The rise in the use of vinyl wall graphics is very closely tied to the recent advances in adhesive technologies. Led by companies such as
3M and
Avery Denison new adhesives have been created which greatly expand the range of uses for
vinyl graphics for both indoor and outdoor surfaces. These new adhesives allow application to a new range of surfaces including windows, walls and floors
without the issue of damaging the surface upon removal.
Applications and surfaces for vinyl wall graphics installation
Offices, hallways, schools, hospitals and virtually any indoor or outdoor surface can be updated with vinyl wall graphics.
A couple of these include:
- Wall board/sheet rock (indoor)
- Concrete/concrete block (indoor or outdoor)
- Brick (Indoor or outdoor)
- Windows (First or second surface)
- Floors – carpet, wood, concrete, stone, brick
These adhesives also come in a number of different variations:
- Static Cling (window)
- Repositionable (think Fathead’s)
- Removable – typically with heat
- Permanent – usually lasts five to seven years.
The bottom line to all of this is that these materials can be installed in indoor and outdoor environments, remain for the desired life and just as importantly removed without damage to the original surface. They also eliminate the need for messy pastes that are so synonymous with how wall paper has been installed for virtually hundreds of years.
Indoor vinyl wall graphics are typically installed over standard, painted “wall board” which is used in most residential and commercial buildings. The paint allows for a milder adhesive because of molecular base of both. Unpainted walls typically require a stronger adhesive because the material must bond to the board itself.
Outdoor vinyl graphics can be installed over brick, wood, concrete block, steel, aluminum, etc. Adhesives for this range of surfaces vary greatly and as always be determined by the desired duration of the project. Brick and concrete block are the most challenging because of the uneven surface they provide. Typically, a stronger adhesive will be needed such as what is used with a popular product used called Alumigraphics.
Whether you are looking for vinyl graphics for an indoor or outdoor project
Alphagraphics Chicago North can work with any customer to analyze and recommend appropriate substrates based on their adhesive characteristics. We are excited about our capabilities and think this short, two-minute video from our partners at Hewlett Packard really highlight some of the possibilities for what can be done.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62RE_hwPEjA
We look forward to speaking to you and your organization about your vinyl wall graphics.