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Home > Technical
Information > Graphics
1. Hand Painted/Stenciled
This method of producing graphics on fabric is recommended for non
back-lit awnings. Paint can be brushed, rolled, sprayed, airbrushed, or silk
screened on most fabric types. For back-lit applications, translucent inks
can be applied with the same techniques. However, a uniform application of
ink is required to achieve consistent light transmission. This can be
difficult to accomplish with hand applied processes.
 2. Pressure
Sensitive (P.S.) Vinyl and Tedlar Films
This low cost adhesive
backed film is available in hundreds of translucent and opaque colors.
Pressure Sensitive Films can be computer cut and hand applied. To achieve
proper adhesion, P.S. Films should be applied to P.S. Film receptive
fabrics. They do not work well on woven acrylic or other canvas like
fabrics, or vinyl fabrics that have not been coated with a protective
finish. Since translucent films applied on colored fabric will not light
properly, back-lit graphics require that P.S. Films be applied onto colored
fabrics, the colored fabric must be of the eradicable type so that the
fabric color can be removed from areas that are to receive P.S. Films. P.S.
Films can also be used as both the background and graphic colors. However,
application to large areas is difficult without costly laminating equipment.
3. Eradicated
This economical graphic production method
for back-lit awnings, involves the use of solvent to remove the fabric
surface color. While the eradication process is a low cost, efficient method
of producing back-lit graphics, eradication cannot be performed on most
awning fabrics. Instead, it requires specially formulated white vinyl
substrate fabrics that have the color applied at the factory by coating the
fabric surface with pigmented acrylic inks. These eradicable fabrics are
more expensive than Permanent Factory Color Vinyl Fabrics of similar
quality. Although eradication is a relatively inexpensive method for
producing back-lit graphics, eradicable fabrics are one of the most
expensive fabric types. Therefore, this method is most suitable for back-lit
projects involving extensive graphics. Once color is removed from the
graphic area, other graphic methods, such as the application of P.S. Film,
can be used to decorate eradicated areas.
4. Radio Frequency (R.F.)
Welding
Radio Frequency Welding is a relatively expensive graphic
production method for back-lit graphics. However, R.F. Welding can be
performed using most types of fabrics, and does not require the use of
expensive eradicable fabrics. Therefore, R.F. Welding can be utilized in a
cost effective manner on projects involving small amounts of back-lit
graphic areas (relative to overall awning size). The R.F. Welding process
involves cutting out the graphic shape from the background fabric, and
replacing this area with a slightly larger piece of fabric of the same
shape. The two pieces of fabric are then welded together with microwaves and
pressure where they overlap.
5. Heat Transfer
This
expensive graphic production method is performed on white vinyl fabric
substrates to produce vivid, durable back-lit graphics. The entire graphic
panel, including the background color, is transferred from ink coated paper
to a white substrate, using heat and vacuum pressure. A clear protective top
coating is then laminated to the surface using the same heat and vacuum
process. The ability to apply protective coatings to the decorated fabric
surfaces is a primary justification for the initial higher costs of Heat
Transfer. It is recommended for back-lit projects requiring limited
reproduction (see Factory Screen Printing for projects requiring multiple
reproductions), and maximum longevity. In order to obtain the manufacturer’s
warranty, the Heat Transfer process should always be performed using a
single manufacturer’s materials (ink paper, substrate fabric, top coating).
6. Direct/Inlaid Digital Printing
Some fabric
manufacturers produce custom screen printed back-lightable fabric panels.
These panels include the back ground color and the desired graphic elements.
The fabric can then be protected with a factory applied clear top coating.
Factory Screen Printing is the most cost effective method of producing
premium quality back-lightable fabric panels with intensive graphics.
However, the normal minimum quantity required for this process is in the
2000 s.f. range. Factory Screen Printing is used most frequently by retail
chain stores.
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