questions about our custom PVC patches, manufacturing process, and ordering.
The difference lies in the surface curvature. A 2D PVC patch features multiple levels of flat surfaces, similar to a topographical map; it is excellent for logos with text or sharp geometric lines. A 3D PVC patch uses rounded, convex molds to create a sculpted, lifelike appearance. 3D is ideal for human faces, animal motifs, or any design where you want organic depth and a softer, curved aesthetic.
We utilize a sophisticated "liquid-drop" production technique. During manufacturing, each color is injected into a specific "well" within the metal mold. These wells are separated by thin walls that prevent the liquid PVC from mixing. Once heat-cured, the colors become a single, solid piece of plastic with permanent, razor-sharp separation lines, ensuring your logo never looks blurred or muddy.
Yes. At High Rated Patch, we prioritize safety and environmental responsibility. We use soft, phthalate-free PVC that complies with international safety standards. Our materials are non-toxic and do not off-gas harmful chemicals, making them safe for use on apparel, children’s products, and accessories that come into direct contact with skin.
While PVC is incredibly precise, it is a physical molding process. As a general rule, we recommend a minimum line thickness of 0.2mm to 0.3mm for the best results. If your logo contains extremely fine text that is too small for a mold, we can utilize screen-printing directly onto the flat surface of the PVC, allowing you to combine the 3D texture of the patch with the hyper-fine detail of digital printing.
Because PVC is a dense material, sewing through the thickest parts can be difficult and may cause the patch to pucker. We design our patches with a "sewing channel"—a thinner, recessed groove around the border. This channel guides the needle, ensures a straight stitch, and hides the thread slightly below the surface of the patch, protecting it from being snagged or cut during heavy use.
One of the greatest advantages of PVC is its ease of maintenance. If your patch becomes covered in mud, grease, or dust, simply rinse it with warm water and use a mild soap or a soft brush to scrub the surface. Unlike fabric patches, you don't need to worry about drying times or the colors running; you can simply pat it dry with a cloth, and it will look brand new.
Yes. We do not simply "glue" the backing on. At High Rated Patch, we use a heat-bonding or peripheral stitching process to fuse the Hook-and-Loop material to the PVC. This ensures that even with hundreds of "rip-and-stick" cycles on a tactical vest or uniform, the backing will remain securely attached to the patch without peeling or delaminating.