Media choice is imperative to optimizing the effectiveness and efficiency of a graphic. Depending on the application, a variety of solutions are available to accommodate the needs of even the most specialty installation. Specific to digitally printed wallcoverings, the following media providers offer solutions to properly execute these high-impact graphics.

In line with part one of this series, which included an overview of fire regulation and other public safety codes related to wallcovering media, vendors share what ratings their products meet.

3M Graphics Market Center recently launched a new environmentally friendly wallcovering product, 3M Wall Decorating Film IJ86E. IJ86E is a 6-mil film designed specifically for interior walls. It can be printed with UV piezo inkjet or screenprinting ink. It is applied without bubbles and easily repositioned, no matter how big the job is. The film is recommended for any retail or consumer wall application. IJ86E is an environmentally preferred solution. The non-PVC film is manufactured using less solvent and is designed for use with UV inks to minimize emissions. Tim Boxeth, business manager, 3M, notes that due to the complexity and abundance of federal, state, and local regulations, it is difficult to specifically list the codes the film complies with. However, the company provides expertise through online and live support channels to help customers navigate these issues.

For wallcoverings, Arlon, Inc. offers its DPF 8000, a 3.8-mil industrial grade film used for hard-to-stick surfaces such as brick, stucco, and concrete. The company also manufactures DFP 2000, a 3.8-mil industrial grade removable film used for interior wall graphics.

Avery Graphics MPI 2611 Wall Film is ideal for interior graphics such as those found in retail, décor, branding, or point of purchase. The film is a white, premium calendered vinyl designed specifically for wall graphic applications with high-impact clarity and color pop that resists scuffing. MPI 2611 features a Class I or Type A rating for (American Society for Testing and Materials) ASTM E-84 and is self extinguishing.

Catalina Graphic Films, Inc.’s Wall Graphics are used for highly effective advertisements and promotions. With an ultra-removable and reusable adhesive, the films can be applied to smooth and most painted walls. It comes in a clear and white vinyl and can be top-coated and non top-coated for offset, screen, and digital printing. This product is not to be applied to unfinished walls. It must be applied dry to non-wet walls.

DreamScape introduced two products for the wallcovering market within the last year. The first is Bling! The metallic enhanced wallcovering media produces a sparkling effect and yields brilliant gold, silver, and copper with solvent or eco-solvent inks. Bling! is a first in a Type II metallic digital wallcovering. It complies with CCC-408-D; CFFA-W-101-D; and BS476, part six and seven for Type II vinyl wallcoverings. The company also recently introduced Terralon, a PVC-free wallcovering media for solvent, eco-solvent, UV-curable, and latex inks. The media is made with a polyester/natural fiber technology that contains over 30 percent recycled materials. Terralon combines Type II durability and a Class A fire rating in a new, highly breathable recyclable wallcovering. It features low volatile organic compound emission complying with California 1350 standard for air quality. It also complies with CCC-408-D.

KoroGraphics Digital Wallcoverings, manufactured by RJF International, provides commercial grade wallcoverings specifically developed for wide format digital printers and ink systems. The company plans on introducing an environmental version of its KoroGraphic product line in the near future. KoroGraphics offers fire certifications for its digital wallcovering substrates.

Lintec of America, Inc. produces fire retardant media for industrial applications. The company’s textured, fireproof inkjet printable wallcovering media PRINTERIOR is an environmentally friendly paper-based product as opposed to traditional PVC-based wallcovering media. The materials are manufactured in Japan, a country with strict fire retardant requirements. The company says its inkjet wallcovering products easily pass the ASTM E-84 testing standard, this data is provided to its customers.

MACtac Graphic Products provides a number of media options for digital wallcoverings, including IMAGin wallNOODLE and IMAGin RoughRAP. wallNOODLE is a thick, easy to handle 6-mil vinyl with a removable, repositionable adhesive. Designed for posters as well as temporary and short term, reusable signage for indoors, the media meets ASTM-E-84 regulations. IMAGin RoughRAP WW100 is a 2.1-mil highly conformable gloss vinyl with an aggressive removable adhesive. Designed for wall murals and signage for rough textured surfaces, both indoors and outdoors, the media meets ASTM E-84 regulations.

Oracal USA offers a variety of inkjet media suitable for wall graphics, including ORAJET 3651 Intermediate Grade Calendered PVC Inkjet Media, ORAJET 3691 Intermediate Grade Calendered PVC Inkjet Media, and ORAJET 3621 Economy Calendered PVC Inkjet Media. ORAJET 3651 is appropriate for a broad range of indoor and outdoor applications and features a gray-pigmented, permanent adhesive. It is available in white gloss, semi-gloss, and matte finishes, as well as transparent gloss. ORAJET 3691 is a 2.75-mil, five year removable inkjet media for medium-term indoor or outdoor projects. Its gray-pigmented, removable adhesive makes removal easy, while providing great covering power over existing graphics. It is available in white gloss, semi-gloss, and matte finishes. ORAJET 3621 is an economical 3-mil, four year calendered inkjet media for short-term interior and exterior graphics that require easy removal. It’s a water-based, removable, gray-pigmented adhesive designed for flat-surface applications. ORAJET 3621 is available in widths up to 80 inches in white gloss and matte finishes.

At SGIA, Ritrama Inc. introduced its Ri Print Wall Graphic 4-0201. The media features print-to-edge technology that enables contour cutting of the wall graphic without leaving a border. The product does not curl or edge lift and will not fall off of a smooth-painted dry wall. It can be cleanly removed from walls for up to one year under normal interior conditions.

Ultraflex Systems, Inc. provides Wallscapes III, which are quality, durable, flexible materials for wallcoverings or upscale banner applications for UV, solvent, and screenprinting. Wallscapes are installed using most commercial types of adhesives, sewn, or grommeted. Wallscapes also meets ASTM E-84-03 standards for Class A, Type II wallcovering. Ultraflex stocks three embossments; suede, stardust, and matte with numerous other embossments available by special order. Wallscapes are available in standard 54-inch-wide by 300-feet-long rolls.