Product Application Guide

2722 N. Josey Ln., Suite 100 Carrollton, TX 75007-5542 Product Application Guide Powered by AlphaGraphics of Carrollton

Welcome to the ag Signs Product Application Guide Oversized graphics are among the most effective and affordable mediums for communicating with large numbers of customers, employees, students, and the general public. The oversized graphics category covers a wide array of products and applications, each of which is designed to place a message, or branding, in front of the most suitable audience...in a way that will be noticed. This guide will help identify the materials, finishes and mounting surfaces used in the oversized range of products offered by AlphaGraphics. It should be used in conjunction with the ag Signs Sample Kit to determine the best solution to a particular need, and to demonstrate the look and feel of a finished product. Whether the target audience is indoors, outdoors, stationary, moving, or utilizing public transportation, AlphaGraphics can ensure the right people see the right message, at the right time. POSTERS & PRINTS WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS INDOOR BANNERS & BASIC TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS VEHICLE GRAPHICS OUTDOOR BANNERS AND GRAPHICS POSTERS & PRINTS WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS INDOOR BANNERS & BASIC TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS VEHICLE GRAPHICS OUTDOOR BANNERS AND GRAPHICS POSTERS & PRINTS WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS INDOOR BANNERS & BASIC TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS VEHICLE GRAPHICS OUTDOOR BANNERS AND GRAPHICS POSTERS & PRINTS WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS INDOOR BANNERS & BASIC TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS VEHICLE GRAPHICS OUTDOOR BANNERS AND GRAPHICS POSTERS & PRINTS WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS INDOOR BANNERS & BASIC TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS VEHICLE

Media Laminating Mounting Guide MEDIA HP Photo Poster 8.4 mil 60 Backlit Film 5 mil 36 Satin Art Canvas 16.5 mil 36 Premium 7 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54 Standard 4 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54 Economy 3 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54 Avery Wall Film 6 mil 54 3M Window Perf 4 mil 54 Calendared Color Vinyl 4 mil 15 Key Banner 10 oz. 54 Rollup Film 8 mil 36 Aberdeen Fabric Flag.42 mm 60 Premium Vehicle 8 Year Vinyl 2 mil 54 Standard Banner 13 oz. 54 Key Blockout Banner 15 oz. 54 Key Mesh Banner 9 oz. 54 LAMINATES Gloss Laminate Luster Laminate Dry Erase Laminate Floor Laminate APPLICATION High Quality Photo Media Backlit Media Art Prints All-Purpose Pressure-Sensitive Decals Easily Removable Window/Wall Graphics Decals and Stickers with Permanent Adhesive Wallpaper and Murals Perforated Window Graphics Cut Vinyl Available in Many Colors This lighter banner material has a matte finish, is scuff resistant and resists curling. Pop-Up Banners Table Covers, Flags, Soft-Signage and Pop-Up Banners Durable Vehicle and Marine Graphics All-Purpose, Strong Banner Material Double-Sided Banners Mesh Banners for Windy Locations Contents Posters and Prints Introduction........................................ 2 Posters............................................ 3 Backlit Posters or Menu Boards......................... 4 Fine Art Prints...................................... 5 Window, Wall and Floor Graphics Introduction........................................ 6 Perforated Window Graphics........................... 6 Cut Vinyl.......................................... 8 Decals and Stickers.................................. 9 Removable Graphics................................. 10 Floor Graphics...................................... 11 Wall Paper and Murals................................ 12 Indoor Banners & Basic Trade Show Displays Introduction........................................ 13 Fabric Signage...................................... 14 Banners........................................... 15 Banner Stands...................................... 16 Vehicle Graphics Introduction........................................ 17 Vehicle Wraps Full.................................. 18 Vehicle Wraps Partial............................... 19 Perforated Window Graphics........................... 20 Cut Vinyl.......................................... 21 Decals............................................ 22 White or Black Foam Core White Gatorboard Magnet PVC 3 mil White SUBSTRATES PVC 6 mil White Coroplast White Aluminum Max Metal Outdoor Banners and Graphics Introduction........................................ 23 All-Purpose Banners.................................. 24 Double-Sided Banners................................ 25 Mesh Banners....................................... 26 Rigid Signs......................................... 27 Media - Laminating - Mounting Guide....................... 28 28

Introduction Rigid Signs POSTERS & PRINTS Rigid signage can be made by laminating or adhering printed media to rigid substrates, or by printing directly to the substrate with flatbed UV printers. PVC, aluminum and dibond materials offer varying degrees of long-term durability, while coroplast substrates are inexpensive and ideal for temporary yard-signs. CS Posters and prints are two of the more traditional large format products. They are typically straight-cut, full bleed, framed or mounted pieces hung indoors. These are used by a broad range of customers and consumers, and fill a wide variety of functions. Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Financial, Government, Health Care, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Meetings and Events, Non-Profits, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail Materials: Coroplast PVC 6 mil White Max Metal (Dibond) CP84W P846MWE MM843MW PVC 3 mil White P843MWE Aluminum AS4896040W First print graphics on pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed media or laminate Apply these to the rigid substrates using a cold laminator or squeegee Use a board trimmer or knife to cut the entire piece to its finished size 2 27

Mesh Banners Posters Posters have a broad range of uses, from branding elements, to advertisements, to charts and training presentations. Though they are often put to long term use, they are best suited as disposable or temporary graphics. Health Care, Education, Government, Hospitality, Retail, Construction, Non- Profits, Meetings & Events, Restaurants, Training High Quality Photo Media: HP Photo Poster 8.4 mil 60 Rolls Part # HPCG421A Trim to size with straight edge, blade, and self-healing mat Ship or transport in mailing tubes if rolled, reinforced boxes if mounted OS S & S OU O Thought slightly less durable than other banners overall, mesh banners are ideally suited for windy areas that could cause damage to regular banners or to the surfaces to which they re attached. Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Government, Health Care, Hospitality, Meetings and Events, Non-Profits, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail Printed On: Key Mesh Banner 9 oz. 54 BMML5435W9 Trim to size with straight edge, blade and mat Hem or tape edges for a finished look Apply grommets with a grommet punch to allow for hanging via rope, screws or other hardware A wide variety of banner-display hardware and tools can be obtained from vendors such as Grimco or Image1Impact Mounting Posters and prints can be mounted on substrates such as foam core and gatorboard, making them rigid and easier to display on tripods or other platforms. This process would use pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed media or laminate, and would be applied to the board using a cold laminator or squeegee. A board trimmer is then used to cut the entire piece to its finished size. Boards White Foam Core GB-IN84316W Black Foam Core GB-IN84316BK White Gatorboard GB-RY84316W Laminating Laminates are designed to lay over and adhere to the printed media, giving it an enhanced finish, and offering protection from scratching and harmful elements. While not always necessary, lamination can add value to the graphic and is relatively inexpensive. Laminate is applied to the media using a roll laminator and should take place prior to trimming. Gloss Laminate 3M8508 Luster Laminate 3M8509 Dry-Erase Laminate 111-38 26 3

Backlit Posters or Menu Boards Backlit posters are ideal for dim or dark settings, or to call extra attention to the graphic, such as with menu boards or advertisements. Retail, Hospitality, Health Care, Restaurants, Government Backlit Film Backlit Film 5 mil 36 Part # 3182-36 Reverse print and trim to size. Some customers may ask for you to provide the frame. Frames can be purchased from a variety of display vendors. Double-Sided Banners These banners are similar to the all-purpose banner, but they are able to feature printing on both sides, due to a light-blocking layer at the center of the media. They are ideal for situations in which the banner will be hanging freely, such as with street-lamp banners and flags. Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Government, Health Care, Hospitality, Meetings and Events, Non-Profits, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail Key Blockout Banner 15 oz. 54 BMB05435W15 Trim to size with straight edge, blade and mat Hem or tape edges for a finished look Apply grommets with a grommet punch to allow for hanging via rope, screws or other hardware OUTDOOR BANNERS AND GRAPHICS 4 A wide variety of banner-display hardware and tools can be obtained from vendors such as Grimco or Image1Impact 25

All-Purpose Banners Fine Art Prints OU O Banners printed on all purpose banner material are durable and versatile. They offer an inexpensive solution for outdoor signage and can serve a temporary purpose, or remain longer term. They are often hemmed or sewn, and fitted with grommets so that they can be hung by rope or other hardware. Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Financial, Government, Hospitality, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail Printed On: Standard Banner 13 oz. 54 BM5450W13 Trim to size with straight edge, blade and mat Hem or tape edges for a finished look. Apply grommets with a grommet punch to allow for hanging via rope, screws or other hardware. Fine art prints are used in art reproduction, family portraits or photographs. They also serve well as unique advertising components. Ad Agencies, Education, Real Estate, Retail, Restaurants Canvas Satin Art Canvas 16.5 mil 36 Part# HPQ8783AE For stretched canvas pieces, trim so that the media will wrap around the frame without excess material, stretch around frame, and staple into place For a unique look, divide image into multiple panels 24 A wide variety of banner-display hardware and tools can be obtained from vendors such as Grimco or Image1Impact. 5

Introduction Introduction O S O Window, Wall & Floor Graphics constitute the fastest growing category of the large format segment. Typically these are made with decal or adhesive backed materials and are applied to various surfaces, carrying brand-imagery, marketing messages, or as décor elements. The market for these products is mostly retail, but almost all businesses use them, and there are many direct to consumer applications as well. They are highly effective as disposable marketing components: many customers will benefit from having their graphics changed-out monthly, for instance, to refresh their customer-facing messages or promotions. Outdoor Signage is the classical offering of the Sign Shop business model. Banners and signs in this category must be durable and withstand weather, and placement can range from temporary to long-term. A wide range of businesses and non-profit organizations utilize outdoor signage. CS 6 23

Decals Perforated Window Graphics Decals are smaller graphics, often contour cut, printed on adhesive-backed vinyl. Decals have the advantage of being applicable to many different vehicles without having to take into consideration the shaping of body panels. Along with cut vinyl, decals are inexpensive, simple, and the most pervasive form of vehicle graphic. Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Financial, Government, Hospitality, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail Printed On: Premium 7 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54 3MIJ40C Economy 3 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54 IM2203-54 Contour cut Peel and apply to surface using EZ Glide or soap and water solution, with squeegee, as necessary Perforated window graphics are often used to cover an entire window or area of windows with imagery or messaging, without completely blocking the windows. The one-way perforations allow viewers to see a solid image from in front, but viewers behind the glass will still be able to see out through it. Ad Agencies, Automotive, Financial, Hospitality, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail 3M Window Perf 4 mil 54 3MIJ65 Trim to window dimensions Apply with EZ Glide or soap and water solution and a squeegee APHICS 22 7

Cut Vinyl Cut Vinyl VE O Cut vinyl comes in a variety of colors and is most often used to create solid, onecolor letters or simple logos. It is a cost effective way to apply messaging to a window, wall or other surface. Automotive, Construction, Financial, Government, Health Care, Legal, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail Material Backlit Film Calendared Color Vinyl 4 mil 15 50-xx-1510 Contour cut to defined shape Use weeding tool to clean edges Apply to surface from backing paper using EZ Glide or soap and water solution, with squeegee Cut vinyl is available in multiple colors and as such is not typically printed. It is contour cut and applied from a backing, making this a simple and inexpensive option for applying single-color branding or messages to a vehicle. Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Financial, Government, Hospitality, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail Calendared Color Vinyl 4 mil 15 50-xx-1510 Contour cut and straight cut with straight edge, blade and mat Use weeding tool to clean edges Apply with EZ Glide or soap and water solution and a squeegee 8 21

Perforated Window Graphics Decals and Stickers Perforated graphics are often included as components of full or partial wraps, though they are sometimes sold as stand-alone elements. They allow people within the vehicle to see out through the perforations, but from outside the vehicle, it appears to be a solid graphic covering the window. Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Financial, Government, Hospitality, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail Printed On: 3M Window Perf 4 mil 54 3MIJ65 Contour cut and straight cut with straight edge, blade and mat Before removing backing, attach to vehicle with tape so that you can take measurements, and/or mark the graphic for additional trimming Apply with EZ Glide or soap and water solution and a squeegee Decals are printed on permanent or semi-permanent adhesive-backed material, and range in size from small format, to larger pieces. They are often fully contour cut out of the material, or kiss cut remaining attached to a larger section of backing until ready for use. Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Government, Health Care, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail Material Premium 7 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54 3MIJ40C Economy 3 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54 IM2203-54 Contour cut Peel and apply to surface using EZ Glide or soap and water solution, with squeegee, as necessary CS 20 9

Removable Graphics Vehicle Wraps Partial VE WINDO Removable graphics use a low tack or temporary adhesive and occupy a unique cross-over area between large format and marketing services. Often contour cut, removable graphics are meant to be eye-catching, timely, and disposable window or wall graphics. It is not uncommon to change these graphics out monthly, allowing for a more dynamic customer-facing environment. Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Government, Health Care, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Meetings and Events, Restaurants, Retail Standard 4 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54 IM3204-54 Contour cut or cut to size with straight edge, blade and self-healing mat Apply with EZ Glide or soap and water solution and a squeegee Partial wraps have the advantage of being easier to design and install than full wraps, but can still leave a huge visual impact. Partial wraps are ideal for centers with some, but not extensive experience in producing vehicle graphics, and are a great option for customers who want to display branding on their vehicles but can t justify the expense of a full wrap. Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Hospitality, Meetings and Events, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail Premium Vehicle 8 Year 2 mil 54 3MIJ40C Contour cut and straight cut with straight edge, blade and mat Before removing backing, attach to vehicle with magnets or tape so that you can take measurements, and mark the graphic for cuts Cut for body panel seems as necessary Apply with EZ Glide or soap and water solution and a squeegee 10 19

Vehicle Wraps Full Floor Graphics Full vehicle wraps can have a strong visual impact, and the graphics are seen often making this one of the lowest cost per impression options in the large format arsenal. The design, printing, and installation require an advanced skill set, and as such full wraps are much more costly. Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Financial, Government, Hospitality, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail Printed On: Premium Vehicle 8 Year 2 mil 54 3MIJ40C Laminate graphic for maximum durability Finishing and installation of full vehicle wraps is a difficult task requiring many hours of experience and special tools. Installation can be outsourced, or training is available from media vendors such as 3M. Floor graphics use a low tack or temporary adhesive, are often contour cut and disposable, and present the customer s messaging or branding in a unique and eye-catching way. Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Government, Health Care, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Meetings and Events, Restaurants, Retail Material Standard 4 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54 IM3204-54 Cut with a hot knife tool to sear the edges and prevent fraying Hemming with a sewing machine gives a slightly more polished look Can be used in banner stands, tension stands, banner rods, gasket frames and other display hardware available from vendors such as Imax Display, Catapult, and Orbus CS 18 11

Wall Paper and Murals Introduction WINDO Murals and wallpapers use a more permanent adhesive meant to keep the graphic on display long term. These are most often used indoors and are a great solution for presenting a customer s brand elements, in a highly visible area. Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Government, Health Care, Hospitality, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail Avery Wall Film 6 mil 54 AMPI2611-5425 Apply with EZ Glide or soap and water solution and a squeegee Vehicle Graphics can range from full, complex vehicle wraps, to partial wraps, to decals and magnets. These are used by a broad range of customers and consumers. 12 17

Banner Stands Introduction INDOOR BANNERS & BASIC TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS Banner stands are designed to be movable and reusable, and are ideal for lobby signage or advertising, as well as trade show and event displays. Retail, Marketing, Hospitality, Real Estate, Trade Shows and Events Printed On: Durable, Opaque Film Rollup Film 8 mil 36 Part #: ROLLUP36 Fabric Aberdeen Fabric Flag.42 mm 60 Part # AFABTC-60 Banner stands can be purchased from a wide array of vendors, such as Imax Display, Catapult, and Orbus The most common stand is 33 wide by 79 tall and uses a tension spool to retract the banner into the stand for transport Indoor Banners & Trade Show Displays tend to be larger than posters, are viewed from farther away, and are often meant to be easily movable or temporary. Hospitality, retail, medical, and trade shows are prime verticals for this category of graphics. OO S & S C S O S S Trim to size with ruler and razor, adhere to stand with clear packing tape 16 For retractable banners, print and trim the banner slightly longer than the dimensions suggest, so that the seam between the graphic and the stand rolls into the stand and won t be seen 13

Fabric Signage Banners INDOOR BANNERS & B Fabric is used to create soft signage for interior spaces. It drapes well, carries a sharp image, and has a higher perceived value than most vinyl banners. Ad Agencies Automotive, Education, Financial, Hospitality, Meetings and Events, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail Printed On: Aberdeen Fabric Flag.42 mm 60 AFABTC-60 Cut with a hot knife tool to sear the edges and prevent fraying Hemming with a sewing machine gives a slightly more polished look Indoor banners can be printed on thinner media and are an inexpensive, versatile way to display branding or timely messages. Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Hospitality, Meetings and Events, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail Printed On: Key Banner 10 oz. 54 BM5450W10M Trim to size with straight edge, or blade and mat Hem or tape edges for a finished look RADE SHOW DISPLAYS Can be used in banner stands, tension stands, banner rods, gasket frames and other display hardware available from vendors such as Imax Display, Catapult, Apply grommets with a grommet punch to allow for hanging via rope, screws or other hardware and Orbus A wide variety of banner-display hardware and tools can be obtained from vendors such as Grimco or Image1Impact 14 15