Things To Consider
Printed graphics on walls are a great way to transform a plain blockade to an exciting, money-making and eye-catching display. Additionally, installing exterior wall graphics are still the best way to express creativity and generate another means of promotion.
Compared to interior walls, exterior walls present more challenges when it comes to the product selection and application techniques. For example, exterior walls can be made out of concrete, bricks or cinder blocks with finishes ranging from smooth to extremely textured. With this in mind, take note if the surface is primed, painted, sealed or has no coating at all.
Relatively smooth exterior walls can share the same installation procedure as interior walls, but what about textured walls? We’ll explore how to apply printed graphics on exterior cinder block walls.
Step by Step: Installing Exterior Wall Graphics
- First of all, thoroughly clean the surface and any excess grout and imperfections.
- The basic tools you will need are:
- Snap-off blades
- Heat gun
- A foam roller
- WrapGlove
- High tack masking tape
- IR thermometer
- It is important that none of the panel’s edges go on top of joints and grout lines. With this in mind, apply small strips of masking tape to serve as guides to offset the graphics’ top edge a couple of inches from the grout line.
- Then, line up the first tile with your guides and anchor the top of the graphic with high tack masking tape. Let it hang loose.
- Start the application by removing 2 inches (5 cm) of liner then apply lightly with hand pressure.
Apply the small section above and below this anchor point with the same light hand pressure. Peel the liner in 2 foot increments.
- With the whole panel lightly set, use a foam roller and a heat gun at a rate of approximately 4 inches (10 cm) per second to seal the top, left, and bottom edge of the graphic to prevent the film from shrinking. The recommended vinyl temperature to conform to textured walls is 200°F – 230°F (93°C – 110°C).
- Then proceed with the same application rate starting from the top. Apply from left to right, starting and ending beyond the graphic and overlapping each stroke by 50%.
- Anchor the next tile on the top two corners with masking tape. Then, with the panel hanging loose, use the registration marks made of blue masking tape to align each panel.
- Once the alignment is set, apply the same way as the first tile and repeat until desired coverage.
- Finally, step back and enjoy the finished application.
Do It Right
In conclusion, installing exterior wall graphics can achieve amazing results that paint simply cannot. To maintain and improve the prestige of digitally printed wall graphics, wrap it right the first time, on time, every time.
