Product Application Guide
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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.
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 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
POSTERS & PRINTS
Introduction
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.
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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.
Vertical Markets Health Care, Education, Government, Hospitality, Retail, Construction, NonProfits, Meetings & Events, Restaurants, Training
Printed on: • High Quality Photo Media: HP Photo Poster 8.4 mil 60” Rolls Part # HPCG421A
Finishing and Installation
POSTERS & PRINTS
Uses
• Trim to size with straight edge, blade, and self-healing mat • Ship or transport in mailing tubes if rolled, reinforced boxes if mounted
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
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POSTERS & PRINTS
Backlit Posters or Menu Boards
Uses Backlit posters are ideal for dim or dark settings, or to call extra attention to the graphic, such as with menu boards or advertisements.
Vertical Markets Retail, Hospitality, Health Care, Restaurants, Government
Printed on: • Backlit Film
Backlit Film 5 mil 36”
Part # 3182-36
Finishing and Installation • 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.
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Fine Art Prints
POSTERS & PRINTS
Uses Fine art prints are used in art reproduction, family portraits or photographs. They also serve well as unique advertising components.
Vertical Markets Ad Agencies, Education, Real Estate, Retail, Restaurants
Printed on: • Canvas
Satin Art Canvas 16.5 mil 36”
Part# HPQ8783AE
Finishing and Installation • 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
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WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS
Introduction
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 dĂŠcor 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 “disposableâ€? marketing components: many customers will benefit from having their graphics changed-out monthly, for instance, to refresh their customer-facing messages or promotions.
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Perforated Window Graphics
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
WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS
Uses
in front, but viewers behind the glass will still be able to see out through it.
Vertical Markets Ad Agencies, Automotive, Financial, Hospitality, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail
Printed on: • 3M Window Perf 4 mil 54” 3MIJ65
Finishing and Installation • Trim to window dimensions • Apply with EZ Glide or soap and water solution and a squeegee
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WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS
Cut Vinyl
Uses 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.
Vertical Markets Automotive, Construction, Financial, Government, Health Care, Legal, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail
Material • Backlit Film
Calendared Color Vinyl 4 mil 15”
50-xx-1510
Finishing and Installation • 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
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Decals and Stickers
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
WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS
Uses
section of backing until ready for use.
Vertical Markets 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
Finishing and Installation • Contour cut • Peel and apply to surface using EZ Glide or soap and water solution, with squeegee, as necessary
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WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS
Removable Graphics
Uses 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.
Vertical Markets Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Government, Health Care, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Meetings and Events, Restaurants, Retail
Printed on: • Standard 4 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54” IM3204-54
Finishing and Installation • 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
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Floor Graphics
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.
WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS
Uses
Vertical Markets 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
Finishing and Installation • Contour cut or cut to size with straight edge, blade and self-healing mat • When using on higher traffic areas or for longer than one or two weeks, it is best to apply a floor laminate to protect the graphic from wear
• Floor Laminate 3M3648
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WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS
Wall Paper and Murals
Uses 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.
Vertical Markets Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Government, Health Care, Hospitality, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail
Printed on: • Avery Wall Film 6 mil 54” AMPI2611-5425
Finishing and Installation • Apply with EZ Glide or soap and water solution and a squeegee
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Introduction
INDOOR BANNERS & BASIC TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS
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.
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INDOOR BANNERS & BASIC TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS
Fabric Signage
Uses 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.
Vertical Markets Ad Agencies Automotive, Education, Financial, Hospitality, Meetings and Events, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail
Printed On: • Aberdeen Fabric Flag .42 mm 60” AFABTC-60
Finishing and Installation 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
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Banners
Indoor banners can be printed on thinner media and are an inexpensive, versatile way to display branding or timely messages.
Vertical Markets Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Hospitality, Meetings and Events, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail
Printed On: • Key Banner 10 oz. 54” BM5450W10M
Finishing and Installation • Trim to size with straight edge, or blade and mat • Hem or tape edges for a finished look
INDOOR BANNERS & BASIC TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS
Uses
• 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
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INDOOR BANNERS & BASIC TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS
Banner Stands
Uses 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.
Vertical Markets 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
Finishing and Installation • 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
• Trim to size with ruler and razor, adhere to stand with clear packing tape • 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
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Introduction
VEHICLE GRAPHICS 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.
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VEHICLE GRAPHICS
Vehicle Wraps – Full
Uses 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.
Vertical Markets Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Financial, Government, Hospitality, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail
Printed On: • Premium Vehicle 8 Year 2 mil 54” 3MIJ40C
Finishing and Installation • 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.
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VEHICLE GRAPHICS
Vehicle Wraps – Partial
Uses 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.
Vertical Markets Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Hospitality, Meetings and Events, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail
Printed on: • Premium Vehicle 8 Year 2 mil 54” 3MIJ40C
Finishing and Installation • 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 19
VEHICLE GRAPHICS
Perforated Window Graphics
Uses 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.
Vertical Markets Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Financial, Government, Hospitality, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail
Printed On: • 3M Window Perf 4 mil 54” 3MIJ65
Finishing and Installation • 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
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VEHICLE GRAPHICS
Cut Vinyl
Uses 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.
Vertical Markets Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Financial, Government, Hospitality, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail
Printed on: • Calendared Color Vinyl 4 mil 15” 50-xx-1510
Finishing and Installation • 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
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VEHICLE GRAPHICS
Decals
Uses 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.
Vertical Markets 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
Finishing and Installation • Contour cut • Peel and apply to surface using EZ Glide or soap and water solution, with squeegee, as necessary
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Introduction
Shop� business model. Banners and signs in this
OUTDOOR BANNERS AND GRAPHICS
Outdoor Signage is the classical offering of the “Sign 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.
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OUTDOOR BANNERS AND GRAPHICS
All-Purpose Banners
Uses 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.
Vertical Markets Ad Agencies, Automotive, Construction, Financial, Government, Hospitality, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail
Printed On: • Standard Banner 13 oz. 54” BM5450W13
Finishing and Installation •
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.
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Uses These banners are similar to the all-purpose banner, but they are able to feature
OUTDOOR BANNERS AND GRAPHICS
Double-Sided Banners
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.
Vertical Markets Automotive, Construction, Education, Financial, Government, Health Care, Hospitality, Meetings and Events, Non-Profits, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail
Printed on: • Key Blockout Banner 15 oz. 54” BMB05435W15
Finishing and Installation • 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
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OUTDOOR BANNERS AND GRAPHICS
Mesh Banners
Uses 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.
Vertical Markets 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
Finishing and Installation • 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
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Rigid Signs
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,
OUTDOOR BANNERS AND GRAPHICS
Uses
while coroplast substrates are inexpensive and ideal for temporary yard-signs.
Vertical Markets 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
• Aluminum
P843MWE
AS4896040W
Finishing and Installation 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 27
Media Laminating Mounting Guide MEDIA
APPLICATION
HP Photo Poster 8.4 mil 60”
High Quality Photo Media
Backlit Film 5 mil 36”
Backlit Media
Satin Art Canvas 16.5 mil 36”
Art Prints
Premium 7 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54”
All-Purpose Pressure-Sensitive Decals
Standard 4 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54”
Easily Removable Window/Wall Graphics
Economy 3 Year Vinyl 3 mil 54”
Decals and Stickers with Permanent Adhesive
Avery Wall Film 6 mil 54”
Wallpaper and Murals
3M Window Perf 4 mil 54”
Perforated Window Graphics
Calendared Color Vinyl 4 mil 15”
Cut Vinyl Available in Many Colors
Key Banner 10 oz. 54”
This lighter banner material has a matte finish, is scuff resistant and resists curling.
Rollup Film 8 mil 36”
Pop-Up Banners
Aberdeen Fabric Flag .42 mm 60”
Table Covers, Flags, Soft-Signage and Pop-Up Banners
Premium Vehicle 8 Year Vinyl 2 mil 54”
Durable Vehicle and Marine Graphics
Standard Banner 13 oz. 54”
All-Purpose, Strong Banner Material
Key Blockout Banner 15 oz. 54”
Double-Sided Banners
Key Mesh Banner 9 oz. 54”
Mesh Banners for Windy Locations
LAMINATES Gloss Laminate Luster Laminate Dry Erase Laminate Floor Laminate
SUBSTRATES White or Black Foam Core
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PVC 6 mil White
White Gatorboard
Coroplast White
Magnet
Aluminum
PVC 3 mil White
Max Metal
POSTERS & PRINTS • WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS
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INDOOR BANNERS & BASIC
TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS • VEHICLE GRAPHICS • OUTDOOR BANNERS AND GRAPHICS • POSTERS & PRINTS • WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS •
INDOOR BANNERS & BASIC TRADE SHOW
DISPLAYS
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VEHICLE GRAPHICS
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OUTDOOR
BANNERS AND GRAPHICS • POSTERS & PRINTS •
WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS
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INDOOR BANNERS & BASIC TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS
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VEHICLE GRAPHICS
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OUTDOOR
BANNERS AND GRAPHICS • POSTERS & PRINTS •
WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS
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INDOOR BANNERS & BASIC TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS
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VEHICLE GRAPHICS
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OUTDOOR
BANNERS AND GRAPHICS • POSTERS & PRINTS •
WINDOW, WALL & FLOOR GRAPHICS
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INDOOR BANNERS & BASIC TRADE SHOW