Fabric graphics are simply defined as applying graphics to fabric. But there is oh-so-much-more, read on!
Fabric graphics has spread like a wildfire in the world of advertising, corporate branding, museums, and retail because of its excellence and awesomeness. It is aesthetically advantageous, functionally advantageous, and it’s better for the environment! Digital technology has made it available and accessible for these short custom runs of fabric. The fabric graphic image becomes embedded deep into the fibers offering vibrant color. Fine art and photographs can even be reproduced with their fine visual detail. Size capacity scores high points for creating over-sized graphics. Think about it, how ever heard of building wraps before fabric graphics? These large format fabric graphics can be printed ten feet by whatever length, in a single panel. Recently I viewed an image of a fabric graphic which made it into the Guinness Book of World Records! It covered an entire futball field, and amounted to 35,000 square feet. (Obviously, many panels were sewn together.) http://specialtyfabricsreview.com/articles/0514_sw3_poster_guinnessrecord.html To have such a large panel was formerly unfathomable because of the cumbersome factors like weight and handling. alone would have discouraged such a size. Large format fabric graphics are a much lighter weight option than the former cumbersome and weighty graphic panels made on paper, mounted to boards. These lighter weight fabric panels are easier to manage in handling, shipping, and installing the display. Fabric graphics are much less apt to get damaged in the handling process; no such thing as “dog-earring” it any longer. It’s user-friendly to install because of its silicone edging sewn into the perimeter of the graphic. This edge glides into the supportive frame with ease. The durable character allows it not to need outer surface protection. The lack of a glass or plexiglass outer covering significantly impacts its lighter weight! Without those outer shining protective layers, there simply is no glare. This makes fabric graphics more readable, from any angle. Daily doses of strong, directional sunlight will takes it toll on the fabric graphic eventually. Needless-to-say, fabric graphics has a greater longevity indoors than outdoors. Outdoor use is for up to six months. The fact that the fabric image is fold-able, and therefore, compresses into a tinier package makes shipping more affordable. These can be crate-less shipments, whereas the old style, mounted large format graphics required crates for proper shipment. Less shipping costs is not only easier on the purse, it leaves less of a carbon footprint.
Fabric graphics are a greener solution: you can choose to use a recycled fabric, as most materials used with the dye sublimation transfer printing process requires a poly-blend fabric. The reason for this is that the fabric fibers need to open up to receive the inks. It is heated up to 400 degrees, and through this heat and compression, the inks get gassed into the fabric. When it cools, the inks are permanently entrapped or encapsulated! This makes the product machine washable. The inks or dyes used in the dye sublimation transfer process are water-based inks, and therefore, no VOC’s. No off-gassing means its better for our environment. Aluminum framing with a special channel in it is used to stretch the canvas of the fabric graphic. The framing material can be recycled aluminum or recyclable aluminum.
Backlit fabric graphics is a fabulous use of fabric graphics! The ability to back light these fabrics while allowing them to remain boldly, color saturate is awesome. These fabrics are useful back-lit or front-lit! Low watt LED bulbs are the light source used to back light these fabric graphics. Low watts means a greener solution as well! Find your best backlit fabric graphics provider, who knows the ins and outs of best fabrics to use and why when it comes to excellent backlit graphics! 1800.829.4562
