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![]() Unleashing the Market Opportunities of Window Graphics in the Retail Industry
By By Jennifer Chagnon, Senior Marketing Manager, InteliCoat Technologies
Among the various retail applications utilized by today's sign professionals, many have begun to place an increased emphasis on window graphics.
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The plethora of new and improved inks, media, hardware and software has pushed the quality of window graphics to a new level - making them an increasingly attractive opportunity. In fact, according to SGIA's Benchmarking Report, "2012 SGIA Market Trends and Product Specialties: Graphics and Sign Community," window displays represent the second most served product area for graphics and sign producers. Today's window applications can be produced on a wide variety of media, from clear films and textiles to repositionable polypropylene and perforated films, using various printing technologies. Additionally, advancements have enabled the creation of one-of-a-kind window graphics in which pieces of a display can be altered to meet regional or industry-specific requirements for significant cost savings. Due to the emergence of these new media offerings, selecting the right window display media can be challenging. The digital media landscape features a range of materials, textures and adhesion options that can affect the look of the final graphic. The following article details the innovative media choices available to today's sign makers, and provides tips for creating eye-catching window graphics that can be easily mounted and displayed.
It is important to note that some printers cannot see clear films due to their optical sensing detection mechanisms. For printers that require edge media sensing, there are options available with stripe. For systems that require an interleaf for media sensing - or for end-users who prefer interleaf - there are media options available without stripe. For those sign makers that do not wish to use clear films with edge stripe or interleafs for their optical sensing printer systems, many manufacturers offer clear films featuring a slight level of opacity to eliminate the need for edge stripes. To adhere such clear films to windows, apply a two-sided, pressure-sensitive, optically clear adhesive. Once mounted, these clear films deliver eye-catching window graphics that can be easily displayed in any retail venue.
Textiles
Repositionable Polypropylene
Once a polypropylene image has been unrolled and allowed to flatten at a minimum air and surface temperature of 50°F, it can then simply be peeled back and placed in the desired location. Squeegee down the graphic with minimal pressure while removing the liner, and smooth out any wrinkles and bubbles while applying the image. Polypropylene window graphics can be reapplied by removing slowly and lifting at a 90°angle. These may also be applied to other smooth, flat, clean surfaces.
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Perforated Window Film
Clear liquid laminates are compatible and provide excellent surface protection for such perforated window films. For the application of these products, the temperature of the application surface should be above 40°F. The film can then be peeled and folded back from approximately 1" of the liner. Once the film is aligned to the window, the top edge should be tacked down. From there, installers can gently peel the remaining liner while using a smooth squeegee, roller or hand to evenly apply the graphic. The graphic can later be repositioned. Recent technological advancements have opened the door for perforated window films specifically designed to be printed on the adhesive side. This innovative design is both an adhesive and an ink receptive coating, allowing retailers to mount graphics inside the storefront to eliminate damage to their advertisements. As with outside mounted window graphics, sign makers should choose products that feature a 60/40% ratio and require no additional adhesives or mounting tapes.
As with all other window graphic media, inside mounted window graphics should be applied to a clean, dry surface with an application surface temperature of above 40°F. Installers should hold the graphic toward the glass, without touching the application surface, and tack down the top edge. It can then be gently tacked down, working down and out, using a soft squeegee or roller, or by hand. After the graphic is installed, the liner can be removed and the graphic can be reapplied or repositioned.
Conclusion
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