It is essential to use materials that can withstand the elements in areas with colder climates. Photo by Drytac
Dennis Leblanc
Every type of graphic or print application is going to present challenges. The surface you choose may pose problems when applying the graphic. Or the location of the application could make it difficult to install the graphics.
These are just a few of the problems that external graphics can cause, but cold weather is a major problem for many companies. It is difficult to ensure that an application does not fall apart in countries like Canada, which can experience very harsh winters.
You must first ensure that you use materials that can withstand freezing temperatures. You don’t want the graphic to fail. This could lead to having to reprint or reapply the entire image. This could result in you losing valuable time, money, resources, and, most importantly, repeat business from your customer.
Next is the issue with colour and print quality. As with how long sun exposure can affect print quality, harsh cold temperatures can also impact the appearance and quality of exterior applications. These conditions are ideal for print service providers. They should look to use materials, consumables, or hardware that provide superior performance.
You must ensure that graphics are removed from surfaces without causing damage. This could cause annoyance with the customer and potentially leave them with an unwanted cleaning bill to remove this residue—resulting in an all-around loss.
Make your decision
The minimum temperature at which pressure-sensitive media can be used is 5 C (41 F). This means that it cannot be used in cooler climates for more than half of the year. It is therefore important to choose a print media that has the right application temperature for your area. The success of cold-weather applications projects depends on the combination of adhesive, film, and laminate.
Creative Silhouettes designed an attractive application for a busy intersection in Toronto. The material was chosen by the company because it can withstand extreme cold. Photo courtesy Creative Silhouettes
Materials in action
In September 2022, Toronto-based large-format print company Creative Silhouettes used Drytac’s Polar Grip white polymeric self-adhesive vinyl to create an eye-catching application at a busy intersection in the city.
Brookfield Properties and the city of Toronto approached the company for a piece to brighten up an outdoor space. The main purpose of the project was not to promote a brand or product, but to bring some color to the otherwise boring, beige building space.
Creative Silhouettes chose the material to complete the project knowing that it would withstand the cold temperatures Toronto experiences. High-bond adhesive allows for permanent graphics to be applied to any surface (metal, plastic, wood and glass),
This particular material can also be printed with eco-solvent, UV (UV), and latex printers. To produce the final print, the company used its HP Latex R1000 printer. It measured 18.2m (60 feet) high by 10.6m (35 feet) wide. The colourful print towers over Toronto’s passersby and will continue to do so through the winter.
“We have been using this material for the past three years in a wide range of applications,” said Giovani Pereira, project and business development manager at Creative Silhouettes. “The customers were incredibly happy with the look of the final project, as are we as a team.”