Floor graphics

Indoors and out, floor graphics in Dundee’s streets and shopping areas are increasingly popular. Floor signs can be any size, adding safety, vibrancy, and transforming spaces.   

Why choose floor graphics

Lettering and graphics on floors get your message across. Floor graphics are ideal for visitor attractions and retailers, primarily for short-term use. They lead visitors to other areas of interest, whilst supporting your brand, advertising products, promoting deals and events. They’re especially useful for social distancing signage too.

In tight spaces, floor graphics communicate your message without seizing valuable wall space. High contrast designs attract attention and also become a point of interest.

Floor graphics can be used inside gymnasiums, sports halls, and arenas. Logos, crests, emblems, and club badges customise floors without the cost of bespoke floor coverings.

Sports games require the use of lines for dividing into zones. Often multi-coloured, the lines separate various games which can be played on interior and exterior floors.

Designing graphics for floors

Bold and simple designs work best for branding and wayfinding on floors. Complicated messages take longer to read. Choose bright colours to attract attention. Add contrasting outlines to make the graphics pop off of the colour of the floor.

Shape your designs differently to squares and rectangles. Make shapes uncomplicated with rounded corners. Intricate designs and 90° angles are more liable to lift off of the surface.

Think about the viewing angle of your graphics. If the floor graphics won’t be walked over or they’re viewed mainly from above, consider the angle at which the designs will be seen. Elongating your design can make the graphics appear vertical when walking towards that area.

Surfaces

Smooth, level, dust-free surfaces are best for application. For optimal results, porous surfaces or floors with loose particles must be thoroughly dry then swept, cleaned, and sealed.

Floor polish and oily residues must be removed before the application process. Barriers of residue can repel vinyl and paints.

Temperature is also crucial for applying floor graphics. Surface temperatures can be colder than air temperatures, especially on exterior stone and cement. Wet and frozen conditions will adversely affect the application process. Heat tools are sometimes used to increase surface temperatures immediately before applying floor vinyl. Heat tools are also used to bond vinyl to porous surfaces.

Floor graphics materials

Floor paints are available for different surfaces and varying levels of traffic. Temporary and permanent paints vary, dependent on the specifications of your project. Sealants may also be used to protect and lengthen the floor paint’s lifespan.

Typically, vinyl is used for general signs on interior and exterior floors.

A comprehensive range of self-adhesive vinyl is available for different floor surfaces and life terms. Best results for coloured graphics require specific floor vinyl. These vinyls are designed with different adhesive properties than standard signmaking vinyl. They’re manufactured in a white finish and can be digitally printed. Laminating floor graphics is recommended for the materials’ durability.

Anti-slip laminates are recommended when using self-adhesive floor vinyl. Available in gradual ratings for differing uses, the laminates protect the printed ink and are textured to enable slip resistance. Scuff-resistant laminates are also available and advantageous for use in sports halls.

Durability

For permanent adhesion of floor graphics, choose paint. For extra protection on interior floors, seal the floor paint with suitable lacquer.

Self-adhesive vinyl on floors has a limit to its lifespan. Especially in high traffic and marine environments. Consistent footsteps and extreme weather conditions will affect the durability of exterior floor graphics. As well as the condition of the surface.

Indoor grades of vinyl can last from three months to twelve months, based on high traffic volume and the expected lifespan of laminates. Floor waxes can help seal the edge of graphics where industrial cleaners and buffers pass over them.

Removing floor graphics

Eco-friendly temporary paint can be used in exterior applications and removed using water and a biological formula. The paint is broken down into its original water form then washed away.

Permanent floor paint will not be easily removed. Especially on porous surfaces.

Self-adhesive floor vinyls are removed with and without the use of heat. Dependent on the type of vinyl used, gum residue may be left behind. Gum can be removed with the use of chemicals and elbow grease.

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