With all of the advances in wide format printing technology and environmentally friendly inks, one can rest assured that a personalized design creation will be unique and long-lasting.
As a quick overview, wall coverings can be manufactured using traditional print vinyls (and there are a some that are PVC-free), which are typically 3 to 6 thousands of an inch thick (3 to 6 mils) or materials that are more like traditional wallpapers and running 10 to 13 mils thick. These can be applied with standard wallpaper pastes or come with an adhesive backing. What is important to realize is the condition of the wall or ceiling surface to be receiving the material. The thinner the material, the smoother a surface should be. With thinner materials, bumps and imperfections will show through more readily. Thicker wall coverings are superior in hiding minor wall imperfections such as bumps or dents.
Additionally, with many adhesives already applied to a wall graphic, a good primer or sizing or semi-gloss or gloss painted surface is required for best adhesion. The last thing one wants is to look at the wall a day or two later and see the graphics on the floor! Testing of the surface should always be done prior to any installation in order to determine the best adhesive product for the application. This can be done by the sign/graphics printer.
The thicker wallpapers have some incredible textures, as do some of the thinner vinyls, and can really add a dramatic effect to a room or entryway. These can be used for short term applications or for longer terms with the added benefit of being more rugged for longer lifetimes and repeated cleanings of little hand prints or toddler artwork.
Advanced adhesives already a part of the wall paper graphic or sticker can be removable and repositionable. Thicker products are also typically easier to remove and less likely to tear in the process, but there are some fine quality thin vinyls that will remove rather easily with a steam or heated application like standard wall papers.
All of the ranges of wall graphic media are ideal for the business owner, museums, schools, houses of worship, the homeowner or interior designer to utilize in creating personalized and unique, one-of-a-kind statements. One can print photos, graphic designs or the printed word on materials to use as wall paper or simply as stick-ons to add character or decoration or depth to painted walls. Many designers or consumers have tapped these products (including printed cloth) for use in creating their own framed or wrapped wall art. The various embossed surfaces can be manufactured to feel like leather, canvas, various cloths, carbon fiber, metallic surfaces or even plaster to allow anyone to create exciting and personalized or otherwise unique works of art.
Printers can work directly with the consumer or an interior designer to produce a superb design and finished product. Latex inks provide a wide variety of color options and matching to the desired end-result. For the relative cost of buying standard wall paper off the shelf, one can design and have printed a custom wall paper or graphic to individualize a setting. Business or commercial locations can tie their wall art into their business theme or product or service offerings. Churches and synagogues can tailor their wall graphics as a means to help continue inspiring faith and creating messages for the season. Educational facilities and museums can utilize the short or long term nature of these products to optimize the stories being told for history or science or literature.
Individuality speaks to all of us, and everyone can make their own individual statement using their very own custom wall designs. The sky is indeed not the limit. Dream up your design today.
