Digital Print Media

Overlaminate may seem like an afterthought compared to deciding the primary elements of your graphic such as color, materials, and design. While it is a finishing touch, it is a very important one to consider.

An overlaminate will prolong the life of your graphic and protect it from weathering, UV rays, damage, and scratches.

Types of Overlaminate Materials

The main types of overlaminate materials are cast, monomeric, or polymeric vinyl. Depending on the type of graphic you have chosen, one of these three will be the best option. Keep in mind that the substrate (the layer under the overlaminate) dictates the material for the overlaminate.

It is possible to mix materials in some cases. A better quality overlaminate can be used with a lesser quality substrate. However, the opposite is not true. A cast vinyl cannot be combined with a polymeric or monomeric overlaminate because it can cause edge curl or shrinkage. Cast vinyl must be paired with a cast overlaminate.

Think about the type, location, and use of the graphic.

Will it be a floor graphic, a sign, or car wraparound?

Is the image 2D or 3D?

This will help to decide with type of overlaminate material that is required.

For 2D graphics including signs, interior walls, or displays, a standard polymeric overlaminate is recommended. With 3D graphics, a cast overlaminate should be used. There is more of a stretch of the material with 3D applications, and any other type of material will not work correctly.

Cast vinyl and cast overlaminate are the most long-lasting combination of the materials available for graphics. While the cost is higher with the cast materials, the durability and stability are better. Over time this cost difference will pay off with a longer-lasting sign, floor graphics, or mural, especially those that are placed in outdoor spaces. Cast overlaminates can also have several types of finishes, including glossy, satin, matte, or luster to match the desired appearance of the project.

Overlaminates are an important finishing touch for any type of graphics or signs. Protect your investment with a quality overlaminate that will stand the test of weather, wear, and time.

There are several types of overlaminates to choose from, so consider the use, placement, and look that you’d like as you discuss the options with your vendor or graphic designer.

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Vehicle wraps are a tried and true effective way to get the word out about your business. Once you’ve had the wrap installed, the advertisement will pay for itself over time with the exposure to many types of people who may not have otherwise known about your services. The advertisement is working for you round the clock no matter where your vehicle is driving or even if it’s parked.

Wraps are not exclusively for business owners. They can be used by anyone who wants to upgrade their vehicle with a bold design or even just to change the car’s color.

A recent exciting development is the use of tuning film. This essentially replaces the need for a car to be repainted. A full or partial wrap can be used, with many color and finish options to make your vehicle look as good as new.

Certain textured wraps are only meant to be used as a partial wrap. For a full wrap, the look is very precise, almost exactly like paint, and must be applied carefully by a certified installer.

Vehicle wraps come in two different types: cast or calendared. Cast is a more recommended material for a wrap because the dimensional stability is better. This means that the wrap is more supple and will work with the curves of the vehicle. It also offers more options and is longer-lasting than a calendared wrap.

Choose a trusted brand and a certified installer.

There are many brands to choose from, but, for the best result, use a recommended brand that has a proven record of successful installation and durability.

Installing a vehicle wrap is a technical process and requires training. Any reputable business will have a portfolio of previous work and examples to show potential customers. Insist on seeing reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or other business owners.

If you plan to add a vehicle wrap for advertising, remember that it is best to keep it simple. Too much wording or very busy graphics, a too small font size, or a hard-to-read font will completely defeat the purpose of the wrap. People will glance at the vehicle when it is moving and when it is parked, so a simple, clear message tends to be most effective.

Quality design and materials over quantity of advertising words or pictures will get your vehicle noticed. Vehicle wraps are the solution to rejuvenating an old car’s finish, adding an eclectic design, or advertising a business.

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We live in a world filled with gorgeous colors. When clients bring their creativity to us, we love taking their ideas and realizing them.

There are a number of details that can make or break any project. Graphics need to be represented as accurately as possible, so we need to appreciate the difference between CMYK vs. RGB color. 

What is CMYK?

The CMYK color model is a subtractive color model, used in color printing. The four letters stand for the colors cyan, magenta, yellow and key (black). The CMYK model is based on the days of press printing, when printing presses would have four plates of the four colors.

If printers are using a digital printing method, the color that is printed onto the paper is from CMYK colors. Because these four colors are subtractive, this means that each additional unique color needs more light to be removed or absorbed to create colors.

What is RGB?

When talking about RGB color schemes, these are the ones associated with electronic displays such as those found in digital cameras, scanners, and LCD monitors. This is an additive type of color mode, and combines the primary colors of red, green and blue to create a variety of colors.

When all three of the colors are combined and displayed to their fullest extent, the result is a pure white color. When combined to their lowest degree, the resulting color is black.

Photo editing programs always allow the use of RGB colors as these offer the widest range of colors.

How Do I Know Which Color Model to Use?

If you are creating a project that will only be seen digitally, then use RGB colors. The Internet is set up exclusively for RGB colors.

Pixels are comprised of three light units, one for blue, one for red and one for green. The RGB values are applied to these pixels on a screen, which in turn sets the brightness of each unit in each pixel.

If you will be printing something such as a business card or poster, use CMYK. CMYK color does not include a white color, because it is assumed that the printing will be done on white paper.

Depending on the percentage of each color used, more or less white from the paper will be allowed to show through, making shades appear lighter or darker.

There is no perfect interconnection between RGB and CMYK, but when a professional conversion takes place, there can be a very close match.

High-tack vinyl graphic on semi-truck

The signage industry is very competitive and demanding; clients are always on the lookout for new and creative ways to promote their brand. This means that no surface should be off-limits for graphics applications. Thanks to new advancements in wide format print media, today’s high-tack vinyl does not disappoint.

Things to Consider when Choosing High-Tack Print Media

1. How well does it hold up against the outdoor elements such as sun, rain, and snow?
2. What is the outdoor durability rating?
3. What is the intended application? Will it be exposed to high-heat, heavy wear, outside elements?
4. Will it need extra protection provided by an overlaminate?

Mactac REBEL® X-treme™ High-Bond Permanent Adhesive Print Media – features one of the strongest adhesives on the market.

Applications for High-Tack Vinyl

Innovative new products such as Mactac’s REBEL X-treme offers a virtually limitless realm of opportunity. It’s designed to provide a permanent graphics solution for vehicles, floors, flat wall surfaces, screen-printed labels, decals, markings, point-of-purchase displays and signs for indoor and outdoor use.

High-Heat Applications – Perhaps the most impressive feature of high-performance high-tack vinyl is its ability to forge a permanent bond with good resistance to heat. This means it can be used on metal surfaces that may become hot from sun exposure or from being near an engine. A good economical product for applications like this is Mactac REBEL® RB528H High Tack Permanent Adhesive https://davinci-technologies.com/product/mactac-rebel-rb528h-high-tack/

Mactac REBEL® RB528H High Tack is a versatile print media – perfect for floor graphics and vehicle graphics.

Sidewalks and Floor Surfaces – Even a sidewalk can be used with High-Tack Inkjet Vinyl signs. So long as the area has been cleaned and allowed to dry beforehand, your vinyl will stick to it successfully and endure foot traffic without losing integrity.

Art and Decorative – High-Tack Inkjet Vinyl has even branched out of the professional business world and moved into the private domain, creating a myriad of aesthetically stunning works of art that decorate both private homes and public buildings.

Installation and Surface Prep

Installation is best left to a professional for this particular media. Since the adhesive is designed to be permanent, you’ll only get one shot for placement. On the plus side, it will stick to any surface and needs little preparation before use, only a thorough cleaning of the targeted area. Imperfections and loose particles binding to the high tack will impact its long-term stability.

Final Thoughts

Not all high-tack inkjet media is made equal. Some products are designed to last a few seasons. Others will remain for many years. It really depends on the adhesive and whether or not the graphic is laminated for added protection. When selecting a permanent vinyl with a high-tack adhesive, make you know as much as possible about the application – and if you have questions, do not hesitate to ask your supplier of wide format print media.

Paper is paper, right? You go to print something off on your printer and you don’t give it a second thought. After all, all paper is basically the same. Right?

If that means that paper is wood pulp that comes from freshly cut trees, then yes, but have you considered what happens to the environment when all those trees are cut down? How is the landscape and wildlife habitats affected?

The next time you go looking for printing paper, make sure it is FSC® certified.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a not-for-profit organization whose central aim is to protect the world’s forests. They do this by overseeing and seeking improvements in timber production. The FSC works with those in the timber industry who have great impact on inspecting and tracking pulp and timber through what are known as production chains. Forests must be managed in a sustainable way to be certified through the FSC.

Those who work at setting standards in the timber industry do so because there is so much to consider. This is why recycled paper has become so popular in the last few decades. Wherever possible, isn’t it better to make print paper and other print media from a product made from post-consumer waste rather than through the tearing down of more trees?

Recycling paper has saved countless trees and forests. Trees are needed everywhere and more trees mean less pollution. The positive impact of recycling paper is felt on a global scale.

Why use FSC-certified eco-friendly print media?

Why not! Businesses are catching on to the idea that recycled paper is just as good as traditional paper taken from freshly cut trees. It’s very hard to make a distinction, except that FSC-certified paper is clearly labeled as such.

Also, the FSC is concerned with the ethical treatment of people who are involved in the timber industry. Any company that displaces indigenous people while in the production of their timber will not be considered for FSC certification.

To date, the FSC has certified approximately 429 million acres of timber worldwide.

Don’t be a business that talks about environmentally safe practices. The next time you are in the market for print media, buy recycled and FSC-certified paper. You will be doing your part to save trees, reduce pollution, and decrease carbon emissions.

Installing wall graphics is a great way to transform dull walls into something spectacular. Wall graphics can express your creativity and imagination to the fullest.

Roll vinyl over rivets and contours in seconds with Rollepro.

Installing window graphics on interior walls usually does not present much of a problem. The walls are relatively smooth and easy to work with. Using graphics is a very eye-catching way to promote a product, service, or event, and your actions will certainly get attention.

When installing exterior wall graphics, the process may not be as easy. Compared to interior walls, exterior walls can present more of a challenge due to the materials involved. Materials include bricks, cinder blocks, and concrete, and the finishes on exterior walls can range from very smooth to an extremely textured finish. Wall graphics may not adhere to these walls at all unless you change up your installation process.

Remember, surfaces can be primed, sealed, painted or have no coating at all. Using all of the equipment you would use when you install interior wall graphics, you are going to add one more piece of equipment: a foam roller.

1. When you install wall graphics on an exterior wall, thoroughly clean the surface first.

2. You are not going to want any of the panel’s edges to line up with joints and grout lines, so align your graphic accordingly.

3. Letting the wall graphic hang loose, peel the backing in 2-foot increments at the top and the bottom of the graphic.

4. Then, use the foam roller and a heat gun to seal the top and bottom portions of the graphic quickly.

5. Starting at the top, apply the graphic in the same way using the roller and heat gun, until the entire graphic has been installed.

Advantages of Using a Foam Roller to Install Wall Graphics

• Using the right roller makes certain you are able to roll the graphics around doorknobs, or around any contoured surface, as well as into corners where a tight fit is a must. A roller makes for a much more professional look.
• Using a foam roller, you won’t need additional equipment, such as brushes or riveting equipment. A foam roller is soft enough that the tool can conform easily to rough textures. You will want to keep the roller moving at about 2 inches per second.

Wall graphics can transform a space in a way that visitors and passersby will love. Make sure that you get the most from wall graphics by ensuring that the right equipment is being used during installation.

In recent years, wallcoverings have come back onto the home furnishing market with a real splash of high-resolution color. Before, paint coatings were preferred for their color, cost, and ease of application. Mass-produced wallcoverings were considered dull and unimaginative.

Advances in digital printing technology have turned consumers back on to wallcoverings. Many homeowners want to turn their living space into an imaginative world stamped with their personality. Large format digital printing offers low-cost production of one-off, customizable designs. Unique and creative home decor is now possible. Many wallcoverings are now designed from one image, repeated in rows or diagonals. The consumer may supply this image herself, or it can be sourced from a royalty-free database of images.

1. The first stage in creating a successful wallcovering is to engage the services of a good design team. They will collaborate with the client, drawing up ideas and choosing suitable colors.
   • If the client supplies their own image, the designers will check if the image is of a suitable quality and resolution. Images can be digitally improved, but the quality will always depend on the original photo. Wallcoverings can be huge and if the idea is to cover the wall with one image than it had better contain a lot of pixels. The more pixels an image has, the sharper the image. A blurry image can spoil a wallcovering, as can light balance.
   • The darker an image, the higher the resolution needed.
   • Subjects in motion also need a higher resolution than still subjects. 
   • Often, the client will select a wallcovering based on the design of others. These often draw color and style from many creative sources, including nature, history, and the fashion industry. Sometimes a design will suggest a particular texture, for example, a silk or plaster look.
2. Once the design is complete, it is scanned and the color layers separated digitally. The design is etched onto the print rollers and colorways developed using visual aids and CAD software. Often, around 30 colorways are developed for one pattern.
3. After proofing and quality checks, the design proceeds to production. Masters are created from the first runs to maintain color consistency. Samples and presentation boards are also produced as aids for field sales reps. Bolts of wallcoverings are printed and shipped out upon receipt of an order.

Wallcoverings are easy to put up, almost odorless and need virtually no drying time. For best results, we recommend you ask a qualified professional to install your wallcoverings.

Mactac® Launches StreetTRAX™ Outdoor Floor Graphic Product

StreetTRAX™ is a print-and-apply outdoor floor graphic media that delivers sharp images and is inherently slip resistant, no laminate needed.

Building on its industry-leading reputation, Mactac® launches its second outdoor floor graphic product, StreetTRAX™, which passes ANSI/NFSI slip resistance/high traction specifications.

StreetTRAX (STX1528P) is ideal for high pedestrian traffic areas such as marathons and races, parades, fairs, college campuses, sports arenas and entertainment venues, convention centers, and more. It has an outdoor application life of up to 2 months and is printable with solvent, eco-solvent, latex and UV-cured inkjet printers.

StreetTRAX is a 13.5-mil white PVC film that is top-coated with a non-skid printable clear aggregate, which allows for amazingly clean lines and crisp images. It features an aggressive, permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive that bonds extremely well to flat or slightly rough concrete and asphalt surfaces.

“Printable, grit-coated StreetTRAX features a proprietary coating that truly stands in a class of its own,”

says Jeff Stadelman, marketing manager, Mactac Distributor Products.

“Its unique design delivers sharp images and exceptional high traction on either wet or dry floors, making it an extremely versatile and cost-effective solution for promoting high-impact images and other creative messages on concrete and asphalt surfaces.”

Meeting the new ANSI/NFSI (American National Standards Institute/National Floor Safety Institute) B101.1 and B101.3 specifications for slip resistance/high traction, StreetTRAX is designed for the production of outdoor sidewalk and parking lot ‘floor’ graphics.

For more information on StreetTRAX™ or other innovative pressure-sensitive solutions for the wide-format printing industry, call 860-265-3388 or visit https://davinci-technologies.com/.

Backlit media has become one of the most popular means of advertising in recent years, driven by the falling costs of digital printing. As the technology improves so too does the effectiveness of using an illuminated sign over a non-illuminated one. Even the glossiest, non-lit, large format posters and prints will find it challenging to compete with an illuminated sign.

Backlit media require three components:

The Lightbox or Kiosk

First, you have a lightbox or kiosk, the glass-faced container for displaying the print. These light boxes are usually slim and lightweight, made from plastic, and install flush to the wall. They are designed with a spring-tensioned frame, which opens and allows prints to be changed with ease.The best ones come with a range of frame finishes, from powdered coated to aluminum. They grip the print, avoiding unprofessional wrinkles.

The Lighting

Second, you have the means of illumination: compact LED units that sit behind the print. These LEDs are cheap to install and very energy-efficient, which means energy costs are kept low. LEDs convert a higher proportion of energy into light; far less is wasted as heat. They also have long lifespans, over twice as long as conventional lighting.

The Print

Finally, you have the print itself, which bears the branded artwork. The print can be either paper-based or made from polyester or vinyl film. All these materials are translucent, allowing the white light from the LEDs to pass through, illuminating the text and images.
The results can be dazzling, with bold, rich colors and a message which leaps out at the observer. Strategically placed at point-of-sale locations, backlit advertising media gets cash registers ringing. This makes them ideal for sales counters, exhibition booths, anywhere where money changes hands.

As well as being mounted on walls, light boxes can be hung from the ceiling or placed as freestanding units on legs. The latter two options allow you to double the cost-effectiveness of your advertising with a double-sided lightbox. Get twice the impact for a minimal extra cost.

Promote your brand using customizable fonts and graphics. Use backlit media to get any message across, whether promotional or instructional. For a really striking effect that will get heads turning, try using frosted vinyl film in your lightbox. It’s as cool as ice!

Nothing gets your brand noticed better than a prominent array of iridescent backlit signs. They’re great for shopping malls, hotel lounges, rail stations, and supermarkets.

Backlit advertising media is one of the most powerful marketing tools out there. For a very modest investment, the revenue returns can be enormous.

Find your inspiration on Pinterest Backlit Media Boards!

Maintaining your large format printer ensures that jobs are completed on-time and prints are of the highest quality. 

Updated: 6/14/2018 – Your wide format printer will only work well if it is properly maintained. When you rely on your printer for your business, regular maintenance is vital. It is the kind of thing best done preventatively and regularly, instead of waiting for something to go wrong.

To keep your wide format printer functioning well for a long time to come, follow these tips for print head cleaning and more. You will also find a well-maintained printer makes better prints!

Supplies for Printer Maintenance

Have these supplies in stock for maintenance and repair. Each one plays an important role.

• Gloves: Wear latex or nitrile gloves when performing printer maintenance. It is important to avoid direct contact with chemicals such as ink and cleaning solvents.
• Eye Protection: Similarly, safety goggles protect your eyes. Just in case printer ink or other solvents splash, you will be glad you have the coverage!
• Shop Wipes / Industrial Wipes: Paper towels are a must-have for quick clean up of any spills or messes.
• Print Swabs: Print head swabs are one of the most important supplies to have on hand. These are used to clean the hard to reach areas of your wide format printer. When you use print swabs you can extend the life of your print heads and improve print quality.
• Print Head Wipes: Use a polyester, lint-free wipe, with attributes similar to those of cleanroom wipes. Use these to clean print heads and other sensitive materials and areas of the printer.
• Spray Bottle: Use this for careful, accurate spraying of your cleaning solvent. You should always refer to your specific printer manual for acceptable cleaning solvents.

Referring to Your Manual

The manual for your printer will give you specific instructions for maintenance. This includes how often you should clean and maintain your printer. It will also let you know which supplies and cleaners suit your specific machine. While some of these products are universal, like safety goggles and gloves, others will change with your printer make and model.

Other Maintenance Considerations

Factors like the environment in which your printer lives impact maintenance and cleaning. Think about the operating temperature and humidity — higher or lower levels can change your printer’s efficiency. The cleanliness of the area also matters.

Have questions regarding this topic? Leave a comment below to start the discussion.