Product Application Guide

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2722 N. Josey Ln., Suite 100

Carrollton, TX 75007-5542 Powered by AlphaGraphics of Carrollton

Product

Application

Guide

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Oversized graphics are among the most effective and affordable

mediums for communicating with large numbers of customers,

employees, students, and the general public. The oversized graphics

category covers a wide array of products and applications, each of

which is designed to place a message, or branding, in front of the

most suitable audience...in a way that will be noticed.

This guide will help identify the materials, fi nishes and mounting

surfaces used in the oversized range of products offered by

AlphaGraphics. It should be used in conjunction with the ag Signs

Sample Kit to determine the best solution to a particular need, and to

demonstrate the look and feel of a fi nished product.

Whether the target audience is indoors, outdoors, stationary, moving,

or utilizing public transportation, AlphaGraphics can ensure the right

people see the right message, at the right time.

Welcome to the

ag Signs Product

Application Guide

POSTERS & PRINTS

• _{WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR}

GRAPHICS

• _{INDOOR BANNERS & BASIC}

TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS

• _{VEHICLE GRAPHICS}

• OUTDOOR BANNERS AND GRAPHICS

• _POSTERS

& PRINTS

• _{WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS}

• _{INDOOR BANNERS & BASIC TRADE SHOW}

DISPLAYS

• _{VEHICLE GRAPHICS}

• _OUTDOOR

BANNERS AND GRAPHICS

• _{POSTERS & PRINTS}

• _{WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS}

• INDOOR BANNERS & BASIC TRADE SHOW

DISPLAYS

• _{VEHICLE GRAPHICS}

• _OUTDOOR

BANNERS AND GRAPHICS

• _{POSTERS & PRINTS}

• WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS

• _INDOOR

BANNERS & BASIC TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS

• VEHICLE GRAPHICS

• _{OUTDOOR BANNERS AND}

GRAPHICS

• _{POSTERS & PRINTS}

• _WINDOW,

WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS

• _{INDOOR BANNERS}

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Media

Laminating

Mounting Guide

MEDIA

APPLICATION

HP Photo Poster 8.4 mil 60” High Quality Photo Media Backlit Film 5 mil 36” Backlit Media Satin Art Canvas 16.5 mil 36” Art Prints

Premium 7 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54” All-Purpose Pressure-Sensitive Decals Standard 4 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54” Easily Removable Window/Wall Graphics Economy 3 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54” Decals and Stickers with Permanent Adhesive

Avery Wall Film 6 mil 54” Wallpaper and Murals 3M Window Perf 4 mil 54” Perforated Window Graphics Calendared Color Vinyl 4 mil 15” Cut Vinyl Available in Many Colors

Key Banner 10 oz. 54” This lighter banner material has a matte fi nish, is scuff resistant and resists curling. Rollup Film 8 mil 36” Pop-Up Banners

Aberdeen Fabric Flag .42 mm 60” Table Covers, Flags, Soft-Signage and Pop-Up Banners

Premium Vehicle 8 Year Vinyl 2 mil 54” Durable Vehicle and Marine Graphics Standard Banner 13 oz. 54” All-Purpose, Strong Banner Material Key Blockout Banner 15 oz. 54” Double-Sided Banners

Key Mesh Banner 9 oz. 54” Mesh Banners for Windy Locations

SUBSTRATES

White or Black Foam Core PVC 6 mil White White Gatorboard Coroplast White

Magnet Aluminum PVC 3 mil White Max Metal

LAMINATES

Gloss Laminate Luster Laminate Dry Erase Laminate

Floor Laminate

Posters and Prints

Introduction . . . 2

Posters . . . 3

Backlit Posters or Menu Boards . . . 4

Fine Art Prints . . . 5

Window, Wall and Floor Graphics Introduction . . . 6

Perforated Window Graphics . . . 6

Cut Vinyl . . . 8

Decals and Stickers . . . 9

Removable Graphics . . . 10

Floor Graphics . . . 11

Wall Paper and Murals . . . 12

Indoor Banners & Basic Trade Show Displays Introduction . . . 13 Fabric Signage . . . 14 Banners . . . 15 Banner Stands . . . 16 Vehicle Graphics Introduction . . . 17

Vehicle Wraps – Full . . . 18

Vehicle Wraps – Partial . . . 19

Perforated Window Graphics . . . 20

Cut Vinyl . . . 21

Decals . . . 22

Outdoor Banners and Graphics Introduction . . . 23

All-Purpose Banners . . . 24

Double-Sided Banners . . . 25

Mesh Banners . . . 26

Rigid Signs . . . 27

Media - Laminating - Mounting Guide . . . 28

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Posters and prints are two of the more

traditional large format products. They are

typically straight-cut, full bleed, framed or

mounted pieces hung indoors. These are used

by a broad range of customers and consumers,

and fi ll a wide variety of functions.

POSTERS

&

PRINTS

Introduction

Rigid Signs

Uses

Rigid signage can be made by laminating or adhering printed media to rigid substrates, or by printing directly to the substrate with fl atbed UV printers. PVC, aluminum and dibond materials offer varying degrees of long-term durability, while coroplast substrates are inexpensive and ideal for temporary yard-signs.

Vertical Markets

Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Financial, Government, Health Care, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Meetings and Events, Non-Profi ts, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail

Materials:

Finishing and Installation

First print graphics on pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed media or laminate

•

Apply these to the rigid substrates using a cold laminator or squeegee

•

Use a board trimmer or knife to cut the entire piece to its fi nished size

•

Coroplast CP84W

•

PVC 3 mil White P843MWE

•

PVC 6 mil White P846MWE

•

Aluminum AS4896040W

•

Max Metal (Dibond) MM843MW

(5)

Mesh Banners

Uses

Thought slightly less durable than other banners overall, mesh banners are ideally suited for windy areas that could cause damage to regular banners or to the surfaces to which they’re attached.

Vertical Markets

Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Government, Health Care, Hospitality, Meetings and Events, Non-Profi ts, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail

Printed On:

•

Key Mesh Banner 9 oz. 54” BMML5435W9

Finishing and Installation

•

Trim to size with straight edge, blade and mat

•

Hem or tape edges for a fi nished look

•

Apply grommets with a grommet punch to allow for hanging via rope, screws or other hardware

•

A wide variety of banner-display hardware and tools can be obtained from vendors such as Grimco or Image1Impact

OU

O

Uses

Posters have a broad range of uses, from branding elements, to advertisements, to charts and training presentations. Though they are often put to long term use, they are best suited as disposable or temporary graphics.

Vertical Markets

Health Care, Education, Government, Hospitality, Retail, Construction, Non-Profi ts, Meetings & Events, Restaurants, Training

Printed on:

•

High Quality Photo Media:

HP Photo Poster 8.4 mil 60” Rolls Part # HPCG421A

Finishing and Installation

•

Trim to size with straight edge, blade, and self-healing mat

•

Ship or transport in mailing tubes if rolled, reinforced boxes if mounted

Mounting

Posters and prints can be mounted on substrates such as foam core and gatorboard, making them rigid and easier to display on tripods or other platforms. This process would use pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed media or laminate, and would be applied to the board using a cold laminator or squeegee. A board trimmer is then used to cut the entire piece to its fi nished size.

Boards

•

White Foam Core GB-IN84316W

•

Black Foam Core GB-IN84316BK

•

White Gatorboard GB-RY84316W

Laminating

Laminates are designed to lay over and adhere to the printed media, giving it an enhanced fi nish, and offering protection from scratching and harmful elements. While not always necessary, lamination can add value to the graphic and is relatively inexpensive. Laminate is applied to the media using a roll laminator and should take place prior to trimming.

OS

S

&

S

Posters

•

Gloss Laminate 3M8508

•

Luster Laminate 3M8509

•

Dry-Erase Laminate 111-38

(6)

Backlit Posters or Menu Boards

Uses

Backlit posters are ideal for dim or dark settings, or to call extra attention to the graphic, such as with menu boards or advertisements.

Vertical Markets

Retail, Hospitality, Health Care, Restaurants, Government

Printed on:

•

Backlit Film

Backlit Film 5 mil 36” Part # 3182-36

Finishing and Installation

•

Reverse print and trim to size.

•

Some customers may ask for you to provide the frame. Frames can be purchased from a variety of display vendors.

Uses

These banners are similar to the all-purpose banner, but they are able to feature printing on both sides, due to a light-blocking layer at the center of the media. They are ideal for situations in which the banner will be hanging freely, such as with street-lamp banners and fl ags.

Vertical Markets

Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Government, Health Care, Hospitality, Meetings and Events, Non-Profi ts, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail

Printed on:

•

Key Blockout Banner 15 oz. 54” BMB05435W15

Finishing and Installation

•

(7)

All-Purpose Banners

Uses

Banners printed on all purpose banner material are durable and versatile. They offer an inexpensive solution for outdoor signage and can serve a temporary purpose, or remain longer term. They are often hemmed or sewn, and fi tted with grommets so that they can be hung by rope or other hardware.

Vertical Markets

Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Financial, Government, Hospitality, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail

Printed On:

•

Standard Banner 13 oz. 54” BM5450W13

Finishing and Installation

•

Hem or tape edges for a fi nished look.

•

Apply grommets with a grommet punch to allow for hanging via rope, screws or other hardware.

•

A wide variety of banner-display hardware and tools can be obtained from vendors such as Grimco or Image1Impact.

OU

O

Fine Art Prints

Uses

Fine art prints are used in art reproduction, family portraits or photographs. They also serve well as unique advertising components.

Vertical Markets

Ad Agencies, Education, Real Estate, Retail, Restaurants

Printed on:

•

Canvas

Satin Art Canvas 16.5 mil 36” Part# HPQ8783AE

Finishing and Installation

•

For stretched canvas pieces, trim so that the media will wrap around the frame without excess material, stretch around frame, and staple into place

(8)

Window, Wall & Floor Graphics constitute the fastest growing category

of the large format segment. Typically these are made with decal or

adhesive backed materials and are applied to various surfaces, carrying

brand-imagery, marketing messages, or as décor elements. The market

for these products is mostly retail, but almost all businesses use them,

and there are many direct to consumer applications as well. They

are highly effective as “disposable” marketing components: many

customers will benefi t from having their graphics changed-out monthly,

for instance, to refresh their customer-facing messages or promotions.

O

S

O

Introduction

Outdoor Signage is the classical offering of the “Sign

Shop” business model. Banners and signs in this

category must be durable and withstand weather, and

placement can range from temporary to long-term. A

wide range of businesses and non-profi t organizations

utilize outdoor signage.

CS

O

(9)

Decals

Uses

Decals are smaller graphics, often contour cut, printed on adhesive-backed vinyl. Decals have the advantage of being applicable to many different vehicles without having to take into consideration the shaping of body panels. Along with cut vinyl, decals are inexpensive, simple, and the most pervasive form of vehicle graphic.

Vertical Markets

Printed On:

•

Premium 7 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54” 3MIJ40C

•

Economy 3 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54” IM2203-54

Finishing and Installation

•

Contour cut

•

Peel and apply to surface using EZ Glide or soap and water solution, with squeegee, as necessary

APHICS

Uses

Perforated window graphics are often used to cover an entire window or area of windows with imagery or messaging, without completely blocking the windows. The one-way perforations allow viewers to see a solid image from in front, but viewers behind the glass will still be able to see out through it.

Vertical Markets

Ad Agencies, Automotive, Financial, Hospitality, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail

Printed on:

•

3M Window Perf 4 mil 54” 3MIJ65

Finishing and Installation

•

Trim to window dimensions

•

Apply with EZ Glide or soap and water solution and a squeegee

(10)

Cut Vinyl

Uses

Cut vinyl comes in a variety of colors and is most often used to create solid, one-color letters or simple logos. It is a cost effective way to apply messaging to a window, wall or other surface.

Vertical Markets

Automotive, Construction, Financial, Government, Health Care, Legal, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail

Material

•

Backlit Film

Calendared Color Vinyl 4 mil 15” 50-xx-1510

Finishing and Installation

•

Contour cut to defi ned shape

•

Use weeding tool to clean edges

•

Apply to surface from backing paper using EZ Glide or soap and water solution, with squeegee

O

VE

Cut Vinyl

Uses

Cut vinyl is available in multiple colors and as such is not typically printed. It is contour cut and applied from a backing, making this a simple and inexpensive option for applying single-color branding or messages to a vehicle.

Vertical Markets

Printed on:

•

Calendared Color Vinyl 4 mil 15” 50-xx-1510

Finishing and Installation

•

Contour cut and straight cut with straight edge, blade and mat

•

Use weeding tool to clean edges

(11)

Perforated Window Graphics

Uses

Perforated graphics are often included as components of full or partial wraps, though they are sometimes sold as stand-alone elements. They allow people within the vehicle to see out through the perforations, but from outside the vehicle, it appears to be a solid graphic covering the window.

Vertical Markets

Printed On:

•

3M Window Perf 4 mil 54” 3MIJ65

Finishing and Installation

•

Before removing backing, attach to vehicle with tape so that you can take measurements, and/or mark the graphic for additional trimming

• Decals and Stickers

Uses

Decals are printed on permanent or semi-permanent adhesive-backed material, and range in size from small format, to larger pieces. They are often fully contour cut out of the material, or “kiss cut” remaining attached to a larger section of backing until ready for use.

Vertical Markets

Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Government, Health Care, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail

Material

•

Premium 7 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54” 3MIJ40C

•

Economy 3 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54” IM2203-54

Finishing and Installation

•

Contour cut

•

Peel and apply to surface using EZ Glide or soap and water solution, with squeegee, as necessary

(12)

Removable Graphics

Uses

Removable graphics use a low tack or temporary adhesive and occupy a unique cross-over area between large format and marketing services. Often contour cut, removable graphics are meant to be eye-catching, timely, and disposable window or wall graphics. It is not uncommon to change these graphics out monthly, allowing for a more dynamic customer-facing environment.

Vertical Markets

Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Government, Health Care, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Meetings and Events, Restaurants, Retail

Printed on:

•

Standard 4 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54” IM3204-54

Finishing and Installation

•

Contour cut or cut to size with straight edge, blade and self-healing mat

• WINDO

VE

Vehicle Wraps – Partial

Uses

Partial wraps have the advantage of being easier to design and install than full wraps, but can still leave a huge visual impact. Partial wraps are ideal for centers with some, but not extensive experience in producing vehicle graphics, and are a great option for customers who want to display branding on their vehicles but can’t justify the expense of a full wrap.

Vertical Markets

Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Hospitality, Meetings and Events, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail

Printed on:

•

Premium Vehicle 8 Year 2 mil 54” 3MIJ40C

Finishing and Installation

•

Before removing backing, attach to vehicle with magnets or tape so that you can take measurements, and mark the graphic for cuts

•

Cut for body panel seems as necessary

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Vehicle Wraps – Full

Uses

Full vehicle wraps can have a strong visual impact, and the graphics are seen often…making this one of the lowest “cost per impression” options in the large format arsenal. The design, printing, and installation require an advanced skill set, and as such full wraps are much more costly.

Vertical Markets

Printed On:

•

Premium Vehicle 8 Year 2 mil 54” 3MIJ40C

Finishing and Installation

•

Laminate graphic for maximum durability

•

Finishing and installation of full vehicle wraps is a diffi cult task requiring many hours of experience and special tools. Installation can be outsourced, or training is available from media vendors such as 3M.

Floor Graphics

Uses

Floor graphics use a low tack or temporary adhesive, are often contour cut and “disposable,” and present the customer’s messaging or branding in a unique and eye-catching way.

Vertical Markets

Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Government, Health Care, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Meetings and Events, Restaurants, Retail

Material

•

Standard 4 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54” IM3204-54

Finishing and Installation

•

Cut with a hot knife tool to sear the edges and prevent fraying

•

Hemming with a sewing machine gives a slightly more polished look

•

Can be used in banner stands, tension stands, banner rods, gasket frames and other display hardware available from vendors such as Imax Display, Catapult, and Orbus

(14)

Wall Paper and Murals

Uses

Murals and wallpapers use a more permanent adhesive meant to keep the graphic on display long term. These are most often used indoors and are a great solution for presenting a customer’s brand elements, in a highly visible area.

Vertical Markets

Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Government, Health Care, Hospitality, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail

Printed on:

•

Avery Wall Film 6 mil 54” AMPI2611-5425

Finishing and Installation

• WINDO

Vehicle Graphics can range from full, complex vehicle

wraps, to partial wraps, to decals and magnets. These are

used by a broad range of customers and consumers.

(15)

Banner Stands

Uses

Banner stands are designed to be movable and reusable, and are ideal for lobby signage or advertising, as well as trade show and event displays.

Vertical Markets

Retail, Marketing, Hospitality, Real Estate, Trade Shows and Events

Printed On:

•

Durable, Opaque Film Rollup Film 8 mil 36” Part #: ROLLUP36

•

Fabric

Aberdeen Fabric Flag .42 mm 60” Part # AFABTC-60

Finishing and Installation

•

Banner stands can be purchased from a wide array of vendors, such as Imax Display, Catapult, and Orbus

•

The most common stand is 33” wide by 79” tall and uses a tension spool to retract the banner into the stand for transport

•

Trim to size with ruler and razor, adhere to stand with clear packing tape

•

For retractable banners, print and trim the banner slightly longer than the dimensions suggest, so that the seam between the graphic and the stand rolls into the stand and won’t be seen

INDOOR

BANNERS

&

BASIC

TRADE

SHOW

DISPLA

YS

Indoor Banners & Trade Show Displays tend to be larger than

posters, are viewed from farther away, and are often meant to be

easily movable or temporary. Hospitality, retail, medical, and trade

shows are prime verticals for this category of graphics.

OO

S

&

S

C

S

O

S

Introduction

(16)

Fabric Signage

Uses

Fabric is used to create “soft signage” for interior spaces. It drapes well, carries a sharp image, and has a higher perceived value than most vinyl banners.

Vertical Markets

Ad Agencies Automotive, Education, Financial, Hospitality, Meetings and Events, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail

Printed On:

•

Aberdeen Fabric Flag .42 mm 60” AFABTC-60

Finishing and Installation

Cut with a hot knife tool to sear the edges and prevent fraying

•

Hemming with a sewing machine gives a slightly more polished look

•

Can be used in banner stands, tension stands, banner rods, gasket frames and other display hardware available from vendors such as Imax Display, Catapult, and Orbus

INDOOR

BANNERS

&

B

RADE

SHOW

DISPLA

YS

Banners

Uses

Indoor banners can be printed on thinner media and are an inexpensive, versatile way to display branding or timely messages.

Vertical Markets

Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Hospitality, Meetings and Events, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail