Thinking Big with Print Graphics

Large-scale events need to be vibrant and exciting, and there’s no better way to create buzz than a large-scale print graphic that commands the space around it. So how do these massive prints go from concept to reality? Let’s explore each step of the process.  

 The Print

Obviously, these prints aren’t coming out of a printer the size of a skyscraper. They’re printed in easily manageable sheets, and often installed vertically with overlapping seams. When The Vomela Companies printed a building wrap for 3M’s headquarters, we included a numbering system in the corner of each piece to help the installers to stay on track. Though the design may make sense from a quarter mile away, it’s a much different experience puzzling each piece together up close.

The desired time frame of the graphic is an important factor in determining the materials used for the project. Depending on how temporary or permanent the graphic needs to be, your printer should recommend the right substrate for the job. Vinyl is a popular permanent adhesive solution, while fabric is an easy-to-install alternative that can also stand the test of time.

The Shipping

For graphics of these sizes, shipping costs can eat into a significant amount of a budget. Materials often arrive as large volumes of odd shapes. It’s important to work with a print provider who understands the cost implications of shipping their products. For example, two shipments of standard sized materials could work out to be a more cost-effective solution than one specialty shipment.

If you’re printing graphics for more than one location, it’s also worth working with a printer that can provide printing and shipping services from multiple locations. This can reduce shipping distances and increase production speed if necessary.

The Installation

Your print partner should have plenty of questions about where and when the graphic will be installed. They’ll take care of the how. Be ready to answer questions about:

• Weather – Will it be extremely cold or hot?
• Surface – Are we installing on glass, aluminum, brick, etc.?
• Durability – Will it need to withstand elements like sunlight, temperature, or human interaction?
• Timeframes – When does the graphic need to be up? When does it need to be down?

Are you ready to learn more about large-scale print graphics?