Self-adhesive vinyl and paper offer an easy way to update interiors, highlight promotions, cater for seasonal changes, and create interest across all areas of the store environment Drytac Polar PET 170 is a scuff- and tear-resistant polyester film for short-term indoor applications 170 65 Issue 251 - February / March 2024 email: news@signlink.co.uk “It’s not just printed applications either. AlumiGraphics can be cut to shape using most printer/cutters and plotters, along with good old-fashioned guillotines or simple scissors, expanding its application repertoire.” Alongside Alumigraphics are Print Floor and G-floor, which, as their names may suggest, are also popular solutions for floor graphics work. One example of the former in use is when Watford-based large-format print and specialist fabrication company Stylographics used Print Floor to produce a retail window display for global fashion brand Marc Jacobs. While this was technically billed as a window display, graphics were printed for the solid wall sections around the glass window, giving something of an all-over effect for the fashion brand. The design featured a bold black and white pattern stretching around the entire window frame, with Stylographics printing all graphics in-house on its Durst P10 250HS UV inkjet printer. Looking more at wall graphics, Soyang Europe works with DECAL, the first manufacturer to combine an AC Resin UV Adhesive Technology from BASF, together with high-grade PVC film to create a series of printing films. According to Soyang Europe, this coating method creates many advantages for the final products such as giving a higher tack system and excellent durability with a high resistance to water. This in turn provides high levels of adhesion under humid conditions or on moist surfaces, such as in bathrooms and kitchens. “The market for wall and floor graphics is likely to continue to grow as material manufacturers continue to make technological advances and the materials available increasingly become printable on mainstream sign-making hardware, making it possible to add a very profitable revenue stream without major investment,” Soyang Europe says. ▼ Stylographics used Print Floor from Soyang Europe to produce wall graphics for a retail window display for Marc Jacobs Shopping for Success Also referencing recent trends and demand is Antalis. Claire White, specification consultant for visual communications at Antalis, says retail is one area that wideformat printers and sign-makers should pay attention to, given the increasing use of vinyl graphics within this segment. “It allows brands and retailers to create and easily update interior decoration, POS, and signage at relatively low cost,” White says, adding: “Vinyl is typically easy to cut and print and offers a long-lasting professional finish to many applications without the need for additional fixings such as stretch graphic or poster frames. There are also several PVC-free and recyclable options available for those looking for a more sustainable solution.” Building on this, White goes on to outline the products that companies working in a retail environment should consider. First, she highlights self-cling vinyl, describing it as an excellent way to install short-term, removable, repositionable, and reusable graphics in the store environment. “It can be applied by staff rather than professional fitters, in turn reducing carbon footprint through travel, wastage, and cost. It is also 100% recyclable at end of life,” White comments, continuing: “Selfadhesive vinyl and paper offer an easy way to update interiors, highlight promotions, cater for seasonal changes, and create interest across all areas of the store environment. With many different options available, specification of the right material for each application is key to success.” So, what does Antalis have on offer? In terms of self-cling vinyl there is Coala Magic Cling, which, available in clear and white options, is a PVC-free, statically charged film suitable for use on glazing and most flat surfaces for up to three months without the need for adhesive or tape. Also from Antalis is Coala Paper Stick, a PVC-free alternative to traditional PVC vinyl that can be used in wall graphics jobs. Made from FSC-certified paper and a water-based acrylic adhesive, materials in this range cover most short-term indoor wall applications. In addition, Antalis has Coala PP Stick, which White says is ideal for indoor and outdoor sign and display graphics applied to smooth surfaces. The Coala PP Stick range is available in white gloss and matte finishes and comes with waterbased adhesive in a choice of removable, permanent, and high tack. There is certainly no shortage of options when it comes to picking out materials to use in wall and floor graphics jobs. Speak with your suppliers for advice on which products are best suited to each application and this can help you produce high-quality, eye-catching work like some of the examples featured here. WALL AND FLOOR GRAPHICS
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