Graphic Films Guidance

Advances in graphic vinyl films – whether textured, colored or digital print – has exploded. Dozens of film options have turned into hundreds. Films can be used on interior spaces, masonry, or as window films. Products vary by intended application, product durability, and properties that resist fading or retain brighter colors when printed. This abundance of choice is beneficial, although it often can seem overwhelming.

Harbinger’s Creative Director Ed Busey helps to determine the appropriate ones to use for clients’ signage. According to Ed, there are three key questions he asks clients:

Where do you want the graphic to be applied? "It makes a big difference whether the film is going to be used on the side of an exterior brick wall or in an interior space. In fact, even in interiors, no two walls are the same due to the paint surface, textures or drywall on which the film will be placed,” he explains.

How long do you want it to be there? A film used for a sign inside a lobby for a few weeks has different properties than a perforated window film intended to remain in place for several months to a year, or a graphic applied to the sidewalk exposed to foot traffic and weather.

What do you want to do with it? It also is important to determine whether the sign will be a “throw away” after a short period of use, or whether it should withstand being repositioned various times.

Armed with these answers, Harbinger’s experienced team members evaluate the product options provided by the leading vinyl film companies like 3M, Oracal and Arlon, and determine the most cost-efficient and effective signage program.