SpotOn White M50 is one of five films in Drytac’s SpotOn range
Clear Opportunities
Window graphics play a major role in today’s modern marketing mix. It is hard to imagine walking down the high street or through a shopping centre without colourful and eye-catching displays covering the window of shops, cafes, and restaurants that line your route.
Marketing may indeed be one of the stand-out uses for window graphics, these applications can also be used for interior and exterior décor, as well as art projects and even covering up work taking place inside a building.
What this means for sign-makers and wide-format print companies is opportunity, but with this comes competition. In this feature, SignLink explores how businesses can gain a key advantage in the market and picks out some of the latest solutions to help them in their quest.
Ease Of Use
First up to offer guidance is Drytac, which stocks a wide range of films that can be used in all manner of window graphic projects. Kieran Blacknall, academy manager at Drytac, explains the market has become more accessible due to the quality of products now available to sign-makers. While this has made work easier to take on, it has increased the level of competition in what is already a busy sector.
“Sign-makers and wide-format print companies are discovering how easy it is to sell ‘ease of use’ products to their customers, saving time and money for all involved,” Blacknall explains, adding: “Professional installation of window graphics is no longer a requirement for purchase.”
Blacknall goes on to say that Drytac has noted a lot of demand for creative application solutions that are easily repositionable, can be applied with ease, and are bubble-free, making installation even easier for users.
“We are keen to deliver products that make life easier for our own clients and also makes the process easier for their customers,” Blacknall says, adding: “For example, bubble-free and permanently removable media can be installed by most end-users with great results, saving on the cost of installation.
“High quality materials stand out to printers, installers, and end-users. They build confidence in the product and the brand. Using the latest technology and machinery gives you an advantage over the competition when you can offer something they can’t.”
With this, Blacknall draws attention to some of the most popular products available from Drytac. The stand-out range in its wider portfolio is SpotOn, a vinyl film designed to bring high-quality, easy- to-apply graphics displays to a range of environments.
Drytac SpotOn features dot pattern adhesive, enabling bubble-free application in all projects
The range includes five options: SpotOn White, SpotOn White M50, SpotOn SynTac, SpotOn Floor 200, and SpotOn Clear. Each product brings with it its own list of benefits, though one of the core qualities that stretches across all the solutions is a dot pattern adhesive, which Blacknall says enables easy bubble-free application for any level of experience. Each film is also printable by solvent, eco-solvent, Latex, and UV inkjet printers.
“Suitable for short-term indoor graphics applications, SpotOn is a high-quality, ink-receptive printable vinyl,” Drytac says, adding: “SpotOn monomeric has been developed specifically for the creation of vibrant graphics requiring quick and easy application and removal.
“No special tools are required when applying the vinyl, not even a squeegee. Once installed, the film can be repositioned and, if stored correctly, reused.”
As an additional show of support, Drytac offers a series of educational sessions through its Drytac Academy initiative. Here, professionals can learn more about Drytac technology and the skills required to ensure high quality outcome in window graphics projects.
Consistent Demand
Another supplier in this segment is Antalis, which counts window graphics materials among its diversified portfolio of solutions. Mike Collins, product manager for visual communication at Antalis, says while the sector market is wide and diverse with a large number of suppliers, products, and solutions, it requires a specialised approach aligned to the application to gain maximum effect.
“There are numerous companies that specialise in supplying self-adhesives including window graphics,” he says, adding: “These companies offer a variety of window graphic products, such as vinyl print films, perforated window films, and static cling film.
“There is a consistent demand for window graphics from businesses and organisations looking to promote their brand, advertise products or services, or enhance the aesthetics of their windows.”
Collins goes on to say that window graphics offer a cost-effective and versatile solution for companies, and by choosing quality materials and designs, businesses can create impactful and attractive displays that entice and engage customers.
“It is therefore vitally important to select the correct materials,” Collins explains, continuing: “Window graphics are often the first thing you see and are required to look pristine; clarity of windows will expose any defect in the product. Quality materials and ease of application is key to achieving this finish.
“As there are so many different options and variables, it is important to consult your supplier with your specific requirements so they can tailor a solution that fits the brief.”
Leading on from this, Collins offers a number of pointers for companies when it comes to selecting materials to work with. One factor he focuses on in particular is to consider the durability and longevity of the window graphic materials. Collins explains that depending on the location and weather exposure, you may need materials that are resistant to fading, peeling, and other forms of damage.
With this, Collins picks out some of the solutions available from Antalis. The supplier’s range includes Coala Pro Tack S, an optically clear PET with hybrid adhesive, which Collins says makes the application of bespoke printed graphics easy and trouble free.
Also from Antalis, Coala Windows Décor is a new range of coloured and patterned designs for windows and partitions that can save time by providing instant creative effects. In addition, Antalis supplies Contra Vision, a range of perforated film for internal and external use that provides one-way vision solutions.
Available from Antalis, Coala Windows Décor is a new range of coloured and patterned designs for windows and partitions
“Window graphics provide a real opportunity for creativity and personalisation,” Collins says, adding: “Businesses can use window graphics to showcase their brand, promote sales, offers, or simply create an inviting environment for customers.
“Lastly, it's worth mentioning that window graphics can also add seclusion and security to a space. By using materials with frosted or opaque finishes, businesses can ensure privacy without sacrificing natural light. This is particularly useful for office spaces, meeting rooms, clinics, or other areas where privacy may be important.”
Invest In Quality
Away from material solutions, sign-makers and wide-format printers need to be aware of the printing equipment that they are using to produce window graphics. After all, visuals are everything when it comes to high-impact applications like this.
HP Latex printers are being used by companies around the world to produce window graphics
HP works with businesses both in the UK and overseas to support them with their hardware requirements in this market, with its HP Latex technology proving a popular choice. HP Latex runs water-based HP Latex inks, reducing not only the environmental impact of printed work, but also reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) output, allowing companies to take on work in environments where health and safety requirements are at their strictest.
O Factoid: HP Latex printers run water-based HP Latex inks, which help to reduce the environmental impact of printed work and volatile organic compound (VOC) output O
“One lesson we have learnt in a post-Covid world is that a business needs to be both agile and lean,” HP says, adding: “HP Latex technology is versatile; it can print onto a wide range of media for multiple applications meaning a business can be more agile adjusting to the market’s demands – without having to make significant investment in multiple devices.
“By embracing flexible technology like HP Latex, sign-makers can become more productive. There are several devices that have white ink, which is important when doing window graphics, but only HP Latex has the combination of flexibility, the whitest white inks in the segment, plus all the other benefits associated with HP Latex ink.”
As for the importance of investing in quality machinery and materials for this type of work, HP says this cannot be understated. The manufacturer explains low quality materials and equipment will give unreliable results, such as poor colours, bad image quality, and low performance.
“Spending a little more on good quality media will give you better productivity, increase your print speeds, and deliver better colours,” HP says, adding: “As for machinery, having a reliable and up to date printer has many benefits. Newer printers are Energy Star compliant, more efficient, use less energy, and produce less waste.
“It is essential to be able to react quickly to customers’ requests in this fast-moving market. Latex ink can be laminated as soon as it comes off the printer, without the need for de-gassing, and can be installed as fast as you can print it, without any odour.
“It is also important to consider the removability of window vinyls, specifically that they can be removed quickly and easily in all temperatures without breaking. Non-toxic HP Latex inks also make responsible disposal easier.”
Looking at the options available from HP, there are plenty to choose from, with its HP Latex solutions ranging from 1.6m to 3.2m. White ink options are available on the Latex 700W, 800W, and 2700W models, while users can also run window clings and other material on the hybrid R1000 Plus and R2000 Plus.
The HP Latex 800W is one of several printers in the HP Latex range offering white ink capabilities
“This would, for example, enable you to output your boards during the day and then web up the roll-to-roll to run unattended overnight with window graphics,” HP says.
From speaking with suppliers and manufacturers that are specialists in this area, it is clear that there is no question about the amount of work on offer to sign-makers, wide-format printers, and other companies seeking new work. However, the key point that has been highlighted by each featured business is the importance of selecting the right materials and equipment to work with.
Get this wrong and you risk not only the quality of the final product but also how it will perform after being installed. Selecting the incorrect material could lead to the graphic failing and peeling away, leaving your customer understandably dissatisfied and almost certainly pulling any chance of repeat business. Speak with your suppliers to identify the best product for the job at hand and ensure a quality result for your valued customers.
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