Wall graphics have become increasingly popular over the last decade. Higher quality and more affordable large-format printers have enabled sign companies to offer their customers much more than standard signs, vehicle graphics, and posters. Offices, schools, gyms, and hospitals are all benefitting from using formerly blank walls to convey a mission statement, promotional message, or to simply brighten up a space.
近十年以来，贴在墙上的装饰画幅越来越受欢迎，用于生产贴图的大幅面打印机也不断升级，质量更高，价格也更实惠，大大扩展了传统标识公司的业务，将之延伸到了办公室、学校、体育馆和医院那些空白墙壁上，同样的，这些场所也收益于这项服务，让没有被利用到的墙体空间，增加传达使命宣言、促销信息的作用，增添了不一样的光彩。
However, wall graphics can all too often go wrong, and sometimes very badly. There are a host of complexities that can create potential problems if not considered beforehand, particularly the different types of paint and their compatibility with wall graphics products. Other factors such as incorrect face films and wrong adhesives can also have a negative effect on the end result.
墙面贴图的视觉效果固然是好，但如果事先未经考虑地进行作业，可能会产生很多潜在的问题，尤其是不同类型的涂料与贴图产品的兼容性方面，就很容易出现差错，其他会产生负面影响的因素也会有很多，比如不正确的贴膜和错误地粘合剂。
Site survey before installation
现场勘测
The most common cause of failure is often the lack of a proper site survey prior to installation. A comprehensive assessment should include peel testing potential products to be used, checking the paint at the location, finding out if there are any air conditioning units or heaters in the vicinity and what the local ambient atmosphere is and, if possible, discovering what lies under the paint and when the coat was applied. The more inspection done at an early stage, the better, as there will be a greater understanding of any further requirements for the job or potential ‘danger zones’ to consider in the planning process.
其实最常见的故障原因都是在安装之前缺乏适当的现场勘测所导致的，全面的现场评估应包括的项目有：对可能使用的产品进行剥离测试；检查贴图部位所使用的油漆；检查附近是否有空调装置或加热器；当地的气候环境···如果可能的话，尽量找到墙面油漆的品牌、喷涂时间。
总之，在早期阶段进行的检查越多越好，这会让制作者在规划过程中更为全面地考虑整体工作以及潜在的“危险区域”。
When checking the wall surface during the site survey, sign installers should ensure it is as smooth as possible. A textured surface can add further complexities as the adhesive will reach the peaks of any texture, but is unlikely to grip the troughs. Any defects to the wall should be corrected at this point.
在现场勘测检查墙面时，标识安装人员应确保墙面尽可能光滑，粘合剂的确会因为纹理表面增加强度，但如果纹理特别复杂，粘合剂可能会无法抓住凹槽。在勘测时，应该及时修正墙体上的任何缺陷。
Paint type and application
油漆应用
The assessment can also help identify the type of paint used, which becomes an important consideration in the plan of action moving forward—whether the graphics can be directly applied to the façade, or if the wall surface requires further work.
现场勘测还可以帮助确定使用油漆的类型，这对于之后的制作计划来说是至关重要的考虑因素，关系到贴图是否可以之间应用到墙面上，或是墙面是否需要进一步的整改工作。
Washable or wipeable paints have become very popular in the past few years. Unfortunately, they do not make for an easy install when it comes to adhesives. Simply put, if a paint has been designed to chemically repel dirt, ink, and fingerprints, it will certainly do the same to any adhesive. If the wall and paint are not prepared correctly, even the highest strength adhesives will fail.
可洗与可擦油漆在过去几年里变得非常流行，不幸的是，粘合剂在这种漆面上无法轻松安装，简而言之，如果能够新设计出一种依靠化学方法排除污垢、墨水和指印的涂料，那么不论什么粘合剂都可以正常使用了。所以，处理好墙面，正确准备油漆，是非常关键的一步。
It is often the case when graphics need to be applied to a surface, the wall may have only been painted a couple of days earlier or, in some instances, a few hours before. However, the coat needs to have been applied at least 72 hours in advance—and ideally much longer—to give any adhesive the chance to work.
油漆的喷涂时间不固定，最早可以提前几天，最晚在贴图前几个小时涂抹都可以，根据具体情况决定。但是，涂层必须至少提前72小时进行涂抹，如果时间允许花费更长时间，那效果就会更好，这直接关系到粘合剂的工作情况。
If the printer has a say in the choice of the graphics to be installed, a basic emulsion paint is always preferable as it has no washable properties. However, if a washable or wipeable paint has been used, there are ways to overcome any potential clash with the adhesive.
和贴图制作中必不可少的打印机一样，乳胶漆也是制作者们喜欢使用的油漆，因为它缺少耐冲洗的性能，不会与粘合剂产生冲突；但如果真的使用了可洗可擦的涂料，也有多种方法可以将二者兼容。
Ideally, these paint types need sanding down to remove the ‘washable’ surface. That said, smoothing generates dust—and lots of it—but this is the preferred work-around for this type of paint. If sanding is not a viable option, a good quality sealer or primer could be applied to lock in the washable properties of the paint. It goes without saying whatever the solution, all finishes need to be clean; a seemingly obvious fact that can often be overlooked.
理想情况下，易清洗的油漆需要打磨以去除“可洗”表面，因为平滑的表面会吸引灰尘，而且是很多灰尘，打磨是首选方法，但如果此方法不可行，则可以使用高质量的密封剂或底漆来锁住涂料的可洗性。
如果不进行这样的调查，盲目清洁所有表面，则会产生不良的后果，这其实是一个显而易见的事实，但往往会被忽略。
Before commencing the graphics application, regardless of the paint type, installers must make sure the substrate has had sufficient time to bond properly to the wall surface. They must keep in mind any removable adhesive may still cause damage to the paint if the bond is greater than that of the paint to the wall surface, such as plasterboard.
无论使用哪种涂料，在开始进行贴图工作之前，安装人员必须确保基材有足够的时间将其正确粘结到墙壁表面上，制作者必须牢记，如果此粘结力大于油漆与墙面的粘结力，例如石膏板材质，则可能损坏油漆。
Arranging a site visit in advance can eliminate additional costs and delays. The end-user may not always grant this request, but most will understand that a day’s disruption beforehand is better than several extra days on-site to correct any faults later.
提前安排实地考察可以消除额外的费用和延误，有些用户可能不会理解并同意此请求，但是大多数人还是会认可的，一天的中断比现场多花费几天来纠正故障要好得多。
Production considerations
安装中注意事项
When it comes to producing the graphics, there are a few things printers must consider. While it seems obvious, it is important to check there is enough ink to run the complete job before proceeding. If the liquid runs out during the printing process, there is a high possibility of colour variation.
在打印的过程中，也不是高枕无忧的，最容易被人忽视的一点就是在进行打印前检查墨水是否足够进行完整的作业，如果在打印过程中墨水耗尽，即使快速地填补也会造成色彩发生变化。
It is also important to consider the choice of material—the larger the print, the heavier it becomes, so the adhesive needs to be strong enough to hold everything in place.
打印基材的选择也很重要，印刷面越大，重量就越重，粘合剂要足够牢固才能保持所有部件在适当位置。
To commence printing, one must make sure the material is at the right temperature and spin each panel 180 degrees; this will ensure each join prints on the same section across the width of the roll, and the colour will stay constant on the overlaps.
开始打印时，必须确保材料处于合适的温度并将每个面板旋转180°，这样可以确保每一卷基材处于同一位置接受打印，并且颜色在重叠部分上也可以保持不变。
Once the print is complete, sufficient time should be allowed for out-gassing (72 hours minimum) before processing any lamination, cutting, or application tasks.
完成打印后，要先留出最少72小时的时间进行除气，之后才能进行覆膜、切割等处理工作。
Choosing the right media
媒介选择
Printers and signmakers can easily fall into the trap of approaching a wall graphics commission with a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach when it comes to the choice of media. But, with numerous considerations, including internal versus external application, wall type, graphics size, adhesive strength, and removability, choosing the right media will ultimately determine the success and lifespan of the graphics.
一旦涉及媒介选择，标识制作者或印刷商就很容易陷入采用千篇一律的大众化选择陷阱中，但是，考虑到内部和外部的应用、墙壁类型、图形尺寸、粘合强度和可移动性等诸多因素，选择合适的介质将最终决定贴图的成功与使用寿命。
Many manufacturers recommend specific media products that offer excellent performance if the guidelines are followed. For example, a specialized 80-micron polymeric polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film with a high coat weight/strength adhesive is an ideal option for both internal and external applications and is available in matte and gloss finishes. The media makes for an excellent solution for permanent wall graphics and has a very low minimum application temperature of -20 C (-4 F). For external application, one must always check if the media can be applied to brickwork or similar materials, along with the minimum temperature requirements.
如果遵循指南，许多制造商建议使用具有出色性能的特定媒介产品呢，例如具有高涂层强度的粘合剂的专用80微米聚氯乙烯薄膜，是室内和室外应用的理想选择，并且可用于哑光和光面漆上，该介质是永久性贴图的绝佳选择方案，最低应用温度为零下20°C，对于外部应用则必须始终检查介质是否可以应用于砖砌或类似的结构，以及最低温度要求。
Today, a variety of finishes and thicknesses are available along with a unique range of adhesives that allow wall graphics to be easily changed if the image starts to look dated, or if it is no longer suitable.
现在，可选的贴图厚度与粘合剂类型非常丰富，采用新技术的粘合剂可以在图像开始显得过时或不再符合当前需要的情况下，能够轻松拆除更换。
If a print is being over-laminated, it is important to ensure the chosen laminate conforms to the material it is applied to. One must take the time to research options and, if in doubt, seek the manufacturer’s advice for compatibility as shrinkage, peeling, and disfiguring need to be avoided.
如果印刷品被过度层压，请确保所选的层压板符合所应用的基材，这一点也是不容忽视的，制造者必须花时间研究各种选择没，如果有疑问，还是要寻求材料制造商的兼容性建议，因为必须要避免贴图的收缩、脱落和变形。
Fitted to a T
避免变形
When it comes to fitting, it is crucial to allow enough time for the installation. Many elements need to be considered when applying printed materials and special attention must be given to avoid stretching the graphics. Anything that is disfigured will want to reconfigure back to its original state, decreasing adhesion and ultimately deforming the graphics.
在安装工作时，至关重要的是要流出足够的安装时间，应用印刷材料时需要考虑许多因素，必须特别注意避免拉伸图形，损坏的所有内容都需要重新配置回到原始状态，这会导致附着力降低，并最终使贴图变形。
The simple task of removing the liner can also play a factor in the success of an installation. It is recommended one removes the liner from the face film rather than the face film from the liner. This will reduce stretching, which could otherwise damage the overall impact of the finished graphics.
卸下衬里的工作看似简单，但如不加注意同样会影响安装结果，建议从覆膜上取下衬垫，而不要从衬垫上取下覆膜，这个细微的差别将减少拉伸，保证贴图最终的整体效果。
When installing the final product, it is important to plan the positioning of overlaps in advance, as these will be crucial to the result and the ultimate impact of the graphics. Deciding which panel gets fitted first will determine the way the overlaps will be seen, which is especially relevant when positioned near a door or entrance to a room.
在安装最终产品时，预先计划重叠的位置很重要，因为重叠对于贴图的结果和最终影响非常大，确定首先安装哪个面板将决定重叠的显示方式，这在靠近门或房间入口的地方尤其需要注意。
Conclusion
结论
Wall graphics present a great opportunity for printers by transforming a space without necessarily committing to a permanent change. However, for this benefit to stay in place many factors need to be considered, such as wall surface preparation, type of paint, and the type of adhesive on the print media. After all, the success of the installation lies in the preparation.
墙上的贴图给空间增添光彩以及使用过程中无需修补的特点，为能够生产制造贴图的打印机提供了巨大的机会，但是要想将这个优势一直保持下去，需要考虑很多因素，例如墙面准备、油漆类型和打印介质上的粘合剂类型···简而言之：出色的效果在于成功的准备。
