Drive through metropolitan areas and you will usually see one or two buildings partially covered with large-format images. Brick, cement, stucco, metal, and glass are frequently transformed from their original look to a distinctive mounting surface for broadcasting brand messaging. The result of that type of project is dynamic and within reach of most companies. All it takes to hit the mark is solid planning, technical insight, the right material, and professional installation.
Many surfaces need a bit of TLC to be good candidates for attaching large-format substrates. A cement entry portico could be just the location for a wall decal or mural, but unless the hardscape is sound and prepped, there is an increased chance of a botched project. Best practices call for a detailed pre-installation evaluation to check for trouble spots and cleanliness. Any pitting, dust, old paint, coatings, or debris requires maintenance to reach optimal material adhesion.
Underfoot graphics can be applied to a host of floor treatments – cement, carpet, ceramic tile, and wood. But installation environment conditions, such as temperature or moisture, play into assuring a successful outcome. With sidewalks, parking lots and similar locales material failure rates go up if the weather is too hot, cold, or wet. Indoors? Always put floor graphics in areas that will remain dry, as well as out of heavy equipment traffic patterns.
The physical nature of finishes guides imaging substrate selection. Vinyl wraps commonly used on a vehicle adhere well to irregular textures or shapes because they are flexible, and durable. Under other circumstances – for instance, an interior glass partition – it is best to select a specialized vinyl intended only for glass. The vinyl materials are similar, but technically designed for specific surfaces.
Do not let a display area finish deter you from the imaginative use of large-format branding. With the right substrate, big images in a space provide a visual mark that is undeniable. It is a great way to transform surroundings from basic to impressive while utilizing brand storytelling design elements.
