64 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 251 - February / March 2024 Picking out the markets in which you are likely to receive more work is just one part of the larger equation. Wide-format printers and sign-makers should also consider wider trends shaping the habits of both customers and consumers and ensure they can deliver this type of service to their clients. Blacknall signals sustainability as a core trend impacting not just wall and floor graphics but a whole host of other markets in the wider industry. Drytac has responded to such trends and demands with the launch of several PVC-free products, one of which comes in the form of Polar PET 170, which saw its popularity spike in 2023 as more clients moved to working with planet-friendly materials. Polar PET 170 is a scuff- and tearresistant polyester film for short-term indoor applications where the printed graphics remain visible and vibrant, such as floor graphics. It also has a number of slip ratings and certifications, while the film has a textured, matte finish that Blacknall says makes it perfect for directional notices, retail promotions, POS advertising, and decals. Also available from Drytac is the collection of SpotOn films, which Blacknall says are suitable for short-term point of sale projects in both retail and hospitality settings. In addition, Drytac offers the ReTac range of polymeric removable vinyl which allows you to create displays that target specific products and areas. Looking at some of these products in practice, Blacknall picks out a number of examples. First, Ontario-based printing and signage specialist Riverside Print & Signs used ReTac Smooth 150 polymeric PVC film to produce colourful wall graphics for Great Pretenders’ new space in New York City. All the graphics, which included castle-style wall designs complete with fire-breathing dragons and other mythical beasts, were printed in-house on a Mimaki JV100-160. Graphics were applied to standard flat walls, as well as in and around arch doorways to provide a fully immersive effect for visitors to Great Pretenders, which designs and manufactures dress-up, toys, jewellery, and accessories for children. Closer to home, print provider Minuteman Press Bath used ReTac Textures Canvas film to produce a wallcovering for a new wardrobe experience in Bath. The ‘Georgrobe’ invited local residents and visitors to view a display of satirical prints about the fashions of the Georgian period, as well as offering them the chance to dress up in historic costumes, wigs, and hats for an authentic experience of life in a bygone era. Minuteman Press Bath was tasked with printing a large, Bath-inspired wall mural to provide the backdrop for the seasonal event. The company printed the design onto Drytac ReTac Textures Canvas, purchased from Antalis, using its HP Latex 700W. Explore Opportunities Another leading supplier in this sector is Soyang Europe, which, like Drytac, has a range of solutions on offer for producing both floor and wall graphics. Managing director Mark Mashiter agrees with Blacknall at Drytac that there are certain markets across various industries in which there are plenty of opportunities for wideformat print companies and sign-makers to access all manner of work. “From what we have seen from our customers in recent weeks and months, there is a good level of demand in areas such as retail, hospitality, exhibitions, and educational settings,” Mashiter says, adding: “You can also go further by exploring opportunities in other areas including sports arenas or stadiums and even council buildings. It is all about talking to your customers and discovering how you can help them with this kind of work.” Mashiter goes on to say that in order to deliver high-quality results within the wall and floor graphics markets, you need to be working with high-quality products. With this, he draws attention to some of the solutions on offer from Soyang Europe. First is Alumigraphics, a solution suitable for use in outdoor floor graphics applications. This product is made from aluminium which, according to Mashiter, makes it better for the environment as it can be recycled easily. If you add in that it does not contain any PVC, this further improves its planet-friendly credentials. “You can print directly onto AlumiGraphics using digital printing hardware running with solvent, eco-solvent, UV, and latex ink,” Soyang Europe says, adding: “The Smooth versions can also be screen printed, which adds to its dexterity. There’s no need to over laminate which makes for a faster turnaround and cuts production costs. The foil is highly durable even without lamination and offers an expected outdoor life of between six months to two years. WALL AND FLOOR GRAPHICS ▲ Minuteman Press Bath used Drytac’s ReTac Textures Canvas film to produce a wallcovering for a special wardrobe experience ▼ Riverside Print & Signs used ReTac Smooth 150 polymeric PVC film to produce wall graphics for a costume shop in New York City Available from Soyang Europe, Alumigraphics is an outdoor floor graphics solutions made from aluminium Factoid
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