When looking for longer lasting large format outdoor solution, consider this approach to large format graphics guaranteed to last up to five whole years!

Problems to Address: color stability and fading, overall exhibit durability, and how to successfully mount the large format graphics onto the imperfect surface of a concrete wall! The wall faces west, so sun exposure and heat are factors which needed to be addressed in the final solution. The wall receives many hours of the hot afternoon sun. The customer required a five year minimum guarantee.

Concluding Solution: A top-of-the-line vinyl was used called 3M Controltac. This vinyl was then printed with solvent inkjet. This means the vinyl was actually impregnated with the inks, with the permanence of a tatoo! The printed image on vinyl was then overlaminated with a cast 3M laminate and attached to the substrate aluminum sign blank. Aluminum sign blank was chosen because it is dimensionally stable, meaning it has minimal shrinkage or warping properties. The substrate can expand just a bit, and this feature was accommodated in the mounting. Finally, the completed graphic was mounted with lag bolts and lead anchors into the concrete. The two graphics are multi-panelled, and were installed with a bucket truck as shown above. The choice of inks, the choice of printing material, the choice of mounting substrate, and how to adhere the graphic to the imperfect surface of the concrete wall were all considerations for the final exhibit. And beyond this, the exhibit needed to appear unaffected by the sun and weather bearing down on it.

The graphics shown above were installed in 2009, nearly four and a half years ago today for the exhibit called “Art In Place” located in Albemarle County, Virginia. The installation of this artwork was made to beautify an ugly exit ramp off the freeway. The artist supplied the brilliantly colored originals. It was our job to produce the exhibit and provide the best solution available to date. The artwork continues to be exhibited there and its vibrancy is still going strong.

When looking to display your large format graphics in an outdoor display, why not give us a call to discover what possible solutions are available for your needs? Call 1800-829-4562.