New Opportunities for see-through graphics
in a series of three articles, Contra Vision, the inventor of see-through window graphics, explains how to design, sell and produce see-through graphics. In this last article, how to produce backlit see-through graphics, choosing and using lamination films and utilising non-perforated, non-pvc materials to produce see-through graphics.
One-way see-through graphics have a white layer under the design, to maximise the visual impact of the graphics when seen from the outside, and a black layer facing the inside to maximise the see-through properties. However, during the hours of darkness, one-way see-through graphics can suffer from ‘burn-through’ where the lights inside a building or vehicle can reduce or virtually eliminate the impact of the graphics, if there is no or inadequate external illumination.
Backlit see-through graphics are ideal for use on the windows of convenience stores and other retail outlets which operate during the hours of darkness. Backlit see-through graphics also allow daylight in and a view out. In addition, the existing in-store lighting is used to ‘back-light’ the graphics during the hours of darkness. This increases the advertising impact without increasing the energy consumption of the store. Optionally, ceiling mounted spotlights directed onto such advertisements really make them “pop”. Backlit see-through graphics have only a translucent white layer under the design. A ghost reverse image of the print can be seen from the inside, although the mind will concentrate on the outside view and not the ghost image.
Backlit perforated see-through graphics for application onto the outside of a window are produced using a translucent white perforated vinyl. Backlit see-through graphics for application onto the inside of a window are produced by printing the design reverse-reading onto clear perforated vinyl and then backing up with a printed translucent white layer.
Choosing and using laminating films
Remember that perforated vinyl cannot be seen through if exposed to hole-blocking dirt or rain because the water acts like a tiny lens in each hole. In these conditions, perforated vinyl needs to be laminated with an optically clear protective film, or applied to the inside of the window if constant see-through properties are desirable or essential.
Overlaminating films are typically self-adhesive polyester or vinyl. Self-adhesive polyester normally gives better optical clarity but is not suitable for curved surfaces such as vehicle rear windows. A cast vinyl tends to give better optical clarity than a calendered vinyl. The optical clarity of both self-adhesive polyester and vinyl overlaminates are optimised if they are supplied on a polyester liner rather than a paper liner.
For additional protection against edge-lifting, overhang the laminating film beyond the edge of the perforated vinyl, or apply a strip of cast vinyl laminating film over the edge of the perforated vinyl.
Using non-perforated material
Non-perforated materials, typically print-treated polyester films or sheet plastic have many advantages over perforated materials. More durable, non-pvc materials can be used and the printer has total control over the level of transparency and can emphasise a particular part of a design.
These see-through graphics can be applied inside or outside windows and, as perforated vinyl is not used, there is no need for the additional cost of lamination to keep water and dirt out of the holes. The use of a non-pvc substrate is particularly attractive to many customers.
All that is required is machinery capable of printing a white layer and a licence to use the Contra Vision® ORS™ and Contra Vision® BACKLITE ORS™ family of technologies.
Please visit the www.contravision.com website and click on "Online Licensing" to register for a licence and for more information. Registration is free.
Contra Vision has a number of other technologies for the production of see-through graphics including Contra Vision® XR™ exact registration printing onto non-perforated substrates and Contra Vision® Stripes™ cut film vinyl stripes. See www.contravision.com for details.
Contra Vision has used its unique experience in this market to create Contra Vision® Performance™, a comprehensive range of competitively-priced, high quality perforated window films.
We hope that you have found these articles interesting and useful. For further information or to request a comprehensive guide to see-through graphics, visit www.contravision.com or email sales@contravision.com.