The sign industry has seen materials specifically designed for application onto textured and rough surfaces, such as concrete, cinder blocks or brick walls.
Not only are such materials more sustainable than traditional graphic films, but they also provide greater texture for murals and other intricate wall graphics. This has become a desirable high-end look for buildings ranging from simple homes to elaborate hotel lobbies.
As in the automotive wrapping field, specialty overlaminates can be specified to add texture and visual appeal to EGD applications. They have long been used to provide protection for and increase the useful life of indoor graphics, but now they are also starting to be chosen for textured finishes for furniture, tabletops and other surfaces. They provide a realistic illusion that the surface is composed of another, more expensive material, such as wood grain, leather, brushed metal or carbon fibre, enabling sophisticated esthetics at an economical price point.
Application options
Unlike automotive wrapping, where the surface properties of a vehicle are generally predictable, EGD work typically requires greater attention to be paid to the building where a graphic is going to be installed.
The sign industry has seen materials specifically designed for application onto textured and rough surfaces, such as concrete, cinder blocks or brick walls. The effectiveness of these specialty materials can still be negatively affected, however, by a lack of proper preparation of the surface to which they will be adhered. A concrete wall, for example, should be clean, dry and warmer than 10 C (50 F) before any graphic is applied to it.
Specific tools, too, may be required for a successful application, such as a heat gun designed to allow for more concentration of its heat when applying the graphic into the texture of a wall. A foam roller is also ideal for applying this sort of film, as it allows pressure to be applied without damaging the graphic (as a less pliable squeegee might).
Every surface’s considerations are different. It is not safe to assume applying a floor graphic to linoleum, for example, calls for the same approach as a tabletop graphic. A floor graphic requires consideration of foot traffic, desired longevity and, especially, slip resistance—which is why an overlaminate will be critically important to the graphic’s success, whereas it may not be necessary for another type of application. A clean floor will be crucial prior to application, but so will a commercial cleanser and isopropyl alcohol after application, so ensure the graphic will remain clean.
The EGD market is growing in exciting ways, with new media allowing graphics to be applied just about anywhere; but it is therefore all the more important to do research and not make any assumptions when installing new products on unusual surfaces, to ensure the best results.
Window films
Similar to trends in EGD, window films are growing in popularity as they are being installed not merely for advertising purposes, but also for décor and privacy, providing a combination of functionality and creative expression.
Dry application
The window film demonstrations in the PDAA application zone at the 2012 SGIA Expo focused on the benefits of dry application, a new installation method made possible by special air-egress adhesives. A dry application can save time, money and effort, as esthetically pleasing, bubble-free window graphics can now be achieved without the traditional need for an application fluid.
In the past, this fluid had to be sprayed onto the window and the adhesive. Then the graphic needed to be ‘floated’ on the window until it was positioned correctly. It was a messy process that can now be completely avoided, thanks to improved air-egress channels in new window films.
