Whether it’s to promote an upcoming event or direct traffic, floor graphics can create a lasting impression. Ensure your prints are durable with high-performance wide-format media that stands up to the test of time and foot traffic.
Choose a one-step base film like Trifecta or two-step options such as Walk-On Graphics from Nekoosa, including an overlaminate that offers slip-resistant options for long-term use. This helps prevent accidents from occurring that can damage your flooring or cause customers to trip over the print.
Durable
If you want your floor graphics to last and look their best, they need to be durable. This is especially important if you plan to use them in high-traffic areas or in areas with the potential for moisture and chemicals. A durable vinyl helps ensure that the graphic doesn’t peel, fade, or lose its vibrancy over time. In addition, the right cleaning and moisture prevention strategies can help your floor graphics last longer.
To ensure that your floor graphic adheres properly, make sure it’s free of dust and dirt before you start applying it. Then, take care to firmly press the adhesive side down onto the surface of the floor. Once it’s positioned where you want it, leave it alone for 24 hours to allow the adhesive to fully cure.
During this time, don’t walk on or clean the floor graphic. After that, gently remove the masking tape and cut the corners to round them off. This will prevent them from curling up over time and will also make it easier to clean.
In addition, make sure your floor is smooth and even. You should also avoid putting floor graphics over seams, grout lines, and edges. Doing so can trap air and cause the vinyl to peel prematurely. Using a degreasing agent or rubbing alcohol before you apply the vinyl can help reduce this problem.
For long-term use, waxing the floor graphic shortly after installation is a good idea. This will protect against fading and prevent heavy equipment from damaging the graphic. It’s also important to wipe away any water spillages quickly. It’s a good idea to include doormats at the entrances of your building to help limit the amount of moisture that comes inside.
One-step vinyl print media is an excellent option for creating durable floor graphics. This media type eliminates the need for an overlaminate, simplifying and accelerating production and application. Nekoosa offers a wide range of one-step vinyl, including Ceramic Clear and Woodgrain Clear. These films are UL 410 slip-resistant and provide a non-slip surface for indoor applications.
Easy to apply
Floor graphics are an excellent way to add visual appeal, with logo decals, advertisements, and other images improving the aesthetic of any space. However, it is important to know how to install floor graphics properly. Otherwise, they may come loose or damage the floor’s surface. This can compromise their longevity and affect their visual impact.
The first step in preparing the floor for graphic installation is cleaning it. Using a lint-free cloth, wipe the surface to remove any dirt, grease, or oils that may be present. This will ensure that the graphic sticks to the floor for the intended duration of time. It is also recommended that the graphics be installed on a non-petroleum, non-slip base.
After preparing the surface, use overlapping strokes to apply the graphic with a squeegee. This will help to eliminate any air pockets and give a smooth, crisp final decal. If possible, try to avoid placing the graphic on a grout line or tile edge, as these areas tend to house air bubbles that can diminish the lifespan of the floor graphic.
Once the vinyl has been applied, wait at least eight hours before allowing foot traffic on it. This will allow the adhesive to be fully set, reducing the risk of the edges lifting. For even greater durability, consider applying a protective overlaminate to the graphics. Today’s overlaminate materials are multifunctional and offer outstanding protection, as well as anti-slip properties.
Another great feature of many of today’s floor graphics is that they can be printed with a one-step option. This allows print shops without a laminator to produce short-term promotional floor graphics in-house with their eco-solvent, latex, or UV-wide format printers. Nekoosa’s Trifecta, for instance, is a great choice for these applications because it requires no overlaminate film and can be produced with either eco-solvent or latex inks. Additionally, this material is compatible with a wide variety of application surfaces. This provides the versatility many companies seek in a floor graphic solution.
Easy to remove
When it comes to creating flawless floor and sidewalk graphics, you want a print vinyl media that is not only easy to apply but also durable and can withstand the elements. The best choice for floor and sidewalk graphics is one-step or two-step print vinyl, which offers a smoother application and doesn’t require the use of solvents. One-step media is also easier for many print shops to produce in-house without the need for a laminator, making it an excellent option for short-term promotional graphics.
For maximum durability, choose a material with a slip-resistant laminate. This will ensure that people won’t walk or trip over the decal, and it’s a great way to promote safety and prevent injuries.
It’s also important to make sure that the surface is clean and dry before applying a graphic. A multi-purpose cleaner will help remove dirt, dust, and debris that may interfere with adhesion. After cleaning the surface, wipe it down with a lint-free towel to ensure that it’s completely dry.
You should also avoid placing your graphic over tile edges or grout lines, as these can let in air bubbles that will compromise the lifespan of your graphics. Additionally, you should avoid dragging heavy objects over your graphic, as this can scratch it. If you’re using a floor graphic in a warehouse, you should also avoid driving heavy equipment, like forklifts, over it.
When installing your vinyl decals, it’s a good idea to use a squeegee to apply them. This will provide optimal pressure and a smooth, air pocket-free final product. Using water-based, scuff-resistant ink when printing your graphics is also recommended, as this will reduce the risk of premature deterioration.
Lastly, it’s important to select the right base film. You’ll want a durable, scuff-resistant film that can stand up to ice, rain, and UV rays. You can even find films that are UL 410 classified and slip-resistant.
Versatile
Floor graphics can creatively promote your brand and products, direct people around your facility, or provide important safety information. They are available in almost any shape, size, and color and can be applied to a variety of surface applications. They can create a stunning effect in retail spaces, as well as corporate offices, tradeshow booths, and interior design. In this age where people are glued to their phones, you can capture their attention with an eye-catching vinyl graphic that makes them look down and see it for themselves.
Using your wide format printer, you can create custom floor graphics to match the colors and textures of your product or space. You can even create faux rugs, accents, or entire floor spaces to look like tile, hardwood, or any other product your customers use. For a more decorative touch, add gloss ink effects to your print to give it an added glow.
Your printing company can help you select the best vinyl for your unique application. They can recommend a one- or two-step media compatible with most surface applications and will last longer in harsh environments. Two-step vinyl is often more durable than one-step options, as it uses an overlaminate to help protect the printed image and increase its lifespan. For example, the Walk-On Graphics two-step media from Nekoosa comes with a UL 410 slip-resistant overlaminate that helps prevent skidding and offers increased safety in high-traffic areas.
A durable and long-lasting vinyl for floor graphics is critical because they are subject to extra wear. They need to be scratch, scuff, and slip-resistant so that they can stand up to constant foot traffic and cleaning. With the right protective overlay and installation by a professional, your floor decals can last years.
The right vinyl for floor graphics is essential to the success of your business or event. It should be easy to apply, durable, and versatile enough to suit your needs. The top manufacturers offer a wide selection of options for you to choose from. Choose the one that best suits your specific application and your budget.