Digital Print Media

The most effective way to market products and entice new consumers is with visual graphics. Photos and artwork are a profitable business for companies and marketing firms. Using a subscription service software for royalty-free graphics is an innovative way to save money and add value to various marketing materials.

Note that the “free” in the term “royalty-free” refers to the copyright agreements between the purchaser and the supplier, deeming it to be in line with current national and international copyright laws. There are many advantages to choosing royalty-free images.

Thousands upon thousands of images are available and easily accessible royalty-free.

Think of any subject matter and an image will be available to use on your website or print advertisements. These images are high-resolution and continue to be updated each month so there is always something new to add to your collection.

Often, images are grouped together by category and can give your company a consistency in the graphics chosen. While your chosen graphics could be used by another business, using graphics that are a little more unusual will help you differentiate your imagery from other businesses. In most cases, using royalty-free images is unlikely to cause problems like brand confusion.

With a subscription service, you may have an allocation of a certain number of images per week or month. These types of high-resolution photos are perfect for larger-scale projects, vehicle wraps or outlines, and vinyl ready vectors. The sky’s the limit when it comes to professional-grade visual graphics for all types of applications. Each image is released for full commercial use in both online and print promotional advertisements.

Make sure not to be confused by the term “stock” photo versus royalty-free. They are terms often used together but do not mean the same thing.

Stock photos are typically more expensive. Their usage is controlled by the owner of the photo. Royalty-free photos, however, normally cost less than stock photos, but they can be used by anyone.

The main advantage of using royalty-free graphics is that you can take on the job of a graphic designer without doing any designing. Choose the images for your upcoming projects, rotate when needed by selecting from a vast library of files, and keep your website, social media, and marketing current without breaking the bank.

Wide format printing is nothing new, but the quality, affordability, and popularity of wide format printing are all growing. This is due to many developments within the industry itself and in the marketplace.

An ever increasing range of innovative products and increased demand is driving the industry toward increased profitability and creativity. Opening new horizons in the sign and display market, wide-format printing has broken into new markets such as textiles and functional printing.

Even though the 2016 to 2021 wide-format forecast tends to downplay this segments’ growth and adaptability (forecasting -1%CAGR from 2016 to 2021), there are several cues that point toward an upwards trend and increased adaptability within the segment.

Print providers are increasingly making use of newer technology, opening new horizons for wide-format printing. The widespread use of inkjet-based technology within the industry is creating new trends that are predicted to mature in the upcoming years, such as:

1. Increased productivity and cost-effectiveness
2. Wider media support
3. Greater workflow and efficiency
4. Availability for PSPs and applications

When comparing aqueous wide-format printers and multi-pass printers with single pass printers, the trend favors the latter. The popularity of single pass is on the increase. They lead the pack, while aqueous and multi-pass printers are seeing a decline now and in the projected future.

The versatility, increased productivity, and adaptability of single-pass printers are winning over the market and seem destined to dominate the immediate future.

Latex is experiencing healthy growth, in spite of slower than expected growth compared to its previous 15%+CAGR. Its alliance with HP and the use of its integrated PrintOS system is creating greater developments in workflow and productivity.

The same cannot be said of Solvent, facing stiff competition and loss of market shares across the spectrum. While aqueous wide-format is pushing Solvent out of the low-end, temporary signage segment, Solvent is still holding on thanks in part to its low-cost machines and inks segment, taking off in emerging markets.

UV is continuing to grow as its UV-LED technology spreads globally, making it a big pretender to Solvent’s high-end market share. The new UV flex inks are expanding applications allowing for a staggering 400% stretch, getting the fabric and vehicle wraps segment very interested indeed.

In conclusion, wide format printing is here to stay. Technologies are being phased out and replaced as we speak, creating a dynamic and growing market, today and in the foreseeable future.

No matter the size of your machine, preventive maintenance is important. Neglecting equipment can damage your business and its reputation by necessitating more costly repairs and a potential loss of time and business.

Regardless of the cost of your machine, you need to consider the work hours lost and the impact on sales and leads while you repair or replace it. Clients like to know they work with reliable partners that keep to their deadlines.

Here is some advice to improve the longevity of your printing equipment.

Listen to advice

When doing your regular maintenance, take into account the manufacturers recommendations. They built it and know what the machine needs. Heed their advice.

Use a pro or something like one

Also, make sure the person doing the maintenance is either a professional or has the requisite experience or knowledge. Amateur repairs can often lead to damage and/or more lost work hours.

Keep necessary maintenance products in reserve

Collect the recommend products, such as the indicated cleaning products, maintenance fluids, cleaning wipes – such as lint-free wipes and swabs – latex gloves, and any specific tools indicated by the manufacturer. If you rely on your equipment, it relies on someone to clean it and perform minor adjustments. It’s better to have the tools ready than to have to scramble at the last minute.

Keep spares

It’s also not a bad idea to keep spare printer parts (as advised by the manufacturer or your printing professional).

Keep your supplies in one place for ease of access and keep a spare key just in case.

Keep it regular

Making a maintenance schedule with clearly indicated tasks is essential to ensure the work gets done properly. This schedule maintains a degree of consistency in your maintenance and gives you a useful tool to ascertain the general state of your equipment.

A schedule can also help create a sense of accountability, since the person doing the maintenance needs to sign off afterward. Signing will provide the necessary sense of importance that this task deserves.

Regular maintenance means daily, weekly, and quarterly maintenance. Indicate them clearly in your schedule.

Maintain relationships, too

Make sure to create an open and trusting atmosphere between the staff and any IT or maintenance crew. Staff is usually the first to notice that something’s wrong, so they should feel empowered and encouraged to report problems and potential problems early.

Know your machine

Get familiar with your printer. Learn its calibration and specs. Knowing your machine can help you diagnose issues faster and help guide your maintenance efforts.

Remember, maintenance may be onerous at times. And it might seem wasteful on a machine that seems just fine. Maintenance, however, will help keep your business functional and competitive.

Watching a high-end printer at work can be very satisfying. Its fluidity can give us the illusion that it will never break down. The productivity and quality of the print, however, is dependent not only on the printer and materials, but also on proper maintenance.

Even the best printers need regular maintenance.

Regular maintenance is a prerequisite if you wish for your printer to perform optimally, and maintenance also increases your valuable printer’s life expectancy. It also reduces expensive technical interventions, wasted time, and missed production deadlines.

Daily print-head cleaning is essential. This part of your machine needs to be taken care of first. Dust particles, ink residues, and dirt can affect this very sensitive piece of your printing equipment.
Using the right maintenance tool is vital to make sure your operation runs as smoothly and cost-effectively as possible. The main tool for maintaining your print-head is the ubiquitous and humble wipe or swab. To ensure the utmost care for your machine, the print-head swab is a very highly engineered and technologically advanced piece of equipment in its own right.
The idea is to clean the print-head without accidentally introducing new contaminants. This is why print-head wipes are specially designed in cleanroom environments to ensure no contaminants are brought into your printer.

Printer-head wipes come in many formats, but they share some basic characteristics that set them apart from regular wipes. Whether the wipes are impregnated with cleaning agents or not, they are lint-free. Nothing is more common and damaging to a printer head than lint. Aside from the nasty effects it can have on the printed product, it helps deteriorate your print-head at an alarming rate.

Non-abrasiveness is another essential quality for wipes. We may not think of fabric and paper as abrasive, but they are, especially if your printer is producing in bulk and at high speed.

We recommend Da Vinci print head wipes. They offer a highly effective product at very competitive prices and come in a wide range of formats so you’re sure to find what you’re looking for according to your maintenance schedule and your machine.

By investing in the right wipes, you can help your printer run as smoothly and effectively as it can.

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.