Premier Graphics used a range of films and laminates to produce a series of colourful graphics at the Cambie Street Bridge in Vancouver—an area which also encounters cold temperatures.
A work of art
Elsewhere in Canada, full-service graphics production and installation company Premier Graphics used a range of films and laminates to produce a series of colourful graphics for an application at the Cambie Street Bridge in Vancouver—an area which also encounters cold temperatures.
The project brought to life a vision by artist Jessica Angel, who came up with the idea of mixing graphics with augmented reality to “extend” the bridge into a 1765.1-m2 (19,000-sf) public art installation for the Vancouver Biennale exhibition.
Installed in June 2021, Angel’s design featured a two-dimensional vinyl mural which wrapped the pedestrian walkway, supporting columns, and underside of the bridge—turning what was usually a relatively dull structure into a captivating piece of art.
Augmented reality took this a step further, as passersby were encouraged to download the Vancouver Biennale app. They could hold up their phones while walking through the walkway, opening up a new dimension and transforming parts of the installation.
Premier Graphics, which is based in British Columbia, was selected to produce and install the graphics for the project—opting for materials which would ensure the graphics retained their colourful look, even after exposure to harsh weather and temperatures during the winter months. This was especially important, as the installation was intended to remain in place for around two years.
The company selected Polar Grip white polymeric self-adhesive film for the printed film parts of the installation, as well as Interlam Pro Emerytex polyvinyl chloride (PVC) overlaminating film for the floor graphics, and Interlam Pro Matte pressure-sensitive overlaminating film for the pillars and ceiling.
“The process consisted of the testing of many materials, and of course, balancing a budget that was already stretched thin,” said Taylor Sellinger, partner and general manager of Premier Graphics. “We needed to fit the client’s budget with a material that was likely to last 18 to 24 months and meet the slip-resistance requirements for the safety of the public.
“Since the majority of this installation surface was relatively flat, we didn’t require a cast film to conform, but the nature of the adhesive on the Polar Grip film made it an ideal choice for great adhesion to rough and unfinished concrete.”
Conclusion
Working with print in cold temperatures can be a troublesome process. However, if you carefully choose materials designed to perform in these environments, you can ensure success in the long-term and help secure future work for your business in similar locations.
Dennis Leblanc is the senior business development manager for North America at Drytac. Leblanc has more than 30 years of experience in the industry, with a focus on pressure-sensitive adhesives.
