Print Graphics Installation Tips for Summer Heat

As the summer months heat up all over the country, there are some important challenges to consider when rolling out your next print campaign. From design through installation, there are a variety of ways to ensure that hot and humid weather doesn’t get in the way of your new graphics. Here are some factors to stay aware of at every step in the print graphics process:

Graphic Design

Coping with extreme weather starts well before anything goes to print. If you know a graphic will be hanging in a hot environment like a window or storefront, try to avoid dark colors that absorb sunlight and transfer heat to the adhesive and surface they’re installed on.

Substrate

When choosing a substrate, it’s vital to understand what it can handle. Even the highest quality vinyl will wilt in the Arizona sun. Choose heat-friendly materials like Aluminum, dibond, or PVC to ensure durability in a hot environment. When in doubt, consult a print professional.

Print Process

Whether it’s screen printing, digital printing, or anything in between, it’s important to understand how the ink application process works and how it will be affected by heat. For example, a dye-sublimated print is created by using heat to apply ink into a substrate. In a hot environment, you run the risk of reversing that process.

Adhesive

Generally, adhesives are most effective between 54 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. At the higher end of that spectrum and beyond, many adhesives can become too aggressive due to the extreme heat. You want to be sure that an overly aggressive adhesive doesn’t damage the installation surface upon removal.

Surface

The installation surface is a key factor in assessing how heat will affect your print graphics. Surfaces like glass and metal can get quite a bit hotter than other surfaces like plastic and stone, and can turn a standard installation into a sticky mess.

Installation

At the end of the day, each installation is only as good as the installer. Partnering with a print provider like The Vomela Companies will provide access to a nationwide network of certified professionals who have the ability to draw upon the institutional knowledge of their peers to get every job done right.

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