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(October 2006) posted on Sun Oct 15, 2006

All in all, a wall-graphics education.

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By Molly Waters

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Digitally produced graphics are an excellent option for decorating interior or exterior wall surfaces. In addition to being decorative, they offer great commercial potential. You may have noticed many such advertisements in airport terminals.

The ads, which comprise pressure-sensitive materials, can be changed weekly, monthly or yearly with little or no wall damage. Pressure-sensitive wall graphics are also common in shopping malls, museums and other high-traffic locales.

This article will guide you through the process for preparing a wall surface, choosing the correct film and the proper installation process.

Surface preparation

A high-quality wall begins with a properly prepared surface. The wall surface must be clean, smooth and dry before the installation. This means fixing any damage to the wall surface and using a recommended paint finish, as well as properly cleaning the wall before applying the graphics. Failure to follow these steps could cause premature failure.

Repair

Normal wear and tear may damage wall surfaces. If defects aren't repaired, the graphic's adhesion could fail and incur damage when removed. Minor dings and scratches can be fixed by priming and painting – but holes in walls must be patched first. Here are some wall-damage examples you might encounter when preparing a wall graphic:
• Chipped paint or chipped walls, which can be fixed by priming and then painting the damaged area;
• Gouged wall surfaces, which may require filling before priming and painting; or
• Torn paper, which, when present on drywall, should be removed. Then, depending on the depth, the area may need to be filled before priming and painting.

Paint

The correct paint finish measurably impacts a successful graphic installation. Pressure-sensitive media manufacturers recommend using high-quality, gloss or semi-gloss paints. Matte, satin or luster paints aren't recommended — the matting agents that create these finishes can reduce film adhesion and trigger failure. Freshly painted walls should be allowed to dry/cure according to the manufacturer's recommendations. This time period is usually seven days; however, some paints need months to cure.

Cleaning

Wiping interior wall surfaces with clean, lint-free towels will be sufficient for most wall applications. If heavy grease or dirt mars the surface, mix a trisodium-phosphate (TSP) solution, according to the manufacturer's directions. TSP is available at most hardware stores. After cleaning with TSP, allow time for the surface to dry.

Film selection