If you need to know why take five minutes to read on. “Overlaminates,” you said? Is our graphic design going to get us that “wow” factor? Are the graphics going to be installed on time for the ribbon-cutting? How will people react to our choices? What kind of feedback are we going to get? These are some of the questions that many business owners have in mind when discussing signage. In other words, it is in our human nature to focus on the immediacy of the reaction to offer a great brand experience. But, how will the graphics on walls, floors, and windows look like in a few months or years after the installation? Perhaps, business owners assume that they will not change. For sure, as directly responsible for your marketing choices, you would hope that your investment will last at least a few months or even a few years. But, have you specified or discussed your options to protect your designs from environmental damages? The answer is simple: Overlaminates. What’s an Overlaminate? They are your wall, window, and floor graphics best friends. And yet, you probably never noticed them or even suspected that they existed. Overlaminates are thin protective films that are laminated onto your printed vinyl to offer protection to UV degradation, water, pollution, and many other external factors. They come in a variety of clarity, finishes, and textures to protect your graphic designs. They can be:
By adding the appropriate overlaminate, you can dramatically increase the functionality of your signage while increasing their life-time. From a purely visual perspective, overlaminates offer the ability to get different surface cosmetics:
In other words, overlaminates can help alter the appearance of a graphic by adding effects. But, when considering which overlaminate to apply onto your surface, one needs to consider the surface it will be applied to. In this case, the choice may differ depending on:
There are a variety of overlaminates including:
Each face stock offers a variety of performances. Hence, understanding the application and performance requirements will help narrow down the choice. If you have a flat surface or a curved one where conformability is key, the technical selection of the overlaminate will not be the same. Applied to end-applications like floor graphics, wall graphics or window graphics, the opportunities created by manufacturers like the 3M line of overlaminates help meet almost any client expectations, and sometimes for a fraction of the overall sign investment. What’s Next?
Understanding the specifics of the application will help to select the right overlaminate that will enhance and protect your graphics. We at Insignia Signs and Wraps can help you expand the possibilities extend the life of your signage.
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Environmentally sustainable interiors have been trending for years. Wall graphics are one category where sustainable choices have become a focus as time progresses. And there are good reasons for it
No, Life Was Not Better Before Within the AEC industry, there are standards and guidelines to help drive these goals such as LEED certification. A signage company with interest to participate in the overall effort can refer to these guidelines and standards and figure out how to appropriately respond through material sourcing and processes. Until recent years, most eco-conscious signage teams would have:
An overall sound attempt to be more eco-compliant, but not ultimately as eco-friendly as intended. But, as one can expect, things have changed over time. Transitioning to Sustainable Solutions Nowadays, sign companies have access to a range of sustainable solutions beyond latex printers from manufacturers such as HP. One perfect example is PVC-free wallpaper that appeared in the market in recent years. PVC-free substrates wonderfully grew alongside that wave of greater awareness of and sensitivity towards the world’s limited natural resources; growing demand for healthier and environmentally responsible homes and workplaces. While many people were complaining about a major set back the reality is that the benefits of utilizing these newer technologies like HP PVC-free Wallpaper to enhance sustainable interior projects established themselves in the market. Why’s that? Is it because people’s perceptions changed in the process? Or is it because these new materials confirmed their practical value proposition? Most likely, the answer is a little of both. Perhaps the main aspect that helped settle the argument is that products such as HP PVC-free Wallpaper do not technically limit sign companies, who can still create full-size murals to bring any design or graphic project into reality. The application of this “new” PVC-free wallpaper is easy and does not require a long list of additional materials. They are applied with water! In other words, they can save time, money, and effort by eliminating:
And Things Get Better from There Through innovation, many companies look to add PCRC (Post-Consumer Recycled Content) into their formulations or integrate bio-sourced raw materials while leveraging sometimes complicated supply chains. With the development of these additional sustainable materials, inks, printers, and water-based adhesives, the sign industry can dramatically increase the number of possibilities to transform spaces, without any compromise on quality and options. What’s Next?
If you are designing a new space or redesigning existing space, leverage your signage consultant who has access to leading materials, inks, technologies and application processes. We at Insignia Signs and Wraps can help you expand your scope of possibilities or bring your sustainable interior to reality. Wall graphics are too often forgotten by marketers and business owners, and yet, they are truly the smart choice to fill the void space on your walls
Smart & Versatile A sign is anything that sends a message. It conveys a piece of information about your brand to visitors and customers while setting the tone of the entire space. Wall graphics do exactly the same. It is not a surprise that for years, wall graphics have generated more creative possibilities for interior designers and architects across the country for both their practicality and their efficiency. The real challenge is learning the most effective way to use wall graphics since there are so many possibilities and potential uses for them - not to mention the countless printing solutions available to supplement, complement, or replace these wall graphics. In a nutshell, the vinyl found on some wall graphics comes in different finishes to either reflect light to brighten a room or absorb light to integrate into the décor. There is textured and conformable vinyl specifically designed to take advantage of any wall imperfections or topography - in case of a brick wall, for instance. Using materials from 3M & Avery Dennison, we can maintain smoothest surfaces or take advantage of a very rough surface to create a unique visual effect. The selection of material types and application techniques is so broad that sign companies like us can turn any surface into a new opportunity. This creates an avenue for anyone to be as unique as the message or story they want to share. Engaging & Appealing No matter what tone you seek to convey, wall graphics offer more than just a plain painted surface. It’s that simple. Applied to your brand, custom-designed wall graphics are a great way to differentiate and stand out while making a bold statement. Beyond the simple aesthetic factor, wall graphics can be functional, too. Therefore, why not take that opportunity to:
Although wall graphics cannot replace ADA signs, they can certainly integrate directional elements. This would, in turn, create an eye-catching design to help your visitors navigate in your building while keeping them entertained. Think about the potential conversation starter opportunities that can help your team engage with prospects, visitors or clients. The Best Bang For Your Buck Forget the preparation work and the messy, resource-consuming paint jobs. Wall graphics are the best time-saving and cost-effective alternatives. No matter the size of the space or nature of the surface, if the right material was selected and applied to your walls by a professional installer, you will avoid a lot of prep-time, downtime due to the drying process, and aftermath cleanup. Wall graphics are easy to apply and easy to remove. Hence, if for any reason:
Graphics can be reprinted on new vinyl and reapplied on your walls. What’s Next?
If you are considering a new space or reinventing existing space, create effective leverage with your signage consultant and their knowledge of material and printing solutions. We can help you expand the possibilities or bring what might be a budget buster into an affordable reality. |
By George WrightFounder & Owner of Insignia Signs & Wraps Archives
September 2020
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