FAQ

To ensure you find everything you need on our website, we’ve added this list of questions commonly asked by our clients.
If you’d like to call Fantasea Media directly, you may call us at (786) 250-3544

General FAQ

What services does Fantasea Media offer?

Full Color Printing
Our digital printers give us the ability to print at up to 1440 dpi. Our inks will last 3 to 4 years (un-laminated) outdoors without fading and are of archival quality indoors because they are solvent-based, waterproof, and UV resistant.

Lamination
Lamination can add a new finish to your print. Make your signs glossy, matte, luster, or textured. A protective clear coat nearly doubles the life of your prints or signage for a very reasonable price.

Mounting
We can mount your graphics to any of our variety of materials such as foam boards, sheet styrene, aluminum, corrugated plastic, and more! Just let us know what type of use you have, and we will help you select the mounting that is right for your project.

Finishing
We can provide a wide variety of finishing options on all orders including hems, banner grommets and poster board trim to name just a few.

Graphics Design
Our in-house graphic designers have experience in everything from simple banners to complex tradeshow displays and vehicle wraps. Get amazing design prints!

Web Design
We offer in-house web design and development services integrated with marketing strategies, e-commerce integration, social media management, and more.

Social Media Management
We’re your one-stop for full coverage on all your social media accounts. Today social media has evolved into more than personal entertainment — it’s the most direct way to target your consumers. We update your platforms regularly, and set you up on a monthly retainer so your business will have daily promotion without you needing to do the heavy lifting.

Vehicle Graphic Installation
Our in-house installation team can wrap nearly any type of vehicle. Our portfolio includes custom wraps for trucks, cars, RVs, boats, trailers, and fleet graphics.

Window Graphic Installation
One-way window perforation is ideal for vehicle graphics or storefront advertising. Window perforation can prove problematic to install properly, so let our professionals take care of it for you!

Wall Graphic Installation
Wall graphics are very effective at building corporate identities and displaying logos. They are easy to care for once they are installed. Our installation team can put up logo graphics on your walls as large or as small as you need.

Decaling
Putting down decals such as door and window lettering is easy when you use our on-site installation. We ensure every decal is properly adhered and smooth to the touch.

Pantone Color Matching & Proofing
We match the exact shades of your logo and brand identity with the Pantone Matching System. We will create a miniature print on the actual production material and printer for you to approve.

Rush Ordering
We will have your prints in your hands when you need it—without sacrificing the quality you have come to expect.

Contour Cutting
Graphics can be contour-cut by a dedicated computer plotter. Cutting your graphic to a custom shape has never been easier. A simple vector format outline (which we can create) allows us to trim your graphic with computer precision! Decals and “Fat Heads” are examples of contour cutting.

Custom Job Request
We love a challenge. If you have a project and have been told elsewhere that they do not know to do it or where to start, contact us and talk to one of our graphics specialists.

Framing
Plastic edging in several colors: Pewter, Hi-Polish Black, Matte Black, Gold, Red, Blue, Chrome, and White. Also, paint receptive.

Stands/Displays
Wide array of banner stands including retractable, tension pole, telescopic, outdoor, economy displays, back walls, pop-up display, table throws and runners, table-top products, folding display panels, counters, linear display systems, orbital truss systems, literature racks and luminosity/display lighting.

How accurate are printed colors?

Fantasea Media holds the Certificate of 3M MCS Warranty. is one of 3M Certified top quality large-format printers. Adding confidence to your choice when you use selected media images with our expanding range of 3M-qualified OEM printers and inks.

Our machines are designed for color calibration and color accuracy; we only use the top quality latex inks available in the industry.

How do I get a quote?

You may call us at (786) 250-3544 for general price quotes. For multiple vehicle wrap quotes, or pricing for commercial fleet graphics, call us at (786) 299-7963.

To obtain a vehicle wrap quote you may bring your vehicle into our office at 12255 SW 128th ST Unit 406 for measurements.

Services require a 50% deposit or full payment placed prior to design and production.

How do I place an order?

To place an order you may call our office at (786) 250-3544.

How do I upload files?

To submit a pre-designed image for us to print and install, you may call our office at (786) 250-3544.

Our graphic design specialists are happy to work with you to create your desired result. Consult us as professionals or leave the heavy lifting to us. We can design, print, and install for you!

How large can Fantasea Media print?

No print output is too large for Fantasea Media.
We can wrap boats, jet skis, motorcycles, buildings, SUVs, trucks, storefronts, trade show walls, appliances, and more.

How long does a print last?

Depending on the substrate or media used and the environmental conditions, Fantasea Media produced graphics can last indefinitely under indoor conditions. Outdoor applications, such as banners, can last several years, depending on finishing options like over laminates. All Fantasea Media inks are UV-resistant.

How should I set up my files?

Operating System
We run Adobe Creative Suite CC on both Mac and Windows and primarily print from .eps or .tiff files. We accept files in the following formats: .AI, .PSD, .EPS, .TIFF, .PDF, .JPG. Please note that .PDF and .JPG files cannot be edited.
If you use other programs and cannot convert/export files to .EPS or .TIFF files, please convert to .PDF file.
Please build files as close to actual size as possible, or work in 1/2 or 1/4 scale of output size. It is not necessary to build files with extended bleed or crop marks. For best results, submit vector art and raster art in RGB or CMYK.

Font Options
Convert all text to outlines or send all font sets included in file. Please provide highest resolution original versions of linked raster images.
We primarily request you convert all fonts to vector outlines or curves, depending on your program.
Feel free to send us the font files, in either PC or MAC format.

Image Sharpness
If your graphics are primarily logos, text, and shapes, vector line art .EPS files provide the sharpest images in large format. Vector line art is based off x/y lines, curves and coordinates, you can enlarge the graphic as large as you like without losing resolution.

If your graphics are raster images (JPG, TIFF, bitmap, GIF, etc.), please save files at 150-300dpi @ 100% file size for optimum clarity. Size file proportionately if you need to scale the image down, ex: 150dpi @ 100% = 600dpi @ 25%.

Images copied/pasted off the internet typically do not work well for large format.

What are your turnaround times?

Typical turnaround time on a standard project is 24-48 hours. Projects of higher quantity or are more labor intensive require an estimated time of completion from Fantasia Media.

What is the resolution of your printing?

Our printers can print up to 1440 x 1440 dpi, with standard print resolution of 720 x 720.

Large Format Technology FAQ

What is large format printing?

Fantasea Media has the ability to print the smaller sized graphic requests, but we specialize in producing large graphics including vehicle wraps, tradeshow displays and exhibits, full color outdoor banners, and much more.

What is media or substrate?

Media or substrate is the material that your graphic is printed on. We print on many different types of media including banner material, fabrics, adhesive backed vinyl, backlit material, and many others.

What kinds of media are available?

Cast vinyl
Designed for maximum outdoor durability and conform-ability. Cast films also maintain their color and other properties better than other vinyl films. Better performance of pigments and UV absorbents, less shrinkage. Durability of cast films is generally higher than that of other vinyl films. Cast films can be made very thin which produces a conformable product that allows application over substrates with rivets, corrugations, and complex curves. Excellent for flat and irregular opaque application surfaces and vehicles.

Translucent
Designed for illuminated signs and backlit displays. Intended for flat rigid, flex face applications, and maximum light transmission.

Reflective
Ideally suited to safety and commercial signs or vehicle graphics that require viewing both day and night.

Mirror Finish
Silver and gold with a polished chrome, matte, brushed, or specialty-textured surface.

Etched Frosted
Simulates the appearance of etched or sandblasted glass on window fronts, entry doors, and partitions.

Banner
Durable, flexible, tear and fade resistant material will withstand most weather conditions. Available in a variety of scrim, smooth, and mesh materials. Thickness of film increases resistance to abrasion.

Specialty
Variety of specialty media such as photo paper, artist canvas, perforated window film, static cling, street & wall graphics and more.

What kinds of adhesive are available?

No Adhesive
Banners, photo paper, poster paper, and artist canvas typically do not have any adhesive.

Changeable
Changeable films can be removed without any aids such as heat or chemicals and without leaving adhesive residue.

Repositionable
Repositionable graphics have a low-tack adhesive that leaves no residue and can be reused like “Fat Heads.”

Semi-permanent
Some semi-permanent films can be removed with the aid of heat only. Others may require chemicals or accessories. These films leave less than 30% adhesive residue that can also be removed. Vehicle wraps are semi-permanent.

Permanent
Permanent films are not designed to be removed. In some cases they can be removed, but with great difficulty and likely damage to the substrate. If they are removed, they may leave significant adhesive residue. Decals and signage typically use permanent adhesives.

Static Cling
Designed for short-term indoor window or mirror graphics where no adhesion is required. Static cling graphics are repositionable and reusable.

Magnetic
Magnetic signs and decals can be “stuck” to any ferrous material and moved.

What is laminate?

Laminate is applied on top of media, and in many cases helps further protect the graphic from damage and abuse. We generally use a cold lamination film process and have a multitude of laminates, ranging from matte to high gloss that can be used depending on the use and application of the project. We also use liquid laminates on certain applications such as wall coverings.

What kind of laminates are available?

Gloss/Satin/Matte
Laminates provide a high level of UV protection. They also protect prints from moisture and abrasion. Laminates can also be used to enhance the depth of the image.

Dry Erase
Dry erase laminates can turn any sign into dry erase. Great applications include menu boards, business presentations, and leader boards.

Anti-skid
Anti-skid laminates provide a slip-resistant surface on floor graphics. (UL classified #4R93 for slip resistance)

Anti-graffiti
Anti-graffiti laminates provide excellent resistance to chemicals and solvents. They allow for easy removal of graffiti.

Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate laminates provide scuff and UV resistance. They also provide rigidity and durability to vinyl banners and decals.

What is a substrate?

Substrates consist of foam-core, gatorboard, MDO board, plexi-glass, alumacor, polystyrene, PVC, etc. Your adhesive backed graphics are mounted to these types of materials to add strength and rigidity.

What kinds of substrates are available?

Corrugated Plastic “Coroplast”
Durable because it is water proof and resistant to stains and most chemicals. At regular temperatures most oils, solvents, and water have no effect, allowing it to perform under adverse weather conditions or as a product component exposed to harsh chemicals. Wide range of colors. 4mm is a common thickness; 10mm is very heavy and rigid. Coroplast is a popular brand.

Foam Core
Extruded polystyrene foam core laminated on both sides with heavy white or black smooth coated paper. Designed for interior mounting applications requiring rigid, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive material. Typically, foam core is used for short-term usage as it dents readily and does not hold up well to certain glues, such as superglue and some paints.

Ultra Board
Heavy-duty, all-plastic panel that features a litho-grade, high-impact polystyrene surface for permanent displays and signs. Ultra Board is designed primarily for interior use, but can be used outdoors, and it is durable. Dent-resistant styrene liners are secured to the foam center with a bond that keeps the panel flat and rigid. Moisture does not penetrate.

Poly-metal
Solid or corrugated plastic core with aluminum laminated to both surfaces. Extremely flat surface that will not warp or distort. Excellent durability in outdoor applications. Alumalite, Alumacor, Dibond, and Omega-bond are popular brand names.

Styrene
Extruded high impact material used primarily as an indoor panel or for outdoor usage up to 1 year.

Expanded PVC
Expanded PVC is lightweight, rigid board of moderately expanded closed-cell polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Low gloss matte finish. Will not rust, rot, peel, or absorb water. Suitable for display, exhibit, interior, or exterior signage and for photo mounting. Soften at about 150*F. This means that you can easily heat up thin (3mm or thinner) pieces and mold as needed. Sintra is popular brand name.

Magnetic Sheeting
Permanent magnetic sheet used primarily in vehicle magnetic signs. Vehicle magnetic signs are typically .030″ thick and 18″ x 24″. However, the largest magnetic sheet available is 24″ x 50″.

Sign board
Exterior grade wood products with a variety of aluminum, vinyl, or enamel surfaces. Excellent for exterior signage.

Acrylic
Lightweight, high optical quality, high impact strength, and excellent weather ability. Ideal for backlit signage.

Polycarbonate
Polycarbonates are Lightweight, high impact strength and excellent weather ability. They come in clear and white. Primarily known by the trademarked names Lexan, Makrolon, Makroclear and are a particular group of thermoplastic polymers. They are easily worked, molded, and thermoformed. Because of these properties, polycarbonates find many applications. Ideal for backlit signage.

File and Image Preparation FAQ

What file formats are supported?

Operating System


We run Adobe Creative Suite CC on both Mac and Windows and primarily print from .eps or .tiff files. We accept files in the following formats: .AI, .PSD, .EPS, .TIFF, .PDF, .JPG. Please note that .PDF and .JPG files cannot be edited.
If you use other programs and cannot convert/export files to .EPS or .TIFF files, please convert to .PDF file.
Please build files as close to actual size as possible, or work in 1/2 or 1/4 scale of output size. It is not necessary to build files with extended bleed or crop marks. For best results, submit vector art and raster art in RGB or CMYK.

Font Options
Convert all text to outlines or send all font sets included in file. Please provide highest resolution original versions of linked raster images.
We primarily request you convert all fonts to vector outlines or curves, depending on your program.
Feel free to send us the font files, in either PC or MAC format.

Image Sharpness
If your graphics are primarily logos, text, and shapes, vector line art .EPS files provide the sharpest images in large format. Vector line art is based off x/y lines, curves and coordinates, you can enlarge the graphic as large as you like without losing resolution.

If your graphics are raster images (JPG, TIFF, bitmap, GIF, etc.), please save files at 150-300dpi @ 100% file size for optimum clarity. Size file proportionately if you need to scale the image down, ex: 150dpi @ 100% = 600dpi @ 25%.

Images copied/pasted off the internet typically do not work well for large format.


Banner and Banner Stands
If you would like us to stitch your banners, please leave a 1.25″ bleed.

If you would like us to stitch banner pole pockets, please follow these directions:

  • 4″ extra material required for .5″ – .75″ diameter pole
  • 6″ extra material required for 1″ diameter pole
  • 8″ extra material required for 1.5″ diameter pole
  • 9.5″ extra material required for 2″ diameter pole

The bleed for banner stands depends on the specific banner stand. Typically, a 2″ bleed will be needed along the bottom and 3/4″ at the top.

Why won't my image work?

Sometimes people want to use images they find on an internet website that might be 200-300 pixels wide and cannot understand why the printer will not print a clear, crisp image. Obviously, it has nothing to do with the printer, but everything to do with the original artwork. It’s like the saying says – “garbage in, garbage out.”

Digital Print 101
There are two basic types of files- Raster (bitmaps) and Vector (outlines). For example, a photo is usually a Raster Image, and a font is usually a Vector or outline.

Vector file formats (scalable to any size UNLESS they contain bitmaps in addition to vector images) EPS (Encapsulated Postscript)

  • AI (Adobe Illustrator)
  • PDF (Adobe Acrobat)
  • Raster/bitmap file formats (may not support being scaled to large sizes)
  • TIF (or TIFF – Tagged Image File Format)
  • JPG (or JPEG – Joint Photographic Experts Group)
  • GIF (Graphics Interchange Format. Be careful of GIF files as these are most commonly used for websites and are usually not high enough resolution to be enlarged significantly)

Can I use my digital camera to take a high resolution picture?

A high-end camera in today’s market may be as high as 12-Megapixels or more. (1 Megapixel = 1 million pixels).

A 12-Megapixel camera, for example, may have a resolution of 4288 pixels wide X 2848 pixels high. In keeping our file within our 100 DPI guideline, the maximum size we can output with minimal distortion is 42.88″ wide (4288 pixels wide divided by 100).
The larger the original image and the more pixel data you have, the more leeway you have to work with. Keep in mind, the larger we go from the original, the fuzzier and more pixelated the final output will be.

How much fuzziness is acceptable? It depends on how the image will be viewed.
Just as you would not be viewing an 8.5″ X 11″ piece of paper from 40 feet away, you would also not expect to view a tractor-trailer from 6″ away. Billboards would be another extreme and their resolution might be as low as 2 to 20 DPI. However, the billboard might be 40 feet in the air, and viewed from many hundreds of feet away, thus the resolution can be much, much less.

Fantasea Media uses special software to smooth out the jagged appearance of less than optimal files. The software has propriety algorithms to create better enlargements, as long as there is sufficient pixel data. It cannot perform miracles, but it can make a significant improvement.

How big does my file need to be?

The larger the original image, the more we can enlarge the image and maintain the crispness. Keep in mind, the larger we go from the original, the fuzzier and pixilated the final output will be.

The ideal resolution is 300 DPI (dots per inch.) Nevertheless, resolution of 100 DPI, if the viewing distance is greater than 10 feet, or 150 DPI, if less, should be adequate.

How much can I enlarge a photo?

Here is an example, when following the 100 DPI, full-size guideline:
If you take a file that starts out at 600 pixels wide, the largest you can print, keeping to the 100 DPI rule is 6 inches. (Divide 600 pixels by 100 = 6″)

Of course it is possible to enlarge the file to a much larger size in Photoshop, however this only multiplies the pixels around each other, which just creates a fuzzy mess. Adobe Photoshop just takes each pixel and creates a new pixel next to it, halfway in color to the next, and so on.
This is why most website images are not usable for large format output. There is just not enough pixel data. Website graphics are created at resolutions as small as possible to create a reasonable image to view on a monitor and reduce bandwidth. This makes the website load as quickly as possible.

Where can I find high resolution images?

Royalty-free images can be purchased from the following providers. However, let us check by how much images can be enlarged before you purchase them.

www.istockphoto.com
www.shutterstock.com
www.bigstockphoto.com
www.dreamstime.com
www.masterfile.com
www.corbisimages.com
www.gettyimages.com

What if I need assistance with design?

We can provide complete graphic design services or make changes to an existing design for an hourly charge. Our graphic designers have experience in everything from simple banners, to complex tradeshow displays, and vehicle wraps. Our graphics team can clean up rough edges, alter many types of text, and modify your graphic exactly the way you need it.

We can match colors with high accuracy. Although digital printers do not print Pantone (PMS) colors, our production team will match spot colors upon request. Printed colors may look slightly different depending on materials. We can provide proofs before production runs.

Vehicle Wrap FAQ

What is a vehicle wrap?

Vehicle wraps are a new, innovative approach to advertising your business. They act as a moving, 3D billboard and work 24 hours a day to create awareness for your company and to reach out to new customers.

A wrap is a large vinyl graphic or decal. The graphics are printed on this vinyl, which is designed specifically for vehicle graphics, and then typically laminated with a protective coat that gives a final gloss, matte, or luster finish.

The vinyl is applied directly over the original paint of the vehicle and it actually helps protect the paint.

A wrap is easily removed even after several years to return the vehicle to its original condition.

Why wrap a vehicle?

Vehicle wraps are the most cost-effective advertising method in modern existence. The cost per impression (CPI) of vehicle wraps is less than other forms of advertising such as billboards, television, radio and yellow pages.

Vehicle wraps can improve the appearance of a vehicle. A wrap will rejuvenate the look of your older vehicle to look new or match others in a fleet. Digitally printed vehicle wraps can be duplicated more easily than traditional methods like paint and airbrushing.

Effective wraps with high resolution graphics have been proven to increase conscious awareness of a brand by more than 48% over simple vehicle lettering.

Statistical Data from Sign Industry Magazine.

  • Vehicle signage gets about 8.4 million impressions per year
  • Radio attracts 900,000 listeners in six weeks with 10 to 12 30-second spots
  • Direct mail reaches 20,000 names with one mailer
  • Billboards get 700,000 impressions per month.
  • Vehicle wraps are one of the mediums that people make an effort to view.

How long is the process?

The most time is spent on the development of your vehicle wrap design, which typically takes a couple days. After we work with you to ensure you’re satisfied with the design, we wait for you to physically approve the art proof before we enter production. The length of this directly depends on your direction, input, and response time. After the graphic stage is finalized, we print, laminate, cut, and install your vehicle wrap in 1-3 business days. Of course every case is unique and will be dependent on factors such as graphic size, vehicle type, and scheduling.

Can the wrap be removed later?

Absolutely. We apply the wrap using heat and pressure-sensitive adhesives that can be reactivated and removed by our installers. The removal process is short and does not damage the vehicle.

How long do vehicle wraps last?

Normally a wrap can last 5 years or more, depending on weather conditions, care and overall treatment. At Fantasea Media, we use the very best Avery and 3M products available in the industry, and also provide a multitude of other product options for our clients.
Vehicle wraps have a manufacturer warranty of 5-7 years, and we offer a 1 year installation warranty. The warranty holds no coverage over areas with constant direct sunlight (top of trucks, roofs, or hoods of vehicles).

Will the wrap damage my paint?

Not at all. The wrap acts as a protectant for your paint job. We also use lamination that acts as a protective film against many abrasive cleaning applications and protects the print from minor scratches and regular wear-and-tear.

It is important to talk with us and pre-test your paint job prior to wrapping with vinyl. Paint that is already in poor condition may peel when vinyl is removed.

How do I care for my vehicle wrap?

Pre-installation: Proper cleaning of the vehicle is required before wrap installation. All dirt and oil must be removed from the vehicles surface to ensure a proper bond of the vinyl’s adhesive. Any dirt or dust will show through the graphic installation; even the smallest of dirt particles and dust.
That’s why we offer auto-detailing before applying your vehicle wrap. Fantasea Media is the best possible place for ensuring a good installation.

After installation: Hand washing is best. Avoid high pressure washes and be careful never to use an ice-scraper. Sweeping off windows with a soft broom and rear defroster will cause no damage to your window graphics.

The wrap is an investment to your marketing and advertising strategy and thus it should be protected. We highly recommend NOT to pressure wash the vehicle or apply after installation of the vinyl.

Fantasea Media warranties its installations for one year from date of wrap completion. If any issue arises, bring it in and we will fix it.

Can I pressure wash my vehicle after the vinyl is installed?

We highly recommend NOT to pressure wash the vehicle after installation of the vinyl. Some pressure washers can potentially lift up the vinyl because of improper use of the water pressure. The wrap is an investment to your marketing and advertising strategy and thus it should be protected.

Can a leased vehicle be wrapped?

Since a wrap can be removed without damaging a vehicle, there are no restrictions against wrapping a leased vehicle. Check with your leasing company, but generally YES.

What do wraps cost?

Four factors determine the cost of a wrap:

  1. The amount of material required (specific vehicle/coverage)
  2. The amount of design time and photo acquisition required
  3. The complexity (or simplicity) of installation
  4. The quality of the vinyl and laminate (will affect the longevity of the wrap)

Wraps can cover the entire vehicle or you can opt to cover only specific areas of your vehicle. Anything less than a full wrap is normally called a “partial wrap.” A common partial wrap begins at the driver door and goes all around, with no graphics on the roof, hood, or front quarter panels. Often a logo or other graphics is installed separately on the hood and doors. With some tall vehicles, it is not an effective investment to cover the roof; however, the design needs to consider this as the underlying paint color needs to be considered. The most valuable space is the rear view of the vehicle as this is viewed as a ‘constant’ by vehicles behind and can thus be read and make a greater impression. A typical full wrap on a car is $2,500 to $3,000. The price of a partial wrap would be proportional to a full wrap.

No matter the conditions, Fantasea Media graphics are made to last. All of our vehicle wraps are printed with premium, outdoor-durable, and UV resistant inks on high-quality 3M media and installed by an experienced professional.

What is the best base color of a vehicle for a wrap?

Any base color on a vehicle can be wrapped.

What kinds of vehicles do you wrap?

We have wrapped commercial vehicles, boats, jet skis, motorcycles, buildings, SUVs, semi-trucks, box trucks, storefronts, tradeshow walls, and more.

I'd like graphics on some windows, but can I still see through them?

Of course, the window graphics are printed on a perforated vinyl that allows you to see through the rear and side rear windows.

Are car wraps applied to windows?

Yes, but only rear side and rear windows. Window wraps are printed on a special perforated vinyl that allows the driver to see through the rear and side rear windows.

Do you wrap the front side windows?

No, safety laws prohibit the use of wraps on driver and passenger side windows, as well as the windshield.

Do you wrap the roof?

On most automobiles the roof is included. Generally, we do not wrap roofs on larger vehicles (vans, trucks or SUVs), unless it is requested by the customer. Note that warranties do not cover roof or hood wraps because these areas receive constant sunlight.

What if the company information on my wrap changes, can it be replaced?

Yes. Graphics, logos, and phone numbers (or any part of the design) can be changed, reprinted and re-installed as overlays on the car wrap.

Where is your install location?

Fantasea Media is located at 12255 SW 128th ST Unit 406  Miami,FL 33186.
Our onsite installation department is down the street from our office.

How do I schedule commercial vehicles to be wrapped?

To schedule your vehicle wrap installation, you may call (786) 299-7963.

Installing Graphics FAQ

How do I apply and remove graphics?

Application
Make contact with the floor, with one edge of the decal. While peeling back the backer paper, slowly squeegee the decal to the floor. When you squeegee, work from the center, outwards toward the edges, and from the top, down in overlapping strokes. Note: The surface must be entirely dust free and the surface temperature must be above 60°F.

Removal
The angle at which you pull off the decal is important to ensure no residue remains on the floor. The decal should be pulled off at a high pull-off angle. (Back on top of itself.)

How do I prepare interior walls for graphics?

For best results on contour-cut wall graphics, we may need to leave a 1/4″ to 1/2″ unprinted white border all the way around to minimize potential edge curl.

Surface Preparation

When preparing a wall for a graphic, it is important to understand that not all surfaces are suitable for vinyl film application. Wall graphics can only successfully be applied to surfaces that are clean, dry, smooth and non-porous. Any of the following conditions can cause poor adhesion or product failure:

  • Highly textured paint
  • Poor initial paint bond
  • Poorly painted wall edges
  • Patched areas that have not been primed
  • Moisture behind the drywall, which can cause the drywall paper to release. Watch for walls that back up to cooling systems, water pipes, overhead windows and windows that have been boarded up. These areas are prone to condensation that may not be obvious at the time of installation.
  • High humidity areas such as garages, entryways and bathrooms
  • Dust, dirt or other contaminants on the wall
  • Wallpaper or other wall covering that is not securely bonded to the wall
  • Cuts made to the graphic during the installation process that penetrate both film and substrate
  • Freshly painted walls that have not had ample time to cure (3 weeks). Wall graphics tend to bubble and release from the wall while paint is in the curing process.
  • If your wall is to be newly painted, the goal is to achieve a good bond between the substrate and the primer/paint. When applying the primer, it is important to use a high quality, oil-based primer such as those available from Kilz or Zinsser. Once the primer is dry apply two coats of a high quality Satin or Semi-Gloss paint to ensure a cohesive bond between the paint and primer. For best results, avoid applying graphics to heavily tinted paints which have more than 1 oz. of tint per gallon of paint. The surfactants and colorants that make up darker paint colors tend to need longer periods to leach or outgas. Avoid matte finish latex paints and paints that use anti-graffiti agents. When applying the paint, use a 3/8″ nap roller cover to reduce stippling.

Installation

Once the paint has had ample time to cure, it’s important to clean the surface immediately before applying the film. Dust and other contaminants can collect quickly on the wall and prevent the film from adhering properly. Wipe down the wall with a dry tack cloth or a lint-free microfiber cloth to remove any dust, paying special attention to the wall’s edges and corners.

When installing your graphic, always use a dry application method; under no circumstances should a wet application be used. Wall graphics are installed using the same techniques as any other installation.

Lay the graphic, image-side down, on a flat surface and pull back the liner about 3 inches. Sharply crease the liner while holding it away from the adhesive. Align the graphic on the wall and use finger pressure to tack in place. Using a squeegee, work from the center to the edge, then return to the center and work to the opposite edge. Use overlapping strokes while applying a small portion of the graphic at a time. If your graphic is made up of more than one panel, avoid using horizontal seams when possible. When the entire graphic has been applied to the wall, re-squeegee the edges of the graphic to ensure a good bond. (If the graphic will come into contact with regular cleaning, such as mopping, soil removal, etc., graphics should be sealed in those areas. This is especially important where the graphic is terminated at the floor. Use of a clear silicone sealant along the edges of the graphic is recommended.)

Care & Maintenance

In order to maintain your wall graphic’s original appearance, clean the graphic using only a mild soap and water solution. DO NOT use products that contain bleach or petroleum-based ingredients. If the graphic will need to be cleaned frequently, lamination is required to maintain print integrity.

Graphics should be hand-cleaned only. Clean graphic beginning at the top and work down.

Use lint-free cloth rags or sponges for cleaning. Do not use scrubbing pads or scouring sponges.

To remove difficult items such as lipstick or crayon, choose a citrus-based cleaner to remove the stain, then immediately rinse with mild soap and water solution (not recommended for un-laminated graphics).

If your wall graphic has seams be sure that you DO NOT wipe cleaning solution into the seam. This could cause the edges to lift and curl up from the wall.

After cleaning graphic, use dry lint-free micro-fiber cloths for drying.

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