Graphics

Innovative Solutions for High-Visibility Commercial Awnings

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Dynamic Pressure Sensitive Vinyl and Tedlar Films for Commercial Awnings:

This cost effective adhesive backed film is available in hundreds of translucent and opaque colors. Pressure Sensitive Films can be computer cut and hand applied to your commercial awnings. To achieve proper adhesion, Pressure Sensitive Films should be applied to Pressure Sensitive Film receptive fabrics. They do not work well on woven acrylic or other canvas like fabrics, or vinyl fabrics that have not been coated with a protective finish. Since translucent films applied on colored fabric will not light properly, back-lit awning graphics require that Pressure Sensitive Films be applied onto colored fabrics, the colored fabric must be of the eradicable type so that the fabric color can be removed from areas that are to receive Pressure Sensitive Films. Pressure Sensitive Films can also be used as both the background and graphic colors. However, application to large areas is difficult without costly laminating equipment.

Eradicated Awning Graphics:

This economical graphic production method for back-lit awnings, involves the use of solvent to remove the fabric surface color. While the eradication process is a low cost, efficient method of producing back-lit graphics, eradication cannot be performed on most awning fabrics. Instead, it requires specially formulated white vinyl substrate fabrics that have the color applied at the factory by coating the fabric surface with pigmented acrylic inks. These eradicable fabrics are more expensive than Permanent Factory Color Vinyl Fabrics of similar quality. Although eradication is a relatively inexpensive method for producing back-lit graphics for your commercial awnings, eradicable fabrics are one of the most expensive fabric types. Therefore, this method is most suitable for backlit awnings projects involving extensive graphics. Once color is removed from the graphic area, other graphic methods, such as the application of Pressure Sensitive Film, can be used to decorate eradicated areas.

Heat Transfer Technology for Durable Back-Lit Awnings:

This expensive graphic production method for commercial awnings is performed on white vinyl fabric substrates to produce vivid, durable back-lit awning graphics. The entire graphic panel, including the background color, is transferred from ink coated paper to a white substrate, using heat and vacuum pressure. A clear protective top coating is then laminated to the surface using the same heat and vacuum process. The ability to apply protective coatings to the decorated fabric surfaces is a primary justification for the initial higher costs of Heat Transfer. It is recommended for back-lit awnings projects requiring limited reproduction, and maximum longevity. In order to obtain the manufacturer’s warranty, the Heat Transfer process should always be performed using a single manufacturer’s materials (ink paper, substrate fabric, top coating).

Premium Direct/Inlaid Digital Printing for Maximum Impact:

Some fabric manufacturers produce custom screen printed back-lightable fabric panels. These panels include the background color and the desired graphic elements for your commercial awnings. The fabric can then be protected with a factory-applied clear top coating. Factory Screen Printing is the most cost-effective method of producing premium quality back-lightable fabric panels with intensive graphics. However, the normal minimum quantity required for this process is in the 2,000 s.f. range. Factory Screen Printing is used most frequently for commercial awnings by retail chain stores.