Window Graphics Archives | Digital Print Media

How to Choose the Right Overlaminate

October 23, 2018 By Digital Print Media Editor

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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Large Format Printer Maintenance

June 14, 2018 By Digital Print Media Editor

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.

Why Use Window Graphics?

March 23, 2018 By Digital Print Media Editor

Window graphics offer a low-fi way to attract customers with all the impact of a high-tech solution. Storefront advertising is an effective marketing method that has been around for a long time. It works well in conjunction with other marketing, or on its own.

Vinyl graphics are effective because they easily draw in passersby. Even if someone was not planning to drop into your business, a great window graphic can be enough to attract attention. Using this cost-effective advertisement, you will get a big impact from a small investment.

The Benefits of Window Graphics

Vinyl graphics are inexpensive compared to fixed signs. They are easy to change and easy to remove. It is simple, therefore, to use vinyl graphics as a year-round advertisement or to adjust your message for special sales or events.

Permanent signs often require permits from your city. These graphics, however, do not permanently alter the space in any way. This means that they install easily without having to deal with the paperwork and cost of pursuing a permit.

Small businesses, retail stores, restaurants, service providers, hotels, and storefronts from many other industries benefit from vinyl graphics. Sharing the right message, you can reach out to your customers and potential new clients whether your business is open or closed. You will always be advertising, and always attracting attention with well-made graphics.

Special Graphic Applications

Unique graphics draw even more attention to your business. Try metallic vinyl graphics for a touch of elegance. Frosted graphics add beauty and privacy at the same time, at a low cost. You do not need etched glass when you have this removable film! Perforated graphics also add privacy without compromising on light quality.

Any of these special graphic applications, and others, can be adjusted to meet your specific space and branding requirements. These graphics are flexible and customizable for each and every business space.

Wide format printers are perfect for creating graphics of all types. Basic graphics, specialty films, and any other vinyl media come out beautifully with a high-quality printer. We can help you create the graphics that elevate your business, or provide you with the machine you need to do it yourself.

Window graphics are easy-to-use and highly customizable. They are a cost-effective way to transform a location. Try a graphic to see how it enhances the customer experience. It may even change the way you do business, as well as your bottom line.

Mactac Announces Improvements to PERMACOLOR ColorGard LUV Overlaminates

February 1, 2018 By Digital Print Media Editor

Mactac has announced improvements to their line of PERMACOLOR ColorGard LUV overlaminates. Already considered to be some of the best laminating films on the market, the improvements elevates this product into an even highly level of performance. ColorGard LUV films offer protection from abrasion, moisture and other potentially damaging effects in both indoor and outdoor environments. Additionally, as an added benefit these films enhance the vibrancy of the graphic.

Among the new improvements are:

Increased outdoor durability up to 5 years
Color shift resistance
ColorGard LUV films now have unmatched superior adhesion and wet-out over challenging UV inkjet prints

Applications:

Photographic prints
Transparencies
UV screen printed images
Latex, Solvent, Eco-solvent and Water-based Inkjet AND especially UV inkjet prints

Why Use High-Performance Laminating Films?

Laminating are used to protect printed graphics from light, dirt and moisture both indoors and outdoors. It should also be known that not all laminating films are created equal. Low-grade laminating films can bubble, crack, warp, and cause graphics to fade. A high-performance overlaminate, such as PERMACOLOR ColorGard LUV by Mactac offers UV protection, superior flexibility/conformability, superior adhesion, long-term protection, and graphic enhancement.

Learn more about PERMACOLOR LUV Overlaminates

Aquarium Conference Room – Printed Clear Window Film

May 24, 2016 By Digital Print Media Editor

KHDA of United Arab Emirates, (Dubai) wanted to transform their conference room into an underwater aquarium theme. So they called upon E-Walls Studio to tackle the job. Using Mactac Printvinyl 899 R (only available to Mactac’s European market) the studio did an incredible job of transforming the space into a life-sized aquarium.

The transparent film used for this application allows for the graphic to be viewed from both sides of the glass. It is a nice example of high contrast and vivid imagery – traits that are sometimes difficult to achieve with clear film. The product is similar to Mactac JT5999R, a 3.1 mil clear gloss PVC film with a removable adhesive- which is available in the United States.

This project proves that wide format media has found a place in the world of interior décor.

Via Mactaccreativeawards.com

Silver Vinyl Window Graphics

May 2, 2016 By Digital Print Media Editor

Silver Vinyl Window Graphics Image Gallery

Silver lettering and graphics on windows provide an elegant and classic touch if executed the right way. Silver and gold lettering/graphics have a timeless look, once achieved only by hand-painting directly onto the window. Thanks to current-day vinyl plotters, this look can now be achieved with far less effort. We have compiled a short list of some creative examples of silver vinyl applied to windows.