Outdoor graphics: bold statements and sustainability

Published On: September 27, 2017

During their joint presentation “Outdoor Graphics—Design to Installation” at IFAI Expo 2017, Valerie Cuchna, material resource liaison at Fabric Images Inc., and Mike VonWachenfeldt, technical service manager at Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, addressed the benefits of using outdoor graphics and offered tips to keep the graphics protected from weather elements.

“Outdoor graphics can create an unexpected space that is easy for patrons to identify,” says Cuchna. From building wraps to canopies and pop up installations, fabric graphics have the ability to shape the look and feel of an outdoor environment.

According to VonWachenfeldt, selecting the right coating and finishing is important when it comes to keeping outdoor graphics looking their best. Rain, snow, sun and wind can impact the resilience of an installation, so protective coatings and applications should be at the forefront of consideration before an installation is realized.

Wind load is an especially important environmental factor to take into consideration. Installations above 20 feet in height face higher wind velocities which can cause stress on fabrics and the structural integrity of the installation. Incorporating wind slits onto banners was generally thought to be an effective solution to reducing stress, however recent tests have offered evidence that wind slits actually have the ability to capture more wind and lead to more stress.

For more on how to calculate wind load, visit http://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Wind-Load.