graphic installation

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French Cleat: A cleat by any other name is not the same!

by Justin Sims
Posted in Graphic Installation

A French cleat is a popular method for hanging items on walls securely. It consists of two pieces of wood/metal or whatever sturdy material you are utilizing, each with a 45-degree bevel cut along one edge. One piece is attached to the wall, and the other is attached to the item being hung. The beveled edges interlock, providing strong support.

People use French cleats for several reasons:

  1. Strength and stability: French cleats distribute weight evenly, making them ideal for hanging heavy items like cabinets, shelves, and mirrors.
  2. Adjustability: Items hung with French cleats can be easily adjusted horizontally to ensure they are level.
  3. Versatility: French cleats are adaptable and can be used for a variety of applications, including hanging artwork, tools, and kitchen utensils.
  4. Aesthetics: The cleat itself is often hidden, giving the appearance that the item is floating on the wall.

Overall, French cleats provide a reliable and flexible solution for wall mounting, particularly for heavier or more substantial items.

 

Colored adhesives, how to maintain accuracy and quality

by Justin Sims
Posted in Graphic Installation

There are numerous reasons why you might look for colored adhesive when creating an application. Whether it’s for brand recognition or product identification requirements, colored adhesive tapes are incredibly useful.

The most common method for obtaining custom colored tape is by sourcing colored face material and then coating the adhesive on the carrier to create a colored double-sided or single-sided tape product.

While this approach can achieve the desired color and effect, it can also present some challenges. These may include the unavailability of the desired face material color and the high minimum order quantities required to produce tapes using this method.

However, Drytac offers a much easier and more efficient alternative thanks to its unique adhesive science. Drytac takes a clear carrier film such as PET, PVC, or LDPE and tints the adhesive to the desired color or shade.

This results in a colored tape that can be created in virtually any color. To further simplify the process for customers, the minimum order quantity for these custom adhesives is just one master roll, which is much more manageable than the alternative method.

Drytac’s production flexibility allows customers to provide an existing colored tape for matching or choose from Drytac’s extensive range of color swatches to select a color that best suits their application.

In conclusion, with Drytac’s adhesives, the possibilities for creativity and color are endless.

Infuse a burst of freshness into your workspace this spring

by Justin Sims
Posted in Graphic Installation

Spring offers an ideal opportunity to concentrate on the signage and displays within your retail space. Custom wall graphics can transform virtually any surface, helping you craft the desired atmosphere at an affordable cost. Regardless of your industry, there’s a way to express gratitude to your partners through distinctive wall signage.

Celebrate donors by featuring their contributions with dedicated plaques within your workplace. Chronicle your business’s journey with graphics illustrating its progress over time. Elevate motivation and inspiration among your staff with murals designed to enhance productivity.

Think beyond two dimensions – by blending custom printed graphics with stand-off acrylic panels, you can achieve a unique 3D appearance that complements your aesthetic.

Working with low-VOC Paint

by Justin Sims
Posted in Graphic Installation

How can I make sure that films will stick to walls that are painted with low-VOC paint?

According to the UASG

Many installers are grappling with a common question regarding the changing chemistry of paint, specifically the reduction of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) by paint manufacturers. This alteration in paint composition has significantly impacted the ability of graphic films to adhere to these newer paints. However, there’s no need to lose hope. True to 3M’s commitment to innovation, we’ve thoroughly examined this issue and devised a solution that is both simple and cost-effective. The key lies in the preparation of the surface and dedicating a few extra minutes to test the adhesion of the chosen films. Follow our best practices to ensure a smooth and successful application of almost any wall film on nearly any painted surface.

Preparing the Surface

Start with the 3M™ Enhanced Adhesion Cleaning Method. This method, which involves an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and water solution and two cleaning steps, will greatly increase a film’s adhesion to a low-VOC paint.

Prepare a cleaning solution with 70 percent IPA and 30 percent water (essentially rubbing alcohol) in a spray bottle.

  • Soak a clean, lint-free cloth with the cleaning solution until it is dripping wet.
  • Clean the test (or application) area with overlapping strokes. Especially in the first cleaning, you may notice some migrated paint particles on the cloth (see photo at right).
  • Thoroughly soak another clean, lint-free cloth with the cleaning solution and wash the wall again. Researchers at 3M have found that cleaning the wall TWICE with a mixture of 70 percent IPA and 30 percent water can significantly boost adhesion for nearly any wall film applied to a painted substrate.
  • Touch the wall immediately. It will feel cooler to the touch than an unwashed area, due to the alcohol in the cleaning solution. When it no longer feels cool, it is dry and you can proceed with the film adhesion test or, if you are ready, with the film installation.
Testing Film Adhesion
  • Now prepare three strips of the same film for each of the films you plan to use for a given job. You’ll need all three so you can average the results of your test.
    • Cut three 1-inch by 10-inch strips of the graphic film(s).
    • Remove about 2 inches of liner, fold down one inch, and then punch a hole in the tab you’ve created
      (see photo at right).

NOTE: It’s important to test each wall where graphics will be installed. Because paints can easily be color matched, you may not be able to tell if one wall of a room has been painted with a different formula than the others.

  • Remove the liner and apply the test strips to the cleaned surface so the punched hole is at the top. Use the 3M™ Rivet Brush RBA-1 to go over the strips three times to ensure good adhesion.
  • After 15 minutes, remove the test strips by pulling with a spring scale attached to the film strip tab. Try to pull at a rate of 1 inch every 5 seconds and observe both the value on the scale and the smoothness with which the film releases from the wall
    (see photo below).

Here is how to assess your test results:

  • Unacceptable adhesion: The film measures less than 300 grams/inch on the scale and releases with little or no resistance.
  • Acceptable adhesion: The film measures 300-1000 grams/inch on the scale and releases smoothly and consistently with some resistance. May be removable with heat/chemicals but may cause wall damage.
  • Excellent adhesion: The film measures greater than 1000 grams/inch on the scale and releases smoothly and consistently with substantial resistance. Will cause wall damage if removed.

A film that pulls inconsistently or jerkily indicates that the adhesive is not making full contact with the substrate, even if it measures in the acceptable to excellent range. We do not recommend using a film that exhibits jerky removal.

What are the differences between the Industry standard 3M IJ180 and the new 3M IJ280?

by Justin Sims
Posted in Graphic Installation

3M™ IJ180 vs 3M™ IJ280 Vinyl

Installed Graphics compares the two for you in one simple page.

 
Durability:
  • 3M™ IJ180: Is a durable, cast vinyl film designed for long-term outdoor use. It has a lifespan of up to 10 years and is known for its resistance to UV radiation and tough weather conditions. It's has been a reliable choice for vehicle wraps and outdoor graphics for many years.
  • 3M™ IJ280: IJ280 is another cast vinyl film from 3M, but it is generally considered to be less durable compared to IJ180. It's designed for medium-term applications and typically has a lifespan of around 5-7 years. While it's still a good choice for outdoor use, it may not be as long-lasting as IJ180.
Conformability:
  • 3M™ IJ180: Is known for its excellent conformability, making it a preferred choice for wrapping vehicles and applying graphics to complex curves and contours. It can stretch and conform to irregular surfaces with ease.
  • 3M™ IJ280: Offers good conformability, it may not be as flexible as IJ180. It's more suitable for flat or slightly curved surfaces.  IJ280 tends to conform better at room temperature.
Adhesive:
  • Both films come with 3M's proprietary Controltac™ and Comply™ adhesive technologies, which help with ease of application and bubble-free installation. They allow for repositioning during application, which is especially important for large-scale graphics.
Finish Options:
  • Both IJ180 and IJ280 are available in a variety of finishes, including gloss, matte, and satin, to suit different design preferences.
Compatibility: 
  • Both vinyl films are compatible with solvent, latex, and UV-curable ink systems, making them versatile choices for various printing methods.
Cost:
  • 3M™ IJ180 is generally considered a premium product, and it tends to be more expensive than IJ280. The choice between the two may depend on your specific project requirements and budget constraints.
Conference Banner Graphics

Conference Banner Graphics Make A Powerful Statement

by Installed Graphics
Posted in Graphic Installation

Conference Banners For Brand Awareness

Making a good impression at a business conference goes beyond the appearance of your employees. The way your business signage looks also makes a statement on how you want to be viewed by others. Conference banner graphics send a powerful message about your company. Professional banner installation helps increase brand awareness as well as conveys important information about your company. Build brand awareness with conference banners and get noticed!

Convention Banner Graphics Promote Your Service or Product

A convention banner graphic that includes your business name and logo will draw traffic to your booth or location. The convention banners come in a variety of shapes and sizes to make it easier to get the key points of your message across to others. A compelling message, combined with easy to read text and colors that are bold, are an effective way to deliver your message to others.

Plus, the convention banners are easy to transport so they can be moved to the stage if you are giving a speech or product presentation. Framing a stage with multiple banners reinforces your message while also giving conference attendees a visual image to go along with your spoken message.

Custom Banners Attract Attention Wherever You Go

Custom banner graphics at a conference or trade show is a polite way of telling others to “talk to me!” Our versatile banner installation methods mean your conference banner graphics can be placed on a table or floor as well as high above the crowd. Being able to easily spot your banner enables attendees to find the location of your table or room. They won’t get lost once you provide a banner to show them the way.

Pole Banners Are Visually Appealing

It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words so visually appealing conference banners graphics are a must have for your company. Promote your business while emphasizing key points about your product. Plus, pole banners are long lasting thanks to proper banner installation techniques. You can use the same banner multiple times which makes them a good investment.

Professional Banner Installation Services

Installed Graphics can help you get your message across in a visually appealing manner that attracts attention to your company. We offer graphic design and professional sign installation services. Contact us to get your free quote or to learn more about how we can help your business stand out from the crowd.

 

Custom Fleet Wraps & Fleet Graphics

Custom Fleet Wraps Will Get Your Company Noticed

by Installed Graphics
Posted in Graphic Installation

The art of marketing has changed over the years as companies look for ways to advertise beyond simply advertising in the newspaper or on the radio. One of the most powerful ways to advertise your company is with a custom fleet wrap. You already own the vehicles so why not use them to promote your company?  Our vinyl graphic installers can set you apart from your competition with a professional, and effective, set of custom fleet wraps designed to make a positive visual impression with customers.

Fleet Graphics Will Target a Wide Audience

Whether you have a fleet of vans, or simply have a single car or truck, each moment that your fleet is out on the road is a branding opportunity for your business. Fleet graphics will target a wide audience just by driving your fleet vehicles. Your logo and message will be on full display in traffic while making thousands of impressions per day. You can send your message out on the road during a business call or even during your daily lunch hour.

Your company message and the branding behind it will go wherever you want when your custom fleet warps are on the road. Sending out vehicles with fleet graphics puts your advertising message directly in front of your local customers and any other areas targeted by your business. Bring your brand to life with vehicle graphics and fleet wraps.

Vinyl Graphics Make It Easy To Track the Effectiveness

Our vinyl graphics and custom vehicle wraps provide you the opportunity to market your business while also tracking the effectiveness of your branding. Here is how you can track the effectiveness of vinyl graphics and automotive wraps.

  • Phone Number On Your Fleet Wraps – Put a separate phone number on the wrap that is only advertised on the fleet vehicle.
  • Special Promotions – Promote a special deal that can only be redeemed by mentioning that the deal that was seen on the vehicle.
  • Promote Website Address – Fleet graphics are a great way to promote your website address.

The possibilities are endless and our team of vinyl graphic installers will help make your marketing ideas a reality.

Contact Us to Transform Your Fleet Graphics

The vinyl graphic installers at Installed Graphics are ready to transform your current fleet vehicles into powerful vehicles that will advertise you to a wider audience.  Vehicle graphics are a cost-effective choice to target customers in your local advertising market. Contact us for a free quote or to let us answer any questions you have about custom fleet wraps.

 

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St. Louis, MO 63132
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