In-store floor, wall, and countertop graphics serve a variety of purposes for retailers. They play a vital role in helping brands broadcast seasonal offers and special discounts or promotions, and they also help to reinforce branding and create a more unique, memorable shopping experience.
The result of a more positive in-store customer experience can be increased foot traffic and more robust sales figures, both of which help drive growth and revenue. It’s no secret that retail graphics are a top priority for brands, but choosing the right print media can be a little overwhelming.
The good news is these five practical frequently asked questions (FAQs) about retail floor, wall, and countertop graphics will help simplify the selection process and lead you to the ideal print media for your retail graphic needs.
Are there certain application surfaces that are more ideal than others for retail signage?
Most print media used in the production of wall graphics are not recommended for surfaces that have been painted or treated within the last 30 days — for example, Trifecta® by Nekoosa is recommended for use on cured surfaces.
Applying graphics to uncured surfaces may result in visual or functional defects like bubbling, and the application surface should be free of defects and properly cleaned before application to ensure a quality adhesion.
Some of the more common application surfaces for wall graphics include wallpaper, wood paneling, painted walls, and stainless steel. Common application surfaces for floor graphics include sealed wood, vinyl, tile, and sealed concrete.
With Nekoosa’s Trifecta® you can create durable floor, wall, and countertop graphics for a wide range of surface applications with an eye toward durability and consistency.
How long do retail floor or wall graphics usually last?
The service life of retail floor, wall, or countertop graphics depends on a couple of factors, the first being environmental. Graphics used in outdoor applications will generally have a shorter lifespan than graphics used indoors. It’s important to keep in mind that the adhesive used to apply the sign may have a different service life than the graphic itself. This understanding is key in maximizing the ROI of your floor and wall signs.
For example, Nekoosa’s floor, wall, and countertop graphics utilize a universal removable adhesive that will cleanly remove from indoor and outdoor application surfaces for up to one year.
How do you properly install floor graphics?
The floor graphic installation process can vary depending on the type or brand of media you’re using, but there are a handful of common best practices for ensuring a quality installation with strong adhesion.
The steps to install a majority of floor graphics include:
- Cleaning the application surface of any dirt, grease, and debris — using the surface cleaner, rubbing alcohol, and lint-free cloth should be sufficient
- Positioning the graphic on the desired location. Remove the release liner from the corner and peel down and away from the top while holding the edge of the surface
- Using the squeegee, apply pressure from the middle toward the edges with overlapping strokes
- Avoid polishing the graphic or surrounding floor for at least 24 hours
Following these simple steps will produce a strong adhesion in service of a durable, high-quality retail graphic.
How do you remove wall graphics without damage or blemish to the surface?
Removing wall graphics without damage to the application surface is a common concern for retailers, especially those that frequently update their wall signage to reflect new promotions. Following these steps will help ensure a smooth removal process that doesn’t result in wall damage.
- Start at any edge of the graphic and gently lift enough of the graphic from the surface to grab. For larger graphics, the edge can be slit and allowed to tear, so that the graphics can be removed in sections
- Slowly peel the graphic back on itself at a sharp angle. This will minimize the chances of wall damage or defect, or any residual adhesive being left behind
- Continue at an even pace until the graphic is completely removed
Are there common safety standards for floor and wall graphics?
There are a handful of important safety standards for floor and wall graphics to either prevent slipping or combat the potential for hazardous events like fires. Two of the more common safety standards in the U.S. are governed by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
The key ASTM safety standard that applies to floor and wall graphics centers on the fire-resistant nature of a graphic — testing to determine the level of fire resistance is known as the E84 test. Print media with an ASTM E84 Class 1 or A rating offer the highest degree of fire protection, with Class B and C offering less resistance.
For floor graphic slip safety, UL 410 slip resistance is the industry standard, certifying that a material is slip resistant.
Nekoosa’s Trifecta® is both ASTM E84 Class 1 or A and UL 410 certified for the highest levels of fire and slip resistance to help retailers create the safest in-store customer experience possible.
With Trifecta® from Nekoosa, you can create floor, wall, and countertop graphics with outstanding color quality and simplified installation and maintenance. Available in both sheets and rolls, Trifecta® offers both flexibility and versatility. Request your sample now.
Bryan Baab is Nekoosa’s Product Development Manager - Wide Format. He has been part of the Nekoosa team for the last two years.
